[triberman]

I searched but couldn't find...

Will the d.r.o. work in mach 2 while in manual mode, or is there even a manual mode?

Thanks

[kong]

Sure, there is a jog mode where you can set the jog speed, so set real slow for manual cutting, or there is an MDI mode where you can input lines of code one at a time. The DRO's will work with either mode.

[triberman]

kong,

Sorry, I wasn't clear,

will the dro work if you manually crank the handles with the servo's off?
Thanks...

[kong]

Ah, in that case it won't work.
I know there is provision for encoder inputs directly into Mach2, but this is too advanced for me. There may be someone that has used these inputs though?

[triberman]

Anybody....

[triberman]

Throw me a bone...

[ger21]

kong,

Sorry, I wasn't clear,

will the dro work if you manually crank the handles with the servo's off?
Thanks...

If you want to use the encoders for the servos, then no. I think that you can, however, use an additional encoder, (possibly mounted to the other end of the screw?) to use DRO's when manually using your machine. Make sense?

[triberman]

Thanks..

But the mach2 software wouldn't show position without the servo's powered? It sounds like if I need a dro for running manually I'm outta 700.00 for a sargon.

BTW: Sargon's are the most reasonably priced dro's I've bought for my shop and they hold up well if installed properly.

(if anybody is shopping for one)

[ger21]

Mach2 has many different types of DRO's . The main DRO's display the commanded position, NOT the position the encoder provides. The reason is that the servo encoders are connected to the drives (gecko or Rutex usually), which is where the loop is closed. Mach2 never sees that encoder info. That's why I said you'd need to add another encoder to each axis, which could then provide info to another set of DRO's in Mach2. This encoder would be independant from the servo drives, so it would work if the drives weren't powered up.

[ViperTX]

triberman,

If you have a CNC setup...why do you want to run in manual mode? My personal belief is that if you go down the CNC route you shouldn't go back to manual.

[triberman]

Ahhh, I get it. That should be easy if I can figure out how to hook them up. That can wait until after I'm up and going... Thanks

VTX:
Everyone is different, but what I've discovered in my 17 years machining is that someone who knows when to do an operation manually is way more productive. Before even the fastest programmer can make chips on some setups, often it could have been done manually already. And jogging gives you no "feel". I'm only talking about certain operations on ez-trak or accu-rite type machines.

This is why virtually every knee mill retro-fit has fold-away handles, quick release quill drives, and dro's in manual mode. Elrod has even gone as far as to have a quill stop for manual mode in front of the quill drive.

It's my job to notice these things.

What works for some may not work for others, and there are alot of different types of applications for a cnc mill.

But, you know what they say about opinions....and mine's no different!

[ViperTX]

triberman...I think you're right if you're doing one-ofs and don't need any traceability of what dimensions were actually used....

[yukonho]

Manual machining is an art unto itself. Many aspects of manual machining are incorporated into our CNC work, but not all of the nuances. I work in a glassblowing shop now where most things are still done manually, (I am working on some automation solutions). It is always nice to see a master craftsman's hands at work.
Keeping our eyes open to potential solutions is a good idea, even if (God forbid!) it does mean doing something manually.
Colin

[ger21]

There is a new product (encoder board) coming out soon for Mach2 which will do exactly what you're looking for. Here is some info from the Yahoo group.

Jim Cullins and I (mostly him) have developed and tested an interface that does
this and makes Mach a true closed loop software. It is ready for release and we
are just waiting on production boards. When it is released I will post a link to
where they are available. It works great, I'm using it on my mills now. It
monitors axis position and halts machine on a discrepancy and triggers a
sonalert. The board provides 4 more outputs and up to 8 additional inputs for
probes, triggers, MPG's, etc. Also, it has the ability to collect encoder data
when mach is in "reset" and display it on the screen. In other words, put Mach
in reset and crank the handles and the machine position is displayed in DRO's
for manual machining providing an E-stop circuit is used that shuts down the
motors power supply. So, no more ruined parts.

Stay tuned as we will be announcing it very soon.

[triberman]

Thanks for the info, should save some bucks...

[lerman]

Ahhh, I get it. That should be easy if I can figure out how to hook them up. That can wait until after I'm up and going... Thanks

VTX:
Everyone is different, but what I've discovered in my 17 years machining is that someone who knows when to do an operation manually is way more productive. Before even the fastest programmer can make chips on some setups, often it could have been done manually already. And jogging gives you no "feel". I'm only talking about certain operations on ez-trak or accu-rite type machines.

This is why virtually every knee mill retro-fit has fold-away handles, quick release quill drives, and dro's in manual mode. Elrod has even gone as far as to have a quill stop for manual mode in front of the quill drive.

It's my job to notice these things.

What works for some may not work for others, and there are alot of different types of applications for a cnc mill.

But, you know what they say about opinions....and mine's no different!

My Elrod does NOT have a quill stop. But you can disengage the quill feed.

Using EMC with univpwm cards, turning the X and Y axis handwheels tracks the position in the DRO.

KL

[triberman]

The "smart stop" is an option with elrod's quill drive. I don't know how long it's been available.

[chrispy]

Given the cost of manual DROs this sounds like an excellent solution.

I am by far no expert in this field, but a questions arises. What would be the implication with the ballscrews? Without the motors holding them, will they not have the tendency to move?

Either way it is not an option for me. Along with steppers, I have no manual controls on my machine.

Would be cool if it does work though.


Chris

[ger21]

I am by far no expert in this field, but a questions arises. What would be the implication with the ballscrews? Without the motors holding them, will they not have the tendency to move?

You can't use ballscrews on a manual machine, because yes, they'll move.

[triberman]

Have to use the table locks.