Where to jump

[aryeh]

Steven,

> http://www.hwml.com/ Pretty sweet little unit.

Thank You!

> Is there software to convert gCode to the command and control language for this unit?

Mhel works on it.

> I am assuming that the HWML needs an application to drive it, in the case of tool changes and the like. Is that application Win32?

Yes - need application (like any motion controller). No - not just Win32.

> Is it portable to Unix?

In USB form it works with all FTDI-supported OS's (http://www.ftdichip.com/FTDrivers.htm).
In TTL-serial form it works with any OS.

> How much does the HWML cost?

BOM cost is about $20.
Retail price is not decided yet. SparkFun is going to be the distributor.

> I am tempted to get one!

For immediate usage - if I'll send You the blank PCB, can You do the rest job?


Aryeh

[Steven]

Hello,
I was hoping to get an idea, about what is needed for a Pick & Place machine. Say, an add-on kit for the Fireball. It would need a custom tool holder with the vacuum syringe, and some kind of base which contains the reels for components, and a component centering place (a small open box). The tape needs to be advanced after each pickup, and maybe needs to be changed several times during the entire pick and place session. Assuming you have a fixed number of pickup points (say 5). And you have 15 different components, your going to need 3 sets of reel changes.

The thought of integrated Solder Pasting is really intriguing.

There are numerous file formats out there. Excellon, Gerber, DXF, whatever. And I am learning about the myriad of utilities that exist to convert them from one to another. What file format is used for Pick & Place?

Things that Pick&Place need (I think):
- to free the component from its reel, and 'step' the reel
- above for N reels (and/or trays or other packaging)
- get the component from the reel (that tool is called a sucker?)
- to find out how the component is positioned relative to the sucker

Any thoughts?
~Steven

[John Hansford]

Hi Steven,

A pick n place would/could/should actually work very well.
What I'd do if I had time was to look at these videos
and try writing to the people who made them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__dEMKzkLYc&eurl=http://ciciora.com/picknplace.html

Seems like there'd be a response from at least one or two...

John

[admin]

I've copied the pick n place posts to: http://www.millpcbs.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=3&p=26#p26 as I would like to keep the pick n place and motion control topics seperate. It will help readers not have to glean through so much when they want to focus on one area. Thats one of the reasons I like a bulletin board, and and advantage over yahoo groups.

[admin]

Steven,

> http://www.hwml.com/ Pretty sweet little unit.

Thank You!

Aryeh

Yes it's a real sweet little unit, now if we can arm twist Aryeh into making a simple point an click windows application for it...... (I've only been telling him this for...........a while )

It just needs a setup screen, jog from the keyboard, and a file dialog to send gcode to the hwml, and a go and stop button.... if it was written in VBexpress or VCexpress 2008 then people could modify/taylor to their needs also.....

[aryeh]

Phil,

Thank You!!!

I'll try, I'll try!



Aryeh

[admin]

Steven found this: http://www.burger-web.com/ProductDescription/AKKON_Desk/en_DescAKKON_USB.htm.en I really like the pc side. Start Pause, stop, buttons. Thats user friendly. Thanks

[hplett]

ramping one or more axis only makes sense in 'non path' situations like drilling or pick and place.
if I have to follow a path (ie cutting) the tool speed needs to be taken seriously (exactly) and there is no margin for acceleration. both (or more) axis are vector related and I have not found ANY algorithm to handle this.

[aryeh]

ramping one or more axis only makes sense in 'non path' situations

Yes, but the efficiency of ramping algorithm defines the speed capabilities
of the controller. To get the faster target speed You need the faster
ramping algorithm, because You have to calculate the (next) step delay
in real time and the calculation time has to be smaller than this delay.

Anyway You have to accelerate at the beginning of the path
and decelerate at the end.

So ramping is "the heart" of this business.

I have not found ANY algorithm to handle this.

Vector velocity is the simplest geometric formula.

To handle the axes simultaneously - Bresenham algorithm is the best.
(It's exactly like to draw lines by pixels on the monitor.)