Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: parallel port finally obsolete?

On 2/21/2012 8:41 PM, arthujt wrote:

> Is there any interest in an open source type of cnc package that can
> be put together for a cheaper price than 100-200 dollars? I just got
> some a3967 auto translated microsteppers in for 3@15.39
> <mailto:3%4015.39> from taiwan @20 days to deliver, then found I could
> get them for the same price from digikey for 4.80 , plus 10$shipping
> here in the states. The parts were shipped from jameco to taiwan, then
> shipped by par avion for .43c back to here in vegas. I am using an
> arduino with reprap to gcode translation software,making a three way
> motor sheild for a three way cnc control kit. I use sketchup8(free
> version) to make my cad design, then output it with a custom ruby
> script that converts it to gcode thru sketchucam by phatboys,then uses
> the reprap sw to follow the gcode to arduino code inturperter. I have
> run into a few bugs concerning timing, but sofar worked them out with
> mechanical mods. My next big mod is to make the system a 6-7axis
> device driver, and was enquiring for help. I am making product with
> this , and don't really care if someone copies it for their own
> use(not commercial, such as kit sales))Has anyone had any experience
> joining arduinos to multi function ?? The original sys uses one
> arduino to control directly the two center tapped coils in each
> stepper motor X 3.(12 digital outs.)The microstepper drivers only
> require a step and dir combo if single stepping, and inclusion of the
> m1 or/and m2 pins to microstep. Would I be better off using an arduino
> mega instead of the duiemolova? Or can I enjoin 2 uno s? for 6 axis
> controls? would anyone be interested to make this open source to
> commonly share ideas?
> I want to make a uniform system that anyone anywhere can use to make
> plasma cutters,welders(like the plaz3500)articulating arms for
> fabrication,and such...(it's all here, we just gotta put it
> together...)artinvegas..

There is a reason those chips are cheap. They are only .75A per phase.
What you are proposing has been done. The reprap RAMPS 1.4 is a shield
that plugs into an Arduino Mega. It uses 2A per phase Pololu stepper
drivers at about $12 per axis and can drive 5 axis without modification.
More are possible.
<http://reprap.org/wiki/RAMPS_1.4>
<http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/1182>
Or with a heat sink (Recommended!)
<http://ultimachine.com/content/pololu-a4988-stepper-driver-heatsink-kit>
You could buy the chips and parts, but I doubt it would be any cheaper,
especially if it came from more than one source as shipping will eat up
any savings.
Mega.......less than $30.00 from ebay
Ramps kit..................50.00 from Utimachine
drivers.......................14.00 per

There is also a Sanguino kit that is cheaper.

Software to drive it is a free download and can run mills as well.

--


Ron Thompson
On the Beautiful Florida Space Coast, right beside the Kennedy Space Center, USA

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