HAAS VF1 retrofit

sspeed33317 wrote: He did it using GCode subroutines.
Commanding a o<tool1> instead of a T1 M6.

The (yesterday) released 2.6 version of LinuxCNC allows you to remap M6 to call a G-code subroutine.
All it takes is a line in the INI like

REMAP = M6 ngc=mygcoderoutine

Then (with a switch, also in the INI) the G-code can use

#1 = #<hal[iocontrol.0.tool-pocket-prepare]>

to read the HAL pin driven by the T-word directly.
Or, if you prefer, you can have the REMAP routine run a (provided by LinuxCNC) Python routine that reads the T-word into a parameter called #<tool> for the G-code

These two approaches may not be entirely identical. I think that the latter reads the T-word on the same line as the M6. The former reads a T-value from the last invocation of the T-word.

OK, Mesa boards arrived today. So I can get to work this weekend.

I already mounted the motherboard in the same space as the old controller.
Taking pics as I go.

Tonight I will go back over to the shop and grab the input/output panel out of the enclosure
to mount the 7i77.


I have one question how did you guys get so familiar with programming?
Do you have coding experience? You make it sound so easy but it is still over
my head.

I have read a lot of the documentation but it reads like I need a little more to understand it.

What do I need to read/learn in addition to the LInuxcnc docs ?

Thanks
TIm

sspeed33317 wrote: I have one question how did you guys get so familiar with programming?
Do you have coding experience?

Yes, quite a bit, in my case.

But don't mistake HAL for programming. It looks a bit like a programming language, but it isn't one.

Think of HAL more as building an electrical circuit. You load the "components" you are going to need, then you add them to a realtime thread (I tried to find a convincing metaphor for that part, but gave up) then wire them together with "net" statements.
A net statement creates a signal, or connects a previously created one (think of it possibly as a wire) to the input and output "pins" of the components.
So, rather than a programming language, HAL is more like a list of connections.

G-code wasn't meant to be a programming language either, but it can be used as one now. However it is perfectly OK to produce "linear" G-code with no loops or conditions or variables, in fact that is what most CAM packages create.

Well tonight is a bust, did not realize the HAAS I/O board was attached straight to the enclosure panel.
So I will be stopping by my friends sheet metal shop in the AM to have a stand off plate made.
The I will mount the new Mesa I/O to it.

The original board is pretty simple, has a bunch of optoisolated transistors on it and 12 volt coil relays.

"I have one question how did you guys get so familiar with programming?
Do you have coding experience? You make it sound so easy but it is still over
my head."


I learned C from writing components for my machines. I had prior gcod/ macro experience and some plc programming with a langauge like basic. I had ALOT of help from Andy and Arceye(who I have annoyed a few times...).I hate ladder, so C was the only other option.

Keep in mind, no matter who you are, this takes time and you will be way ahead to work on something small on the bench.The first machine I did was a Hardinge HNC , and before I actually moved an axis, I had gotten motors tuned and working on a bench set up.I did the same with i/o using some opto boards and switches. The hardinge took me about 3 months of spare time to rewire,set up, tune and program.

there are different ways to approach the hal file and logic. Some folks do logic in their hal file, some do it in Classic ladder and some (like me) do it as components in C. I like my hal file to only be connections and each individual machine function to be a component. I dont know if the developers intended it to be done this way, but it works.


Most importantly make sure your machine is safe.....

Well I screwed up...

Bought a motherboard with out a standard PCI slot.

I am not going to return the 5i25 to get the 6i25.

So I am searching for another motherboard instead and I will just transfer
the processor/memory etc... i figure this is the least expensive fix.

Edit...just ordered a GA-H61M-S2PV

:silly:

sspeed33317 wrote: So I am searching for another motherboard instead and I will just transfer
the processor/memory etc... i figure this is the least expensive fix.

These exist: www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Express-Adap...rds=pcie+pci+adaptor
But they aren't exactly cheap, and there are no guarantees that they would work well enough.

The spare motherboard is quite likely to come in handy for something else.

Yea I am going to try to return it and see if they take it back, i bought it from the tiger direct store here in town.
I ordered the new one online through them also. It wasn't available at the store for pickup.

But if im stuck with it, ill put together another PC for the house.


Owell if this ends up being the only mistake i'll be lucky



I looked up that adapter...yikes $$$

sspeed33317 wrote: Edit...just ordered a GA-H61M-S2PV

May I ask why?

I ask because I am at a similar cross road. I have an ATX MB I can use, but would much rather use a mini ITX MB, so I was looking at ordering something.
If one HAS to order something, I would think one would want it to be as small as practical and use as little power as easily practical, so I am curious.

Thanks.

Well originally the local TigerDirect only has micro ATX as the smallest motherboard in store.
We have Tiger Direct stores here in Florida.
And I already drilled and tapped the plate to mount it. So I'm kinda stuck with what I have.
Also I don't want to have to buy another CPU and memory.
Also someone on here already tested the new board and it seems to have excellent latency.

Now I have a friend with a sheetmetal shop that has a press brake with a bad controller...
So I have him watching my progress now.