Build Thread- New handheld pendant for Mach3...

[florins]

Hi,

I committed myself sometime ago to design another handheld pendant. There are some nice and powerful designs around, but there is enough space for improvement (price-wise, usability, etc.).

This is the brief description of scope of the design:

• Handheld pendant to be used with Mach3 (at least in the initial version);
• USB and / or RS232 connectivity, RS422 optional (for long cables);
• LCD with DRO for 4 axes, selectable; some other functions will be displayed on the LCD as well;
• Jogging on 6 axes (selectable) with: MPG (for the standard version) / keyboard jog (for the light version); Continuous / Step selectable; x1 / x10 / x100 selectable;
• Feed rate override control;
• Spindle and spindle direction control;
• Some buttons are programmable, the function can be changed from the Mach3 plugin;
• Cheap and simple electronic control board, microcontroller based;
• All the selections are push-button style, with memory for the last position and retrieval of the position from Mach3.

There are some other features not detailed here, but these will be revealed during the build log.

I designed two preliminary versions, made some mistakes, learned, and played with the prototype file sets from Mach Support forum (thanks art, jemmyell, poppabear, and all the others that contributed). I have the skeleton of both the firmware and the plugin software, much more to be done .

I am waiting for the new pcb's and the components to come, I will keep posting once I have new facts.
Below you can see two images of the (wrecks) of v0 and v0.1 pendants, and the simulated images of the light and standard version of the actual version.

Please keep posting any opinions and ideas, thanks!

Florin

[GaryCorlew]

Looks great to me! Personally I would rather loose the lcd screen than jog, of the mills I run at work 1 has an lcd screen and I rarely look at it, About the only time I look at it is when my boss wants me to try something stupid, then I can be away from it, if it hits the fan and still see whats going on

[Tartan5]

Hi Florin,

Is the jog shuttle an actual off-the-shelf item, and if so, would you be able to tell me the make/model?

Thanks!
Howard

[florins]

Originally Posted by GaryCorlew ...I would rather loose the lcd screen than jog, of the mills I run at work 1 has an lcd screen and I rarely look at it...

Thanks a lot Garry for the suggestion, I might then add two new versions - one w/ MPG / no LCD, and another one with no MPG / no LCD.

All the best,
Florin

[florins]

Originally Posted by Tartan5 Hi Florin, Is the jog shuttle an actual off-the-shelf item, and if so, would you be able to tell me the make/model? Thanks! Howard

Hi Howard,

It is a Hedss, ISM6045-003-1008-5L MPG. You can buy it from Garry @ Zapp Automation http://www.slidesandballscrews.com/i....html?cPath=65, but there are other sources as well.

However, later in the thread, I will show how you can make your own high quality MPG, costing less than 15 dollars.

Cheers,
Florin

[Eurisko]

The simulated pendant with the handwheel is a very nice design. My only suggestion is that you keep the rotary switches for the axis selector and the x1 x10 x100 multiplier.

Rotary switches can't be inadvertently rotated. They stay where they're set.

Just my personal preference

[Khalid]

Florin.. Now i will be happy to get in between 15 and 30 US dollars.. Book 02 for me... Do you make the MPG from Mouse parts?

[florins]

Originally Posted by Khalid ...Book 02 for me... Do you make the MPG from Mouse parts?

Dear Khalid,

This is just a build log, I am still far away from being able to sell this pendant.

The MPG I will present is not made from mouse parts, please follow the thread.

Thanks,
Florin

[florins]

Originally Posted by Eurisko ...My only suggestion is that you keep the rotary switches for the axis selector and the x1 x10 x100 multiplier. Rotary switches can't be inadvertently rotated. They stay where they're set..

Dear Eurisko,

Thanks for the advice, I was balancing the pros and cons myself, but for now I believe that I will keep the push-buttons. It's quite easy to change to rotary switches, but I am expecting the prototype pcb's today - with push-buttons .

As in the previous versions I made, it's not easy to change the axis inadvertently, and it is very reliable. More, the design has memory for the position and it works exactly like the rotary switch - you'll see.

Many thanks,
Florin

[Khalid]

Originally Posted by florins Dear Khalid, This is just a build log, I am still far away from being able to sell this pendant. The MPG I will present is not made from mouse parts, please follow the thread. Thanks, Florin

After 7-years playing with my CNC, the time has come to follow your thread and make one Pendant... I am very interested in your design..

Recently i purchased X-box360 and making a control panel for my CNC with it..

The MPG and your pendant will further enhance the look of control panel..

Regards

[florins]

I received today all the parts. I don't know when I'll be able to find the time to solder everything, but I'll go ahead as fast as time permits and keep you posted. Hopefully during this weekend I'll have all the electronics done, in order to start the firmware / software design.

Below are pictures of the parts and the pcbs.

All the best,
Florin

[Tartan5]

Looking pretty sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!