Bridgeport CNC Mill: Difference between revisions
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'''Software''' | '''Software''' | ||
Find a process for backing up and restoring system parameters. Update: Parameters can be accessed by pressing MOD repeatedly until you are prompted to enter a Code, which is 95148. The EXT key allows import of parameters from this screen, but apparently not export. | Find a process for backing up and restoring system parameters. Update: Parameters can be accessed by pressing MOD repeatedly until you are prompted to enter a Code, which is 95148. The EXT key allows import of parameters from this screen, but apparently not export. Care should be exercised with machine parameters. | ||
Figure out how to drip code to the Heidenhain (Ed). | Figure out how to drip code to the Heidenhain (Ed). | ||
Set up the tool chain. | Set up the tool chain. | ||
'''Electrical''' | '''Electrical''' | ||
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== Reference == | == Reference == | ||
''' Tool Chain ''' | |||
The TNC 151 can be configured for Conversational mode or G-code. The former is designed to be simpler to view, understand, and for a machinist to key in from the control panel. The controller apparently can translate programs between the two formats. But some things may not translate well. For example, the G-code G00 (Rapid) does not exist in Conversational language. | |||
G-code itself has variations among CNC machine platforms. The variant the TNC 151 uses claims to be close to the ISO RS-274-D standard. This differs from other manufacturers, so G-code generated for Fanuc might not be compatible. The TNC 151 has some particular requirements about G-code structure. | |||
Simple jobs can keyed into the TNC 151 directly, in either Conversational or ISO (G-code) mode. These support subroutines and loops, so repetitive operations can be programmed once and executed at different locations. | |||
For somewhat more complex jobs, the TNC 151 can export and export programs, in either Conversational or ISO (G-code) format, via a serial port to or from a computer. One can create and edit the job offline. | |||
It is expected most users will want to use a CAD package to design a part, then build the tool paths for it in a CAM package, and export G-code. This could then be uploaded into program memory on the TNC 151 and executed. | |||
Because program memory in the TNC 151 is limited by length, complex jobs will probably need to be sent to the machine using a "drip feed" where the computer sequentially feeds G-code instructions to the TNC 151 which executes them directly without storing them in memory. | |||
''' Emulator ''' | ''' Emulator ''' | ||
A TNC 151 emulator that runs under Windows is available for download at http://www.cnc-developments.fsnet.co.uk/ Note that this definitely supports Conversational mode, but it is unclear whether it supports G-code programming. It appears to be shareware, with some features limited. | A TNC 151 emulator that runs under Windows is available for download at http://www.cnc-developments.fsnet.co.uk/ Note that this definitely supports Conversational mode, but it is unclear whether it supports G-code programming. It appears to be shareware, with some features limited. | ||
''' Web Resources ''' | |||
* http://faculty.etsu.edu/hemphill/entc3710/heid-op/heid.htm - University course documentation using a similar setup. Note that it uses G-code, not Conversational mode. | |||
* http://faculty.etsu.edu/hemphill/entc3710/nc-prog/index.htm - Discussion of CNC. The document appears unfinished. | |||
