Re: Newbie has some questions

["Dean L.Hedin" <dhedin-at-vsi.net>]

On Saturday 27 October 2001 04:28 pm, Ray wrote:
> The probe features were migrated into the emc code from a parallel NIST
> project with CMM.  Will Shackleford wrote the probe access script to test
> and demonstrate it there.  It simply takes a linear move and sees if the
> probe switch trips.  If it does, the motion is interrupted and the
> location along the path reported.  With a bit of modest hacking that
> script could be made to probe a grid pattern like you describe.

I assume this probe move is accomplished through a G-code?
Is there a way to get the coordinates into a file?  Can I execute
an external program from G-code or script?

> I would think that you could begin in manual and teach the corners of the
> pattern, enter a repeat value and let it go.  It might also be possible to
> speed up probing by teaching some sort of envelope within which the
> pattern lies.

Yea, that would be good, and manually show it where the workpiece
is as well.  Ideally, one would like to put the item to be probed, as well a
as the workpiece on the same table, mark the extents, and click "duplicate".
I am sure there is much work to do to get to that point.

I have to walk before I can run.  My table is complete, but I need to mount 
limit switches and hook up all the wires.  Then do the BDI install on an old
PC and get it configured.   It'll be some time before I am writing 
scripts/code.