A new feature in Mach3....

[ynneb]

As some of you know, Mach3 is only in beta stage, and Art (the software writer) is constantly working on bettering the product and adding new features.
One great feature he has just added is "Shuttle mode"
This allows those who have connected a MPG ( Manual Pulse Generator) to thier computer to control the tool path via MPG instead of just having the computer control the feed rate.

This means when you turn the MPG fast, the machine will process its Gcode fast, and when turned slow the machine will move slow.Essentially you are winding your way through the gcode instead of having no feedrate control.

This is good for testing out suss gcode and identifying problem areas in your code. This is different than just doing one line of code at a time since it gives you control even over partilaly carried out code.

I musts say I havnt tested this feature myself, but are keen to give it a go on Monday. If you give it a test, tell us in this thread what you think.

You can download the beta from here http://www.artofcnc.ca/Mach3Beta7.61.exe

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[ger21]

Here's a more detailed explanation quoted from Art on the Yahoo group

"MPG Shuttle mode. (Yes, its finally here!!!)

I really like this one. Run a program, during the run press the Shuttle
Button. The program will ramp to a stop (Deceleration time may be set int he
config/state screen). Now turn your MPG, the tool will move with your
turning of the wheel and execute the program slowly. Once your past the
feature you were nervous about, hit the shuttle button again and the program
will ramp back up to speed and continue. You may only go forward, but I did
allow you to turn the wheel in either direction just in case your right hand
gets tired playing with this feature. (It is VERY cool, I can see why this
is popular, and have no doubt it will be popular in Mach3...).
Whatever JOG mode you are in will switch to MPG mode when you press
shuttle, but it will revert back to what you had selected when you exit
shuttle mode. Please let me know what you think of not only the way it
works, but how well it works for you. Small tweaking may be necessary on my
part. (Though my mill and I love it.. )"

One thing he didn't mention, is that Mach3 has a reverse mode, and if you are in reverse mode, the shuttle will work in the opposite direction as well. It just can't go forward and backward at the same time.

[Barker806]

As some of you know, Mach3 is only in beta stage, and Art (the software writer) is constantly working on bettering the product and adding new features.
One great feature he has just added is "Shuttle mode"
This allows those who have connected a MPG ( Manual Pulse Generator) to thier computer to control the tool path via MPG instead of just having the computer control the feed rate.

I have tested it and it is working VERY well. My Bp at home has steppers and it never lost a step! I am going to put up a video in the next few days for people to see it working on my web page...

Latter
Brian

[ChrisJ]

Ynneb,

For those interested in making or purchasing a Pendant, what ever came of the other thread where ideas were being solicited to put together a BIY or a already assembled Pendant?

Chris

[ynneb]

Chris, the thread is still active although it has taken a twist. In the end the only way it was going to become financially viable and affordable was if I had 100 firm orders.
Not even that many have voted for it after all this time. I didnt want to put that much money into the project just to have the pendants sitting on my shelf waiting to be sold. Did you want to bank roll the project?
We have found that there are other products already on the market that are very close to what I was proposing and very cheap.
Much of the conversation in that thread is now about how people are making thier own controllers, and other suggested products.

I recon if there was a gutsy individual ( not me )who was prepared to take on the task and come up with a great design it could become a small bussines for them. I tried to canvass Mariss ( Mr Gecko) to take on the task but he said he was busy at the time, and would look into it later. Interpretation ( Nah I'll stick to what I do best )

You can read that thread here if you are interested in its progress

[unterhaus]

when you say MPG, is that an encoder? How is it attached to the computer, through a parallel port?

Wish I could find one of those cool knobs they use on the commercial ones, I've got plenty of encoders.

[ger21]

when you say MPG, is that an encoder? How is it attached to the computer, through a parallel port?

Yes, yes.

[JavaDog]

Yes, yes.

Oh, so you couldn't use a usb wheel like the Griffin knob or similar?

[ger21]

I'm not entirely sure, but I don't think so.

[santiniuk]

Benny, you captured my interest with this post.

I have updated my build thread ramble with a clip showing a 'taster' of this feature.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=523

Cheers

[CJL5585]

Santiniuk

Enjoyed seeing the videos. Seems to work very well.

Jerry

[ynneb]

Great videos santiniuk.
It sounded like you could almost play music with that MPG
MPG ( Musical Playing Generator)

[OCNC]

This allows those who have connected a MPG ( Manual Pulse Generator) to thier computer to control the tool path via MPG instead of just having the computer control the feed rate.

After reading the entire thread I realize that I don't quite understand the workings of the MPG. Could someone explain the general concept as well as the typical hardware and software interface?

Thanks!

[ger21]

An MPG is just a rotarty encoder. You can wire it directly to the parallel port, or breakout board, or the ModIO from Peter Homann http://www.homanndesigns.com/.

Use use it to jog your axis. you can toggle axis from the keyboard, or an external switch. When turned slowly, it can move in single step increments. Turn it faster, and it will move at jog speeds. There is also a shuttle mode, which can step through your gcode both forward, and reverse.

If any of this is incorrect, someone please correct me.

[santiniuk]

Gerry,

You mentioned that the axis can be toggled using an external switch. Is this simply a matter of connecting a switch to the parallel port ?

I cannot seem to find a setting on how to do this... It's probably staring at me !

Thanks.

[ger21]

I believe you can hook it to the parallel port, and set up an OEM Input on the inputs page. I think you also have to put the OEM code (175 I think) on the system hotkeys page. You may need to add a button to the screen and set up the appropriate codes.
Sorry I can't be more specific, but I haven't done it.

You can also use a keyboard emulator and keygrabber, or the ModIO I mentioned above.

[OCNC]

An MPG is just a rotarty encoder. You can wire it directly to the parallel port, or breakout board, or the ModIO from Peter Homann http://www.homanndesigns.com/.

Are you saying that the encoder is just being used to generate manual pulses for the drivers? This would mean that you would need an encoder for each driver if you wanted to jog the axes simultaneosly?? This method then works independently of software. You're just running 5v from the pp or bob directly through the encoder to the driver step input. Of course unless you lock out the encoder while running software pulses movement of the encoder would add to the software pulses and cause errors. Is it then the case that the Mach software 'shuttle mode' is taking care of this potential problem by causing the encoder to jog the Gcode rather than the drivers directly?

Thanks!

[ger21]

The encoder generates manual pulses, but Mach3 always sends out the pulses. The encoder isn't connected to the driver, it sends the info back to Mach3, which then sends the pulses to the driver.

Mach3 supports 2 MPG's, soon to be 3 (for those with 3 hands ), so yes, you can use 2 to jog 2 axis at the same time. Since you can toggle which axis they control, 2 should give you any combinations you should need.

I'm not sure exactly how the shuttle mode works, but the encoders should be disabled while gcode is running.

[OCNC]

The encoder generates manual pulses, but Mach3 always sends out the pulses. The encoder isn't connected to the driver, it sends the info back to Mach3, which then sends the pulses to the driver.

Thanks- I understand what the thread is about now. I find that still I'm wondering if you can generate with just an encoder and a 5v source a pulse train that could be fed to the step pin of a stepper driver.

[santiniuk]

I believe you can hook it to the parallel port, and set up an OEM Input on the inputs page. I think you also have to put the OEM code (175 I think) on the system hotkeys page. You may need to add a button to the screen and set up the appropriate codes.
Sorry I can't be more specific, but I haven't done it.

You can also use a keyboard emulator and keygrabber, or the ModIO I mentioned above.

Gerry,

Just a quick follow up. Thanks for the details above. You are correct. Simple enough when you know what to look for.

I simply setup an OEM input #1. Then in system hotkeys added a code 175 to trigger #1.

Thats all. Works a treat.

Cheers