Subject: Need cmm controller

From: [email-masked]
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 11:41:05 -0600

I'm trying to build a coordinate measurment machine using my
pc. It will be built like a bridge type cnc router but will be
move by my hands. Does anyone know were to get information on 
the controller card, encoders,and what ever else I need?
Is there any products that would allow a pc to act as a DRO
off my bridgeport??
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From: [email-masked]
Date: 15 Dec 1996 08:27:39 GMT

In article <[email-masked]>, [email-masked] writes:

>allow a pc to act as a DRO

You might try contacting Ahha! They have a software package that will read
encoders and give you a digital readout on the pc monitor.

( Disclaimer........I am a user and occasional re-seller of Ahha
products!)

Please contact them directly at 612-641-1797.

The following is a copy of an email I received offering dro software:
(Disclaimer....I am not affiliated with the author, I am only offering
this information as it applies to the original posting. I have no
experience with the program.)

I also believe that Peter Nolan was graciously offering some software he
developed for use with the mouse type encoders for free. 
(Disclaimer....I am not affiliated with the author, I am only offering
this information as it applies to the original posting. I have no
experience with the program.)

From: Steve Lindsay <[email-masked]>
Subject: DRO302.ZIP      Digital ReadOut for 5V encoders via LPT port

I have written a shareware DRO program for 5v encoders and
wondered if you would make it available on your www page.

Description:
DRO302.ZIP      Digital ReadOut for 5V encoders via LPT port
1118628 bytes

DRO version 3.02 is a computer digital readout for linear movement or for 
rotary (degrees, minutes, secs.) movement.  Reads via the printer port
quadrature 
square wave 5V encoders that can be used to control mechanical movement.
A hardware interface is required that consists of only two transistors per

encoder.  Text and wiring diagrams (gif files) are supplied to help you
make 
your own.  It also shows an idea to convert linear movement to rotary for 
rotary encoders.

Features:
Read up to three encoders simultaneously.
Reads 4 times the resolution of the encoder by counting all changes per 
cycle of the quadrature inputs.
Reset, Preset.
Absolute master mode and four incremental modes.
User selectable between Linear and rotary readouts.
User customizable unit to count by for each encoder.
Six places right of the decimal point resolutions possible.
Linear backlash compensation.
Millimeter to inch and inch to millimeter conversion.
Reads from most 5V encoders with quadrature square wave output.

Requirements:
IBM compatible, DOS, VGA or EGA
Bi-directional parallel port

ShareWare:  Uploaded by author.

I  have uploaded 
DRO302.ZIP  to www.Coast.NET (big shareware site)
but it probably won't be available for a few days until
the sysop checks it.  It is suppose to go to this directory:
http://www.coast.net/SimTel/msdos/robotics.html 
I also uploaded it to a couple of other sites in their incoming 
directory.   I went looking for random ftp sites that let you 
download from their incoming directory.
They are:
ftp://ftp.dcs.qmw.ac.uk/incoming/distrib/DRO302.zip
ftp://ftp.twi.tudelft.nl/incoming/DRO302.zip
The second site is lots faster than the first.

Thanks for your consideration!

Steve

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From: [email-masked] (VAntonova)
Date: 15 Dec 1996 15:30:51 GMT

>Is there any products that would allow a pc to act as a DRO
Peter Nolan posted an idea about using computer mouse parts as a DRO. The
software is posted someware, I can't find it for now. The idea is to pull
the little wheels with holes from the mouse, connect one to the X axis,
the other to the Y, and run cables from both to the board in the mouse.
Read the thread "Mickey mouse DRO" By the way, I know a place that has
1024 position encoders for $3. They have about 20 encodes, and all 15 that
I bought worked. They have no idea what they are, and so do the 2 or 3
people that visit the store every week.It's in CA Bay Area, will give you
the adress if you want (I have to find it).

Alex.

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From: [email-masked]
Date: 15 Dec 1996 17:35:05 GMT

In article <[email-masked]>, [email-masked] writes:

>-

Someone uploaded a UUENCODEd version of just that about 4 or 5 weeks back,
Copped a lot of flame for doint it but use the DejaNews and go look for
"pnpnolan's DRO". It wasn't mine but he (whoever) thought it was. It was
written by another guy and it works from encoders, mine works from a
mouse.

Peter