AndyUK's Build - 1.2x1.0m Gantry

[Kitwn]

Z-Axis probing is a complete game changer, I really don't know how I went without that initially. So simple to setup as well; just have a 0V clip on to the tool (I've cheated and run a dirty 0V line to the spindle holder), and a second "Probe" line from the UB1 to a block of aluminium. Setup one line in UCCNC, and you can use JSP (jog safe probing) immediately which is great for X&Y. Measure the block thickness and quickly google a tool height setting macro, and within 10mins you'll have perfect and automated Z height setting. I'm now looking into having a permenant block in one corner and letting it have a bit more automation on those tool changes, but one step at a time.



Thats a great idea - I've shyed away from anything contactor/relay like on the power side of the VFD, but theres nothing to stop me putting a relay on the control logic side that would drop it into a safe state. Still not completely foolproof because short of powering down the VFD at every tool change theres always some risk the high quality chinesium in the VFD will go haywire....

Thanks Andy, I will read up on the UCCNC probing.
I take your point about the chinesuim (lovely word by the way. I'm rather proud of having invented the word 'polycrapoline' to describe the cracked-within-weeks material used in some HV breakers I had the misfortune to work on many years back). It's for each of us to decide the level of risk we are willing to accept in our home workshop.

I was once very shocked to find an interlock system in a former employer's premises which, when made 'safe' left an HV power distribution transformer able to be back-fed if a microscopic transistor inside a PLC microchip went short circuit and decided to power an external relay which would close an HV breaker which was NOT included in the electromechanical interlocking. The risk I'm taking in not powering down the VFD every tool change is similar but the consequences, though potentially serious, are not guaranteed fatal and I only touch the sharp tool itself for a few seconds.

[AndyUK]

I've recieved a question about my UCCNC setup, so thought I'd share and discuss my config in public, just incase it helps a future builder.

The vast majority of these settings are taken directly from the UB1 manual, where there is a section on UCCNC and Mach3 setups. All the port and pin settings are taken from the UB1 manual, in combination with my circuit diagram.

Axis Settings (X/Y/Z/A)



Note slaving of X and A. X&Y Steps per is pretty self explanatory (200 steps per rotation on the steppers, 10mm pitch screws, 8x microstepping = 160 steps per mm). Z is 5mm pitch so 320mm. Y&Z use a travelling inductive limit so port and pins identical. X&A have independent static switches for home and -ve limit, but share a +ve limit switch. Speeds and accelerations are set quite conservatively to avoid stalls.

Spindle Settings


As per manual, nothing special here.

General Settings


Mostly as per UB1 manual, but note use of soft limits, ignore unknown gcode (bit risky), M6 pauses for manual tool changes, & homing sequence.

Input Settings


As per manual, nothing special here.

Input Triggers


These handle my control box switch inputs, you can make the same switch have multiple actions, some occur on depress and some on release (hence the low tick). If you see high numbers in the function code its a custom macro to do more complex actions, like my Z height probing or my Zero button which does homing or X&Y zeroing depending on the machine state.

Output Triggers


These exclusively control LEDs on my control panel, alongside some of my macroloops.

Xbox Controller Settings


See my previous post to discuss these.

[AndyUK]

Robertspark's UCCNC Macros, Screenset and MODBUS manual is also a very helpful reference. See attached. Not only does it highlight all the inbuilt macro functions, but also has tables at the end listing the inbuilt function codes and LED codes.

[AndyUK]

I take your point about the chinesuim (lovely word by the way. I'm rather proud of having invented the word 'polycrapoline' to describe the cracked-within-weeks material used in some HV breakers I had the misfortune to work on many years back).

Chinesium is one of many AvEisms - search AvE on youtube, you're in for a treat. I suggest starting with some of the BOLTR (Bored of lame tool reviews) which are extremely informative teardowns and tests of various powertools. He is a bit of an interesting character, but well worth watching. And of course ThisOldTony needs a mention - especially his CNC build videos.

It's for each of us to decide the level of risk we are willing to accept in our home workshop.

I totally agree, and please don't take my words as any endorsement or critique; merely just my rambling commentary on which failure modes I think your suggestion protects from and those it doesn't.