Originally Posted by
toughtool
swampdonkey
,
When running a job, the computer outputs a series of pulses for each motor, one for direction (forward or reverse, called DIR), and one for steps, to rotate the motor so many steps. If you want the X axis to travel 100 units in the positive direction, the DIR = +, and STEP will get 100 pulses to turn the X axis motor 100 steps. Travel distance will be determined by the pitch of a leadscrew or ratio for a gear/belt or gear driven rack and pinion system. The "G" code commands [lines] contain the information as to which motor, how many steps, and what direction the motor needs to be turned. Like basic programming, each "G" code line is executed in order, unless sent to a different (like a subroutine) line. The other inputs and outputs (i.e. ENA+) are sensing inputs for limit and or emergency stop switch devices and other things. Joe