Vismach ATC Simulation with Different Tool Shapes

Excuse me..

I'm sorry, my english is not good. I'm from Indonesia..

Several years ago I studied vismach simulations for linuxcnc from source:
linuxcnc.org/docs/html/gui/vismach.html

And also I studied the structure of the gui code in the example configuring the vismach linuxcnc.

I am quite satisfied that I can make some machine simulations on linuxcnc, such as 5 axis, robot arm, and others. Like some examples below:



But I am confused about how to make ATC simulations with different tools
shape like in this video:


Can anyone help me to explain the gui code for vismach ATC simulation with different tool shape?

Thanks.

Hi Andy ..

Thank you, you have contributed a lot. And you are very helpful. You are also very responsive to answer other people's questions for learning linuxcnc.

I'm trying to learn advanced vismach simulation.

Maybe you can help me.
The gui script on vismach has options for part translation, part rotation, and part scale. Is it possible for the vismach gui script to show part or hidden part?

And is it possible that the output signal from the classic ladder can be linked to the vismach gui script? (for example for a hidden part or show part)

hello
here's the files for the vismach tool shape shifting rack tool changer
wow that was 2011
anyways you can wade thru the code to see specifics

it runs in a RIP environment
so copy the 'vismach' folder into your RIPs config dir
and the 1 executable into the RIP's bin dir
and the 3 .ngc files into the RIPs ncfiles dir

I had to massage the original files to get it happy with jointaxis6
and i had to move the Z zero down a bit due to my hal-messing with limits
( already done for you in the saved .var )

Now, how to change the shape...
well the python code describes each mechanical shape used
I created t1rack t2rack t3rack t4rack
these are edm type tool shapes hanging on pull studs supported by 2 fingers
the pull stud slides between two fingers
the pull stud screws into an edm pallet ( look up erowa or system3R or Hirschmann edm tooling )
So these 4 shapes are describe in the vismach 'language'
They have size geometry and color

You can make vismach object invisible ( almost, they cast shadows sometimes )
# TJP setting alpha channel now makes object transparent but i cant get clear, only ghostly
# TJP the basic color is the problem!
# YES! setting to BLACK 0,0,0 and alph to >=1 makes it disappear
# TJP well almost, i can see a black shadow on some other objects
# TJP same at 1 as 100 for alpha, so is not alpha, it is lack of color

after the config is running you can exercise changing the tool in mdi
t1
m6
g43

the g43 gets the dimensions from the tool table
and the dimensions hint at the type of geometry ( cylinder or prism )
so you dont see a shape change until the G43 execs

only simple prisms and cylinders so far

this trickery uses the tool table as a place where 'stuff' is kept
and ignores the typical use suggested by the lcnc tool table column header

about using the tool table as a generic indexable data file:
I worked for years with a heidenhain control
and learned to use tables anyway I wanted.
They were intended by the authors for purpose like lcnc's tables.
( Yes i worked with the Hedienhain authors .. hiya Zeki Hiya Peter )
I used the entries for on-time off-time dutycycle current ignition voltage servo target voltage etc
you can use lcnc's tables for whatever you want ( limited by data types)
AND you can use external flat files for any data types
I once wrote a python mcode that got 2 data
the 1st data was a numeric file name ( like 12345678.jnk )
and the 2nd data was an index into that file ( which was just a big array )
With these 2 i could address a set of data with colors and strings and fractions and floats anf bitfields
you name it, you can have it
BUT you have to really need this to get yourself to code HOW to use a string or color in emc

I didnt make the tool invisible ( i tried that )
i did change the tool shape using data from the tool table.

HTH TomP

a color of 0,0,0,1.1) ( alpha > 1 ) is sorta invisible but you can see shadows of the shape. You can also scale the object to 0 which makes it another sort of invisble.

try editing the tool table to see different chapes
(well just rectangular prisms and cylinders)
after ediingt and saving and reloading...
in mdi type
tNNm6g43
where NN is your new tool entry
tomp

hi tom

Thanks for your reply. And also your explanation for this.

I will try to study it. And if I'm something hard maybe I'll ask this post.

Thank you very much.
Best regards