how to connect one machine to to control systems


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  1. #1
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    Default how to connect one machine to to control systems

    hi All
    i’m new here ...

    I use motion controlled cameras
    basically a cnc machine with a camera instead of a cutting tool

    normally we program a camera move in and then leave it filming whilst we do something else

    a new project requires live filming but very accurately hence the machine
    the job involves a camera move that ends up in a specific place focused on an animal
    but the animal is never in the same exact place so what i would like to do is take manual control of a few axis as we near the end of
    the move and bring them in manually

    to do this i propose switching the controll source from the computer to a manual handle
    i could literally do this with some switches to swap step and direction but feel there maybe s more refined solution
    the program we use for camera movement locks all axis before beginning the move and has no function to switch of an axis without halting
    the program which will not work as other axis still need to continue
    the stepper drivers do not talk back to the program so the computer would not know or care

    what do you think

    best

    robin

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  2. #2
    Community Moderator Al_The_Man's Avatar
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    Default Re: how to connect one machine to to control systems

    What is the type of current controller that you have?
    Is it a proprietary system or has someone built it for you?
    Al.

    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.


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    Default Re: how to connect one machine to to control systems

    Hi Al

    thanks for the reply

    the control system is made by the software company “Dragonframe”
    it’s for automated animation but we are using it for natural history insects and the like
    it consists of pc and control board that connects step and direction to Gecko drives
    on one system and Leadshine on another
    the actual rig is effectively homemade and consists of various elements to position and focus the camera, pan lights and rotate the tank that the film set is in

    access to the drives is very easy

    thanks

    robin



  4. #4
    Community Moderator Al_The_Man's Avatar
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    Default Re: how to connect one machine to to control systems

    Well if access to reprogram the software is out, then you could intercept the Gecko command step/dir signals and switch over to a manual system, if this is what you intend.
    Al.

    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.


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    Default Re: how to connect one machine to to control systems

    thanks again Al

    that’s great so there’s no problem switching control into the drive ?
    is there an elegant way of doing it
    something like a KVM switch for multi computers on one keyboard and monitor would be amazing

    best

    robin



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    Community Moderator Jim Dawson's Avatar
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    Default Re: how to connect one machine to to control systems

    Sounds like you need an auto-tracking system. But to do what Al suggested would be a simple matter of a few small DPDT (Double Pole, Double Throw) relays and a switch to switch between software and manual control. Add to that a MPG (Manual Pulse Generator) and you have what you need. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-C...QAAOSwVcFXO-2W

    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA


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    Default Re: how to connect one machine to to control systems

    thanks Jim

    i’m guessing that an auto tracking system
    feeds position to both controllers

    I guessed i could do it with switches
    so thanks for confirming this

    the ebay handset looks great
    i will look for one with 3 axis live at once
    a joystick with a rotate option that could do focus would be great

    best

    robin



  8. #8
    Community Moderator Jim Dawson's Avatar
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    Default Re: how to connect one machine to to control systems

    An auto tracking system would attempt to keep the subject centered in the frame and also handle the auto focus. It sounds like you have a bit more going on there than just that. I am a bit unclear if you are doing time lapse or live streaming capture.

    The MPG can only handle one axis at a time because there is only one encoder in it. To handle multiple axes at the same time you would want to use a joystick or other game controller along with appropriate software. Mach3 CNC software comes to mind as an off-the-shelf solution, it will take a game controller input and interfaces nicely with the Gecko drives. The free demo version would do what you want. You could still use the KVM type switch over.

    It seems that the Dragonframe software that you are using is really not designed for this application and in fact is about the opposite of what you need, a more dynamic system would be more appropriate. I don't have any suggestions, I haven't done a machine vision system program for a long time and haven't kept up with the latest technology.

    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA


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