Unlock axis for manually positioning the laser head?

[artwood_decor]

Temporary, unlock axis for manually positioning the laser head?
I have seen this in many professional lasers, and would assume it is available in DSP, but I couldn't find it.
Anyone knows about it?

thanks
Lucian

[wctx1977]

Temporary, unlock axis for manually positioning the laser head?
I have seen this in many professional lasers, and would assume it is available in DSP, but I couldn't find it.
Anyone knows about it?

thanks
Lucian

If I'm not mistaking that feature is available in machines whit servo controllers. But Marco or someone else in the forums may give you the correct answer and if it is available on DSP, that sounds like a great feature to have an being able to manually align for the perfect start spot and I would love to use it as well.

[Tech_Marco]

Temporary, unlock axis for manually positioning the laser head?
I have seen this in many professional lasers, and would assume it is available in DSP, but I couldn't find it.
Anyone knows about it?

thanks
Lucian

Hello Lucian:

Tell me what exactly do you want to do (I don't understand the term here "unlock" the Z). Possible using a scenario for explanation would be better. Remember that I'm not really a user but 'm just kind of person of doing testing for fun. So, unless I know exactly you want to do or the feature that you want to have, I hardly can explain to the programmer for adding the feature. He is always questioning 'why' !

Tell me "Why you need that", "When it need that", and "How you want it"

Thanks
Marco

[artwood_decor]

Hi Marco,
It is easy to understand it from these videos...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svKYo98dJS8

Around min 2:28 he is "turning off locks" unlocking the X and Y axes, then he moves the head (X) and the gantry (Y) freely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9586F86qXA

Around min 3:25 the user is "disabling" the motors on X and Y so he can move the head/gantry by hand.

This is very useful when you don't have the exact position, and want to move the head in position fast.
Useful in rotary applications as well, as you can see in second video. (that is not a rotary, but very similar)

[Greolt]

Lucian

That feature is not presently in the DSP controller.

However most stepper drives have an "enable" input.

See this one sold by Lightobject, as an example,

http://www.lightobject.com/Mini-2-Phase ... -P650.aspx

What I have is a momentary switch, that when pressed allows the X and Y steppers to free-wheel.

This allows the X and Y axis to be physically pushed into the desired position. Works great for exact positioning, together with the red dot.

Very handy as the DSP does not have a readily accessible inching feature. (does have it, but it is too deeply buried to be handy)

There is a good chance that your drives have this feature and this would be very easy to implement on your laser.

Greolt

[artwood_decor]

Thanks Greolt.
I am using POLOLU drivers on 4 axes

http://www.buildlog.net/documents/A40003_Rev_4.pdf

and here is the schematic including DSP and Stepper drivers board

http://www.buildlog.net/documents/D32018_rev_1.pdf

Do you know how to implement motor disabling for these drivers?

thanks a lot
Lucian

[Greolt]

Lucian

I am not familiar with those drives but looking at the PDF there is a "enable" connection at the bottom of the drive, in the wiring diagram.

Most likely this needs to be taken to zero volts to disable the drives. Check the documentation.

Greolt

PS. here is a clip from the other PDF

Features
1. Sockets for standard Pololu and Step Stick stepper drivers.
2. Rotary switch selectable stepper resolution.
3. 3.3V and 5V supplies on board (selectable for controller compatibility)
4. Pull up resistors for all limit switches
5. Several electrical noise control features.
6. Mounting hole pattern and power take off for standard 5V or 24V fan
7. (2) 24V Digitally controlled external relay drivers (typ. exhaust, assist air)
8. Onboard relay to allow switching between Pot and PWM power control.
9. PWM source selectable between Pin 14 and 15.
10. Motor enable/disable control (logic direction high/low selectable)

[artwood_decor]

Found it Greolt,
it was there as a feature on the stepper motor driver board.
many thanks
Lucian

[nephertiti]

Lucian

That feature is not presently in the DSP controller.

However most stepper drives have an "enable" input.

See this one sold by Lightobject, as an example,

http://www.lightobject.com/Mini-2-Phase ... -P650.aspx

What I have is a momentary switch, that when pressed allows the X and Y steppers to free-wheel.

This allows the X and Y axis to be physically pushed into the desired position. Works great for exact positioning, together with the red dot.

Very handy as the DSP does not have a readily accessible inching feature. (does have it, but it is too deeply buried to be handy)

There is a good chance that your drives have this feature and this would be very easy to implement on your laser.

Greolt

Hi Greolt ,

I start a new build. And now I have a small problem which you solved. I'm trying to connect my stepper to driver(2M982 ) .Problem is I'm not sure how to wire enable/disable . I tried to connect enable+ to - but it didnt work. Could you help me ? Maybe you can take a photo and send it to here?

Thank you.