Electronics > Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff
X-Y table
Zom-B:
I want to make an X-Y table of 3x3 meter using extrusion pipes/rods (or similar), stepper motors, and end switches. I found candidate drivers based on DRV8825, Pololu A4988, and TMC21xx at a local 3D printer shop. I'm not sure whether the X motor will be on the moving bridge or if I'll use the H-frame type with two fixed motors (see image).
My real question is, what would be the right software to control this? All it has to do is go to a specified point (acceleration-limited movement) and stay there until the user specifies the next point. The points will be in a list of points which should be repeatable without having to type the coordinates every time.
I prefer using a laptop, but in order to connect the end switches and drivers, I assume I can't get away without using a RPi. Is that correct? Otherwise, what connectivity and USB->I/O converter would the PC software use? I saw one example using an Arduino MEGA and RAMPS shield.
Bonus points if the software can be controlled by command-line, a python script or similar (in which case the software itself doesn't have to support a "list of points").
Alternatively, all software could be contained in the Arduino if it supports simple serial command like G-codes G28 and G1, and does so with limited acceleration.
mikerj:
Something like an SKR Mini would likely be the easiest and probably cheapest way to control this. Firmware is open-source (Marlin) and you can add an LCD touchscreen/encoder for very little money to enable manual control if you need it.
sleemanj:
I'd just use a 3d printer control board, and standard 3d printer firmware like Marlin on it ( https://github.com/MarlinFirmware/Marlin )
Just ignore the Z and E axes. Firmware will allow you to control the acceleration etc you want, and you can just send the appropriate G code for homing and positioning (USB-UART serial).
Zom-B:
Thanks for the response. The SKR Mini looks promising but might be a bit overkill on the firmware side. Does it support setting acceleration via serial link or only via LCD/encoder?
mikerj:
You can configure acceleration via G code over the USB link.
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