Mach3 Pendants

[Gerald_D]

Here is a place to start dumping some Mach3 pendant info:

The popular pendant has a MPG (manual pulse generator). This is a small handwheel that makes pulses as you turn it, allowing "inching" of steppers for fine positioning.....and more.....

Here is an introduction to an MPG switched into "shuttle" mode:

http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10369&page=1&pp=15

A popular interface between the pendant and the computer is via Peter Homann's "ModIO" card:
http://www.homanndesigns.com/

Have a look at the "JogBot":
http://www.candcnc.com/
this has a prominent MPG in it.

[Gerald_D]

Some panels & pendants:

http://www.thewarfields.com/MTCNCPanels.htm

[Tom Caudle]

Gerald, we did an MPG based pendant for MACH (MPG-02). I found it to be neat to use but there were limitations. We used the SDK for MACH and a plug-in to design a smaller version with a 360 deg proportional feedrate analog jogstick and 16 dual purpose buttons. It allows you to jog two axis at the same time and switch to 3 & 4 with a push down on the Jogstick. It's got 28 functions programmed in (you can change them with our Config software) and after loading the G-code you can pretty much control the machine/MACH standing right at it. The jog mode switches let you rapid over, slow range, then switch to step mode and sneak up and touch off. This is really helpful in Z mode. Needs a 2nd parallel port and isolation card which we sell if you aren't using our BOB's or interface products. Plugs into any interface product we make.

I know everybody is intrigued with the rotary handwheels but honestly after using both I prefer the Jogstick. I took the one off the bigger shop router and the guy that runs it turned the shop upside down trying to find it!. The keyboard is right there be wanted his JOGSTICK!

You can adapt game controllers and other pendants to MACH (started out with a Wingmaster wireless) but it's just not the same as having a dedicated hand control optimized for the task.

tomCAUDLE

[Gerald D]

Tom in the first post there is mention of your Jogbot. Does it still exist?


An extension cable for a standard keyboard works fine for us. :)

[Art]

Upgradeded my controler with a SmoothSteper and pendant. SmothStepper went fairly well. Tomorrow I will bump kernel speed and retune motors. Also installed a pendant by Texas Micro Circuits, http://www.texasmicrocircuits.com/TxMicro/. Pendant install was no problem but I still can't find in Mach where you set the tool change position. I have tried several pendants and this one just plugs into USB port and your are running. Using it fully is another problem. I have taped the user manual to the wall till I learn all the features. Other than the rotary switch all controls are easy to use with one hand. Changing the jog sped between slow, fast and incremental is accomplished by just pressing down on top of joy stick.

[Gerald D]

Art, are you not supposed to reduce the kernel speed to 25kHz when you use a SmoothStepper?

[obuhus]

Greetings to all.
I have found here http://www.piengineering.com/xkeys/xkdesk.php
http://www.piengineering.com/pigraphics/Products/XKDesktop/desktop_200.jpg

It is very similar to it http://www.flashcutcnc.com/popup/OP_01_details.php
http://www.flashcutcnc.com/img/popupImg/OP_01.jpg


How you think, it can be used as programmed Pendant together with Mach3?

[MetalHead]

Anyone tried one of these?

[obuhus]

But we build the serious car! With this device looks not seriously :)

X-keys Desktop USB it seems more professionally and conveniently:
# Connects to the USB port just like an USB keyboard
# Includes MacroWorks 3 software for Windows (or ControllerMate for Mac OS-X)
# Hardwired 52 "(1.32 m) cord
...

I can is not right... :confused:

[sailfl]

The XKDesk is nice but you need a wheel for refined movement. You need an interface for mach 3. I am using a Contour Shuttle Pro 2. Since some one created a mach interface to allow more macros and Contour beefed up the buttons it works great.

[obuhus]

Thanks, Nils. I will think and search for an optimum variant for myself.

[Robert M]

Anyone tried one of these?

Hey Mike, sorry you couldn’t not see my raised hand….. I DO !! :D
Robert ;)

[AuS MaDDoG]

Skippy & I will be using those too Mike :D

Cheers
Tony.