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| The Motion Control for the prototype was to be the RepRap 3 electronics... However, in researching the available options, its apparent that this is but one of a huge number of choices. I like choices, since it "bakes in" flexibility and removes limits. Of course, it also adds complexity, but we're all faced with lots of that anyhow, so whats a little more? I'll get the working design posted, then either publish the experiences of others or... build subsequent machines with different control choices to see what advantages (or not) exist. As many of you may know, a CNC control system consists of a few discrete subsystems Typically: PC--->Control Software--->Gcode--->Embedded Controller+Firmware--->Motor Drivers----Motors This is for a stepper control system (open loop) a servo system is closed loop and some stepper implementations are also closed loop. Those variations will be explored in due time. The choices so far: (this list is FAR from comprehensive) (I'll keep adding as I find stuff) Control Software EMC - an Advanced, Linux based open source machine controller Mach 3 a very full featured, relativly low cost commercial solution RepRap Replicator-G CNC USB Controller - low cost and full featured Embedded Controller RepRap Gen 3 electronics RepRap Gen 6 electronics Arduino Mega List of Distributors a mashup of Arduino - Contraptor firmware - CNC USB controller (Pic based) PicStep PMinMO Firmware Contraptor G-Code Interpreter version for arduino Motor Drivers Easy Driver Sparkfun Makerbot drivers Linistepper Other Solutions |
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