Build Thread- My Control panel for EMC2

[jbcj]

Here are some pictures of the control panel that I built for my Bridgeport.
One of the things that I was looking for was the ability to layout the keyboard the way I wanted. I wanted to use the Axis interface but did not want to use a mouse. I was able to remove the keycaps and place letters numbers control keys where I wanted. I then used the Pokeys55 to decode the matrix based on what I wanted. The lighted push buttons are also on the matrix. It makes it easier to use. The pokeys55 will at the same time emulate a game controller I have set mine up for 24 inputs you can go up to around 30. The big hole is for the JOG wheel that has not arrived yet. I use a shell script to Gedit the tool table (Gedit sits in the back ground) before I start EMC2. Using the Alt/Tab button will switch between Axis and Gedit with my tool table in it.

Other then the power for the main contactor for the CNC and the lights on the buttons all of the controls go thru a single USB cable. with a four port hub on it. I use the hub so I can add a keyboard for updates and such.

I have installed a shared Samba drive so that I can load files from my M$ computer on the mill machine for machining.

12" 800X600 touch screen from a car PC (think blue lights). powerd from 12 volts from the computer power supply.

The Hoffman case was purchased on Ebay with the rotary switches, 5X12 matrix keypad, and Estop switches etc.


The very First machining project for my bridgeport. This panel including the engraving.

Life is good...........

If you have questions please ask.

Attached are some pictures.

[lumberjack_jeff]

Very slick. I'd love to someday do this for my gantry router.

[vlmarshall]

Very nice!

[mikegg]

Very cool. I wonder if you could use the analog input on that Pokeys55 to monitor spindle current or something. Probably not in RT, but would still be neat. Maybe a python userspace module?

[jbcj]

The other thing that would be nice is if there was a driver for halui to take advantage of the output capabilities of the Pokeys55 for lights on the display. As it sit's now I can control my inputs both keyboard and halui I/O with 1 usb cable but I have to run a bunch of wires just for the lights.... SAD......

Jim

[samco]

I don't understand why you cannot run the LED's... How are you using the Pokeys55 device? With HAL_INPUT? according to this - it should create pins for inputs and outputs...

http://linuxcnc.org/docs/2.3/html/ma...l_input.1.html

sam

[jbcj]

Thanks Samco,. I will setup some outputs and see what pins I get in hal.

Jim

[jbcj]

Sam,

The input function does not see the output pins as Led's.
Bummer......
Still in search of a solution......

Jim