Rockcliff 4 axis controller with only 2 axis in use

[lmlamb]

Jeff,

I just changed the pulley wheel that I had on the X axis, and also bought myself some 35 lb test stainless steel polyurethane coated fishing wire. This really made a difference in the smoothness of the operation. The smaller pulley gives me a much more controllable rate of movement on the x-axis. I have successfully run the roadrunner tap file with full control passed to Mach3 and got a very acceptable rendition of the bird on paper. Just a matter now of fine tuning and some safety issues along with setup of some of the coolant circuits as on off switches for the stitch controller and I should be ready to do a full scale test. I'll keep you posted and will soon publish some photos of the project.

Larry

[jalessi]

Larry,

Good to here you are making progress.

We will enjoy seeing your finished work.

Jeff...

[Bob Adams]

You too Jeff,

I am working on the software aspects now. Trying to find a good CAD package that's not too awful expensive. Boy, is that hard to do.

Take care.

Larry

Hi, Take a look a at my site lots of info at:
www.cad2gcode.com
Bob
www.cad2gcode.com/freeprogram
www.cad2gcode.com/cncprojects

[lmlamb]

Hi Jeff,

Ok, here is one for you. When I turn on the power to the board, the motors pulse at about once a second. This happens after about 15 minutes of running. I noticed the green led on the board was pulsing as well. Is this an indication of overheating or of excess voltage? Thoughts?

Larry

[jalessi]

Larry,

What type of power supply are you using?

Jeff...

[lmlamb]

It's a 24 volt, 1 amp generic from Conrad Electronics. One of those small plastic jobs. I have another power supply that is a 12 volt model out of a computer if it is necessary to change it out.

Larry

[jalessi]

Larry,

Did you set the stepper driver current for 1 amp?

From what you are describing it sounds like the drivers may be drawing more current than your power supply can provide.

Jeff...

[lmlamb]

Jeff,

I think you may be right about the power supply. It just isn't powering the drivers enough to move the motors smoothly. I am going back to Conrad this weekend and I'll pickup a better power supply that will give a smoother more constant output. I am think that a 4.3A 24 volt power supply will be a better choice rather than the small 1A brick that I was using.

[lmlamb]

Hi Jeff,

Been a long time since I made contact. Well, the project is finally finished and operational, thanks to your help. I am here to tell you that it was greatly appreciated. I'm involved in some deeper aspects of design and programming of Mach3. I am currently working at attaching a commercial thread break detector that is basically an optical relay with 5 volt inputs and a spring activated ceramic coated thread tensioner that will input a voltage to pin 15 on the Rockcliff board. What I don't understand is the power supply to it. I have to work on that though. Take care buddy, I'll post some photos of the system in operation real soon.

[jalessi]

Larry,

Please post a link to the schematic for the thread break sensor.

Jeff...

[lmlamb]

Larry,

Please post a link to the schematic for the thread break sensor.

Jeff...

Hi Jeff,

here is the schematic.

[jalessi]

Larry,

I would suggest connecting the sensor to your breakout board in PNP mode.

Simply provide a D.C. power source (15 to 30 volts d.c.) to the sensor also connect ground (black) to the BOB ground then connect the green from the sensor to an available input on the BOB.

Jeff...