Hardware Package

[jhwatts]

I am currently running Xandros 3.0.2. I have downloaded emc and installed them through the Xandros Networks utility. I still can't get it work. I am not the worlds foremost LINUX expert but I am pretty determined to avoid the use of Windows for my current CNC project. I am looking for a CNC package for my mill retrofit project. I am leaning towards purchasing this http://www.xylotex.com/3AxSysKit.htm but I am unsure about emc being able to run it. My budjet is $375.00 tops. If I can't use emc can anyone suggest an equivalent package for the same cost?

[johan_tr2000]

EMC only running on Real-time Kernell of Linux System. I am not sure that Xandros 3.0.2 kernell is realtime or not. I think you should patch the your kernell with the realtime one. BTW why not using the BDI if your PC is dedicated only for CNC?

TR2000

[jhwatts]

I am downloading as we speak. I will burn the .iso shortly. Any thoughts on how to get it to work with the Xylotex system.

[jhwatts]

I have removable hard drives on my home computer. I have dedicated to a drive to Xandros and the other to the Debian that contains emc. The BDI 4.3.0 install went well and everything appears to be working fine. I simply change the boot sequence in the bios when I want to change operating system. My reasoning for removable hard drives was to be able to write G code in the comfort of my home and remove the hard drive and take it into my shop insert it into the computer that controls the CNC and run it. I have purchased the Xylotex three axis system, a Grizzly mini mill, a larger milling table for the mill, and a z-axis acme thread. I have the material to make the mounting brackets for the motors and have started making them. In other words I am committed and I am bound and determined not to use Windows based software. I concerned about compatibility between emc and the Xylotex hardware. If anyone has any thoughts on how to get them to work together please do tell.

[Horsedorf]

Hello there.
As far as my understanding of EMC goes, it will work with anything that uses a step and direction pulse.

Of course, the real key seems to be in the configuration files of the EMC software. ie. how many steps per inch and what the sense of the step and direction pulses are.

Granted I say this without actually having implemented a cnc machine yet, but I'll be working on that again come march.

I, like you, have commited to getting this to work. I'm using EMC with the BDI installtion (worked like a champ!) and I'm using PMDX's break out board and stepper motor drivers.

SO far, I have x and y axis electro/mechanicals working,using the test modes of the stepper driver boards. I need to finish the z axis. Then it's on to integrating in the EMC software. I don't anticipate having huge issues with it, though.

Rick.

PS. WHen I went to Xylotex' web stie, they show that they use step and direction, hence my comments. It SHOULD just motly plug and play (plus of mius some configuration file diddling.)

[jhwatts]

I have tested the Xylotex hardware using the testing software provided from Xylotex. The hardware seems to be working correctly. I need to be able to designate what port to use in emc. The port number is 3BC. How do I do this?

[ger21]

I know older versions of EMC had different pin assignments then the Xylotex uses, and a special cable was required. I think the newer versions let you configure the pins, though.

[jhwatts]

Both the direction and clock for each axis (x,y,z) will have to be interchanged. I looked at both files the emc (generic) .ini file and .nml file and I still don’t see the port configuration for each axis. Could somebody explain how to do this? Please see the following document for the parrell port pin configuration I need.

http://www.xylotex.com/XS3525V202.pdf


I assume the default pin is the one given in the emc handbook.

[cncdreamer]

I believe it is better to teach someone how to answer a question than to give them the answer.

In this case, if you go to your favorite search engine (I tried Google) and enter "xylotex emc" as your search term, you'll find hits on the information you seek at http://www.linuxcnc.org (the home of EMC) as well as elsewhere.

In a nutsehll, if you are using the original EMC (aka EMC1), then you must either change some source code and recompile it, or devise the equivalent of a breakout board. If you are using EMC2, then you can either reconfigure it at the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL), which does not require recompiling, or use the same breakout board approach.

Search engines are your friends.

Regards,
Kent

[jhwatts]

I am changing the pin configuration. I will let you know if it works.

[jhwatts]

All three of the axis's are working correctly using the emc software.