Computer Interfacing Project(Help!) - Page 2 - Electronic Circuits Projects Diagrams Free

Marks256 · 17th December 2006, 06:40 PM

Quote:

how can i make an old printer into a CNC machine?? im afraid it will cost a lot to build that thing..

Umm, well, there really is no right way. But there really isn't a wrong way either... Use your imagination! Get like three old Parallel(interfaced) printers, as i am sure you can get them almost for free. Then, get a dremel tool(not sure how spendy they are. i don't own one, yet), and make an X,Y,Z axis. Pretty simple if you ask me.

Make a circuit to control the stepper motors, and then write software. Heck, you could go RS232, or SPP(standard parallel port), or EPP, or ECP.

Let your mind run free! If you don't get a good mark(grade) on it, you will still have an awesome machine to make custom parts from, and you would have learned a hell of a lot of info. That is really the only reason for the final year projects, isn't it? To see what you are capable of? Yeah...

**Nigel Goodwin** · 17th December 2006, 07:18 PM

There are many examples on the net, you might have a look at http://www.luberth.com/cstep/

goblin_techies · 27th December 2006, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marks256

Umm, well, there really is no right way. But there really isn't a wrong way either... Use your imagination! Get like three old Parallel(interfaced) printers, as i am sure you can get them almost for free. Then, get a dremel tool(not sure how spendy they are. i don't own one, yet), and make an X,Y,Z axis. Pretty simple if you ask me.

Make a circuit to control the stepper motors, and then write software. Heck, you could go RS232, or SPP(standard parallel port), or EPP, or ECP.

Let your mind run free! If you don't get a good mark(grade) on it, you will still have an awesome machine to make custom parts from, and you would have learned a hell of a lot of info. That is really the only reason for the final year projects, isn't it? To see what you are capable of? Yeah...

what X,Y,Z axis sir?

akg · 27th December 2006, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goblin_techies

what X,Y,Z axis sir?

ohhhh....!!!!

agent420 · 27th December 2006, 11:14 AM

How about a stepper controlled Etch-A-Sketch? CNC soul with a bit less mechanical complexity. There's a couple examples if you Google 'stepper etch sketch'. Trick is finding a decent EAS; they're all made in China now and a lot cheaper than I remember. I had to sort through several units before I found one with smooth operation.

I don't have a proper photo, but you can see a corner of my design using a simple plexi framework below. Depending on your steppers, you could perhaps use a direct drive method (at least one example on the net uses this). I got my belt drive hardware from Small Parts Inc.. Quite a variety of hardware and quick shipping.

OT: CNCzone is your one stop diy cnc resource. Worth a look.

Marks256 · 27th December 2006, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goblin_techies

what X,Y,Z axis sir?

Umm, wow... I really don't have the time to explain it...

Basically it is your three dimensions of space you know, up/down, left/right, forward/backwards.

Remind me again what you are going to school for?

agent420 · 27th December 2006, 03:44 PM

How about... a pc stepper operated hour glass. Use some sensor to determine when all the sand has fallen. You can do trials and test for accuracy of various glasses or environmental effects..

I've also always wanted to make a clock out of spheres like billard balls, where the digits 1-9 are distributed over the surface. An 2 axis driver similar to an inverted ball mouse assembly under each sphere rotates to display the correct time.

goblin_techies · 28th December 2006, 12:06 PM

a good suggestion there about the pc stepper hour glass and rotating "balls" assembly,sir. Pls describe more...

by the way it's still a clock.
for measuring time,well if time doesn't permit i'll go w/ your suggestion.

Well,another thing, automatic pcb design etcher instead of a CNC mill, may be it feasible?

Marks256 · 28th December 2006, 05:08 PM

Umm, they are technically the same thing...

Sandeep John · 29th December 2006, 02:36 PM

Are u interested in Power Line Comminication.. A simple project.. But can br very effective..

goblin_techies · 1st January 2007, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandeep John

Are u interested in Power Line Comminication.. A simple project.. But can br very effective..

Yeh, i'm slightly interested.
but sounds like electrical engineering to me.
Guve me some further explanation on how it works.

Marks256 · 1st January 2007, 05:47 PM

Ooh, that would be cool. No offence, but if he doesn't know what a CNC mill is, or the three dimensional axis, then i think this may be a bit over his/her head.

goblin_techies · 8th January 2007, 09:35 AM

i am getting confused now..lol

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17th December 2006, 07:18 PM	#17
Nigel Goodwin	There are many examples on the net, you might have a look at http://www.luberth.com/cstep/ __________________ PIC programmer software, and PIC Tutorials at: http://www.winpicprog.co.uk

27th December 2006, 11:14 AM	#20
agent420	How about a stepper controlled Etch-A-Sketch? CNC soul with a bit less mechanical complexity. There's a couple examples if you Google 'stepper etch sketch'. Trick is finding a decent EAS; they're all made in China now and a lot cheaper than I remember. I had to sort through several units before I found one with smooth operation. I don't have a proper photo, but you can see a corner of my design using a simple plexi framework below. Depending on your steppers, you could perhaps use a direct drive method (at least one example on the net uses this). I got my belt drive hardware from Small Parts Inc.. Quite a variety of hardware and quick shipping. OT: CNCzone is your one stop diy cnc resource. Worth a look. Last edited by agent420; 27th December 2006 at 12:04 PM.

27th December 2006, 03:44 PM	#22
agent420	How about... a pc stepper operated hour glass. Use some sensor to determine when all the sand has fallen. You can do trials and test for accuracy of various glasses or environmental effects.. I've also always wanted to make a clock out of spheres like billard balls, where the digits 1-9 are distributed over the surface. An 2 axis driver similar to an inverted ball mouse assembly under each sphere rotates to display the correct time. Last edited by agent420; 27th December 2006 at 03:47 PM.

28th December 2006, 12:06 PM	#23
goblin_techies	a good suggestion there about the pc stepper hour glass and rotating "balls" assembly,sir. Pls describe more... by the way it's still a clock. for measuring time,well if time doesn't permit i'll go w/ your suggestion. Well,another thing, automatic pcb design etcher instead of a CNC mill, may be it feasible? __________________ I hate stupid signatures...

28th December 2006, 05:08 PM	#24
Marks256	Umm, they are technically the same thing... __________________ There is no "I" in "team", unless Apple makes it... Then it would be iTeam.

29th December 2006, 02:36 PM	#25
Sandeep John	Are u interested in Power Line Comminication.. A simple project.. But can br very effective..

1st January 2007, 05:47 PM	#27
Marks256	Ooh, that would be cool. No offence, but if he doesn't know what a CNC mill is, or the three dimensional axis, then i think this may be a bit over his/her head. __________________ There is no "I" in "team", unless Apple makes it... Then it would be iTeam.

8th January 2007, 09:35 AM	#28
goblin_techies	i am getting confused now..lol __________________ I hate stupid signatures...