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XYZ Plotter

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abicash

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Hello all

I am about to design an XYZ plotter which needs to get vectors from a computer terminal and send data via UART to a hardware setup w/ stepper motors which will draw the plot on paper.

I need some ideas how this can be done.I need following

1)The input method on the PC software,which can be existing popular software like say Autocad (or anything other?)
2)Converting the coordinates to a text file or hex which can be sent over the UART.
3)The data can be read by a MCU h/w setup which then transfers the hex coordinates to physical motion via stepper motors.

Can someone share something on these points?Only ideas can be good or if somewhere someone has already worked which i can use as a reference.

Please get back with valuable ideas

Thanks
 
Hello

No replies? :(

Anyways i am in search over the internet ,where i found some interesting things but no ideas as such.

Please anyone with pointers?
 
Hello

No replies? :(

Anyways i am in search over the internet ,where i found some interesting things but no ideas as such.

Please anyone with pointers?

hi,
I used the HP-GL plotter language when writing Visual Basic 5 programs for hydrographic surveying charts, PC connected to a Roland Plotter via RS23

I would suggest you look at HP-GL/2 which is an upgraded version and includes vectoring, it would be advisable to use a generic form of an existing plotter language.

**broken link removed**

EDIT:
https://searchsoa.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid26_gci788950,00.html

https://www.swplot.com/splot.htm
https://download.cnet.com/HP-GL-2-AutoCAD-Releases-10-11-12-13-Driver/3000-2116_4-10006456.html
 
Last edited:
Hello and thanks for replying eric :)

I am not going to use an existing instrument on hardware side.I am about to make one with stepper motors and a mechanical assembly for the 3 axes.
What i need was ..
I draw a picture on (say) Autocad or some PCB designing s/w (like Orcad) and then get the DXF or the Gerber .Extract the vector coordinates and send the vectors manually on RS232 to my h/w setup comprising a microcontroller.
The MCU then sends data to motor drives attached to a stylus which draws the physical schematic on paper.

If you can guide me how do i go forth with this..would be wonderful

With what you suggest is that :dont go into designing the PC side s/w for this ...is that it?
 
hi,
The point I am making is to make your MCU located in the plotter recognise the HP-GL/2 format and produce the actions in the X,Y pen up/down etc as would a HP or Rowland plotter.

I used to convert 'raw' data from trisponders and digitisers to HP-GL..
Regarding DXF files as you may know they are in ASCII text, you will require a utility program to convert the DXF into HP-GL/2.


I guess you know what you are planning and asking is not an easy task to cover in a Forum.:rolleyes:


EDIT:
http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Best/free-dxf-format.html
http://www.autodesk.com/techpubs/autocad/acad2000/dxf/dxf_format.htm
**broken link removed**
 
Last edited:
hi,
The point I am making is to make your MCU located in the plotter recognise the HP-GL/2 format and produce the actions in the X,Y pen up/down etc as would a HP or Rowland plotter.

I used to convert 'raw' data from trisponders and digitisers to HP-GL..
Regarding DXF files as you may know they are in ASCII text, you will require a utility program to convert the DXF into HP-GL/2.

I understood now what you mean.I hope there is clear documentation on HP-GL/2 ( i am visiting links you gave as i write)

I guess you know what you are planning and asking is not an easy task to cover in a Forum.:rolleyes:

Absolutely agree.I was trying to extract some views and advice from seniors about all this...even if its about feasibility..i have burnt fingers earlier due to bad advice and am always on the lookout of ANY sort of advice before launching on a project..This forum is one of the best to get some legit free advice..

Hope i am not rude
 
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