Cheap Idea for a DRO

[BillTodd]

I installed it and had to go and find/install the required inpout32.dll.

Ah Sorry, I must have missed theat out of the installer script. (the inpout.dll is only required to handle the touch switch input on my panel-pc)

The version I installed as far as I could work out could only open two scales (X and Y). Is that a limitation or me being stupid?

No not your fault :) I added the 'demo' option while testing the ADJ function, so I've only added X&Y to the menu. It will happily display four (or more) scales.

Each PIC has the same code, on power up each one detects the status of its pin5, then assigns itself as X,Y,Z or W. When the PIC detects a scale it informs the VB app, which then adds a display panel)

One question I have is whether there is a practical maximum cable length between the reader and the PIC board.

I use 1.5-2m screened cables (soldered to the scale). It would be wise to route them away from strong noise sources.


[edit] found a 600mm scale on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mill-Lathe-Hor...item439ddc49a7

[irving2008]

[edit] found a 600mm scale on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mill-Lathe-Hor...item439ddc49a7

Thats the same as the one I got on ebay for £17 a week or so back :)

[1113562]

Ah Sorry, I must have missed theat out of the installer script. (the inpout.dll is only required to handle the touch switch input on my panel-pc)

It was not a problem, it was easy to find and install

No not your fault :) I added the 'demo' option while testing the ADJ function, so I've only added X&Y to the menu. It will happily display four (or more) scales.

Each PIC has the same code, on power up each one detects the status of its pin5, then assigns itself as X,Y,Z or W. When the PIC detects a scale it informs the VB app, which then adds a display panel)

That's quite neat, you have thought of everything. I recognised that the ASM code was the same for all PICs on the board which is also a smart move.

I managed to load the project and ASMs and do a successful 'Make' with all of the Include files as well. I just needed to change the location for the files as I don't have a D:\ drive. - it all looks good so far

I use 1.5-2m screened cables (soldered to the scale). It would be wise to route them away from strong noise sources.

That's quite a healthy length, much longer than I would need.


Thanks Bill.

[1113562]

Ah Sorry, I must have missed theat out of the installer script. (the inpout.dll is only required to handle the touch switch input on my panel-pc)

No not your fault :) I added the 'demo' option while testing the ADJ function, so I've only added X&Y to the menu. It will happily display four (or more) scales.

Each PIC has the same code, on power up each one detects the status of its pin5, then assigns itself as X,Y,Z or W. When the PIC detects a scale it informs the VB app, which then adds a display panel)

I use 1.5-2m screened cables (soldered to the scale). It would be wise to route them away from strong noise sources.


[edit] found a 600mm scale on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mill-Lathe-Hor...item439ddc49a7

Hi Bill,
I have managed to program 4 off 12F675 PICS but for a quick demo breadboard can I just install 1 or 2 Vernier PICs into the RS232 interface driver rather than all 4. If so do I need to install X then Y then Z etc in that order. I'm getting to understand your assembly code but i've not quite figured out the TxSyn operation yet on GP4 in relation to channel time slots.

Cheers, John

[1113562]

Hi Bill,
I have managed to program 4 off 12F675 PICS but for a quick demo breadboard can I just install 1 or 2 Vernier PICs into the RS232 interface driver rather than all 4. If so do I need to install X then Y then Z etc in that order. I'm getting to understand your assembly code but i've not quite figured out the TxSyn operation yet on GP4 in relation to channel time slots.

Cheers, John

I have build a prototype board to test a single channel although the board is built to a level to take 3 of the PICs with expansion for the 4th.

On test with one PIC installed and connected up to a caliper I am getting something and it recognises the correct channel but the displayed valued is very eratic and not representative of the vernier positional movements. I'll need to get the scope out to see why it is so all over the place. Perhaps I have a noise issue with my set-up. The power supplies look quite stable with a DMM but without scoping it there could be some nasty spikes around... I'm getting there slowly.lol

I tried to add a few pics but I'm not sure if it worked