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Archive for the ‘Motor Control with Linux EMC2’ Category

Run Stepconfig

Thursday, July 12th, 2012

From the OS desktop, run APPLICATIONS > CNC > Stepconf Wizard. See this link for a page-by-page walk-through of all EMC2 Stepconfig settings.

Most of the settings in Stepconfig are determined by the HobbyCNC controller board and the motors it ships with. One key setting, however, called “leadscrew pitch”, is determined by the hardware that you happened to purchase with your build.

X/Y: The pulleys on the DIYLILCNC are mounted directly on the motor shaft, so the system will travel a linear distance equal to the outer diameter of the pulley for each turn of the motor. Thus, LEADSCREW PITCH = 1 / CIRCUMFERENCE.

Z: Figuring Z-axis ratios is a little more challenging. Start with the following equation:

  • LEAD = PITCH x STARTS
  • Lead: The axial distance the nut advances in one revolution of the screw
  • Pitch: The axial distance between threads
  • Starts: The number of independent threads on the screw shaft

…and then calculate LEADSCREW PITCH = 1 / LEAD.

Run Test File

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

Open an .NC file with EMC2. Jog the tool to a safe middle range, zero each axis, then run the job up in neutral territory. Once you’re confident the scaling is right, re-zero so that your tool actually meets your material.

Install Linux/EMC2

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

Download and install Linux/EMC2.