Using mach for cnc robot

[clembrant]

Has anyone used mach to run a robot. What I'm trying to do is retro fit a Yamaha 3 axis robot, which shouldn't be that hard, but I also want the robot to cycle automatically using a sensor to start the cycle.

[PoppaBear10]

you can,

There is a Plug in called "JogLearn" from the plugins download page, all you would do is use a MPG to position the arm and do its thing, and the plugin records the motion.

you then save it, and the motion and routine saves as a Gcode file, that you can Run and the robot will repeat the motion everytime you run the G code.

scott

[clembrant]

thanks for the reply, but what I'm looking for is a way to interface a sensor to automatically run the program. This robot would be used in a production environment and would need to run without assistance.

[LeeWay]

I am not really certain how to implement it, but I would think Mach could do it with a simple macro.

[cut more]

clembrant,
What type of sensor would you use to start the cycle?

It may be possible to connect the "sensor" to the cycle start input of Mach.

Cutmore

[clembrant]

I'm going to use a proximity or light sensor

[PoppaBear10]

oh, ok

Then do this, bring in your sensor to, lets say INPUT4 in mach3, in Brains, map INPUT4, through a No-op lobe then terminate it with the "Cycle Start" button.

For safty if you want you could also interlock the cycle start with a LED that when that LED is ON, then it would disable the cycle start.

You could also do it in the Macropump using VB, or a Plugin.

scott

[clembrant]

Thanks for the good info. I don't have the robot yet, but should be getting it soon. I have a lot more questions, but I'll wait until I get the unit