2 axis contraption

[cyclestart]

First, apologies for not providing a photo. I'll get one up soon.

The machine is a boom design. One axis is a horizontal screw driven linear axis. This axis pivots at one end to rotate in the horizontal plane. The second axis the rotary. The machine must make multiple rotations, 0 to some large number of rotations/degrees. It needs a working coordinate system.

Is there an existing configuration to use as a starting point ? I'd prefer to not reinvent an existing wheel.

[Al_The_Man]

Am I right in assuming this does not need interpolated moves?
How much operator input is required?
You could do it with a Galil 1500 stand alone unit, the communication is by RS232, either using simple Galil commands with a PC or by a pre-programmed 2/4 line keypad/display by Maple systems to act as a simple HMI unit.
I don't believe you will find an off-the-shelf system to do exactly what you want.
Al.

[cyclestart]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Man Am I right in assuming this does not need interpolated moves?

Well, I'm hoping for interpolated moves. Sorry, I should have made it clear in the first post that this is a toy and an experiment. Here's a photo with a 6" caliper to give a sense of scale. Obviously some finishing touches are needed.

My thinking is emc is used for robots, hexapods, pick-n-place and other stranger things so there might be a configuration that would come close. Or maybe I've found a new puzzle to work on. One thing for certain, it will be able to draw spirals

[cyclestart]

You were right Al. not that I doubted you. Attempts at interpolation were weird at best.

This thing draws good spirals and is also a pretty good wire twister. I have an idea on how to program this thing but need to check on the math first. Any further updates, if and when they happen, will be in this thread.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78066

[cyclestart]

Arghh ! Wrong photo.

[High Seas]

Originally Posted by cyclestart Is there an existing configuration to use as a starting point ? I'd prefer to not reinvent an existing wheel.

From a "mechanical design" point of view - looks like you're (re)creatting a record (player) recorder!

'Supose you've condsidered rotating the platten and just traversing the arm over the top? You could index the platten with a laser/spot marking system for a start on the polar coordinates.

Don't know if thats any help - looks like a fun "contraption!

Cheers - Jim

[cyclestart]

Originally Posted by High Seas 'Supose you've condsidered rotating the platten and just traversing the arm over the top?

Watching the wire twist into a knot makes driving the platten appealing. A large ring and a rubber wheel would work given the "cutting forces" involved. Unfortunately I don't have a large ring in the spare parts pile. Also the arm needs to able to work underneath the surface. That's not a show-stopper but is an extra consideration.

The current design needs a slip ring style connector unless someone offers a simpler solution to the wire twisting.

edit/ Hah. Turntables were either direct or belt driven. Thanks Jim, the cogs are turning now !

[High Seas]

Glad the "nudge"was helpful!
Cheers - Jim

PS - Pics of the "final"would be a nice follow-up -- TIA