New PICStep firmware available

[tfmacz]

Thanks..I would prefer to use the drive with out the timeout. There is a disable pin on the servo drives this will be working with that is controlled by a switch on the control panel and by EMC2 which is the controller software I am using. The "Enable(Brake)" pin will be used to "sleep" the entire drive.

The servo drives run the X and Y axis and this stepper drive will run the Z.

[kodalo]

Originally Posted by Garfield2 Comment out these lines to reduce the timeout to like 70secs or change "timeout_reg, 2" to some other bit field number (ie. 0-7) to increase the time. Experimentation is the key (else crack out the calculator and use the number of instructions versus the clock frequency to get an exact time) -A.

Thanks, but now I have problem with MPLAB. There is to many errors when I trying to compile. Is it assembler code correct?

[bearbears]

Seems the no timeout version still haven't fixed yet. Does anyone can modify the timeout (lets say 30mins) with sucess?

[tfmacz]

I have been using the "stock timeout version" here for some time now and it has worked perfectly and the "timeout" has not been a problem. It all depends on if there is enough "gear reduction" in the axis drive to resist moving with the motors turned off. For me the 3:1 reduction and the magnetic detent in the steppers is enough to lock the axis in place.

Originally Posted by bearbears Seems the no timeout version still haven't fixed yet. Does anyone can modify the timeout (lets say 30mins) with sucess?

[bearbears]

Because my milling machine is using direct motor coupling and grounded ballscrews, when the motor sleep those axis will move by the cutting force. As I would like to use the 1/8 microstepping so that the no timeout version can not be used. Anyway, thanks for your tips and reply.

[dalescnc]

Ok guys i have been using picstep for 3 years now and i have been really happy. Suddenly i wanted to change my micro stepping on the Z drive to get better performance. There is a bug and i have tested over and over why i have no idea but i am working on it . I have compiled the asm file in MPLAB both versions with NO TIME OUT you will NOT be able to micro step period. Only 1 diffrence between the 2 files i cant work out why just yet. Anyone wanting to micro step will have to use the files with 5min time out. I want to get the time out on my Z drive up to about 30 min and when i sort it out i will post. As you all know the time out software you stand a chance of loosing your zero. I guess Alan did not get enough donations from all including myself to sort the problem out considering how many people use his board. So lets be gratefull anyway.

[dalescnc]

Ok i got it sorted 35min is long enough for me, With permision i will post the hex and asm files due to copyright but here is the line you have to modify


incf timeout_reg, f ; Increase the timeout reg value

btfss timeout_reg, 2 ; Check we've been around the 4 times of the 16 bit

Change timeout_reg, f


ibtfss timeout_reg, f ; Check we've been around the a lot more times

timeout_reg, f (f) gave me a time out of 35 min and that is fine with me i hope this helps you guys. Have fun & happy CNC lol i mean Xmas lol

[Garfield2]

Originally Posted by dalescnc I guess Alan did not get enough donations from all including myself to sort the problem out considering how many people use his board. So lets be gratefull anyway.

I've gotten a few donations from people (thanks! you know who you are), but I got a lot more nasty people who'd rather be demanding and unappreciative than civil.

Makes giving stuff away for the love of it a little hard.

-A.

P.S. I'll patch the files on fromorbit.com soon. The PICStep page really needs an update.