Multitasking the computer/driver system

[standles]

All:

Forgive me if the answer is obvious but I couldn't find it with searches.

It seems builds are attaching the drivers,power supplies,breakout boards, etc. etc. to the machine they are building. The computer that is spitting out the gcode then is hooked to this via a parallel printer cable.


My question is.. If I have a couple of machines I want to CNC. Can I build a control system that contains the computer,controller subsystem, misc other feature and transport that from machine to machine? I could have quick connects for the servo/stepper cables and parallel inputs.


The reason I ask is I am cheap I have a roll around enclosed computer cabinet I can put all the electronics in with filtered air. I can then just roll this up to whatever machine and connect and go. This way I don't have to build a controller subsytem for each machine.


Again forgive me if this is rudimentary but I am taking my first steps towards building my CNC Router/Plasma cutter table.

This site is infectious. I stumbled across it and it has become an addicition. I haven't been this excited about a project since I was strating to date


Thanks for any help, Steven

PS.

While talking about cheap.... Does it matter that I way over purchase the servo/steppers for the first scale project so that they can be cannabilized for the bigger project later? I kinda want to build a small table for experience before I start on one that has a 4'X8' cutting capacity.

[High Seas]

WHACK! (smack upside my head)
Steven, what a neat idea! The mobile control subsystem, moves to the (various) machine(s).
Careful working the connections - they'll become the potential failure point from multiple use.
Also. it seems smart to "preplan improvement" if you know you're gonna want a bigger machine. Might even size some other componentd for reuse too.
Welcome... to the Machine!
Jim

[jgro]

Where I work we do alot of business with a local machine shop. What you are describing is exactly what he does. He has a cart that has a computer, monitor, keyboard etc. that gets pushed around the shop and gets hooked up to whatever machine he want's to use. He even has Mastercam loaded so that he can program and machine at the same station.

jgro

[jeffs555]

Could work, but there are potential problems with moving drives from machine to machine. Unless all the steppers have identical current requirements, you will have to change the current settings each time you move them. There is the potential for disaster if you ever get the current setting wrong. Also, you have to be extremely careful that your connections to the motor are good, and that you never forget and unplug the motor connectors with the power on. You can destroy a drive that way.

[unterhaus]

finding a lot of matched motors could be a problem, but if you do, I think you will be ok. I'd use connectors that couldn't be messed up, which means you'll spend a few $ on that. If you can mix up connectors, you will. If you can leave off connectors, you will.

[standles]

Thanks for the pointer folks.

Sounds like it is within the realm of reason but also has some issues to deal with.

I guess I will look at it a little longer. I did think about the changing current isues but did not know how that was changed (either physically on the driver or through a software issued command). I was hoping software so I could setup a profile for each machine and then reset the drivers via that profile.


Connectors wouldn't be to bad as I can get mil-spec 1760 interface ends and wire as needed. They are positive lock and with all wired through one plug no forgetting to plug one in or anoter.


Thanks again.. I guess I have some more thinking to do. It's just it hurts so much LOL!

Steven

[ger21]

Originally Posted by standles I guess I will look at it a little longer. I did think about the changing current isues but did not know how that was changed (either physically on the driver or through a software issued command). I was hoping software so I could setup a profile for each machine and then reset the drivers via that profile.

Depends on the drives. With Geckos, you have to change a resistor. With some other drives, it's adjusted with a pot.