Interesting... where can one obtain the software then? Since I obviously cannot use it without the key, one of you gentlemen should have no problem providing me with a copy, right?
Torin...
Interesting... where can one obtain the software then? Since I obviously cannot use it without the key, one of you gentlemen should have no problem providing me with a copy, right?
Torin...
Krel,
That project of yours sounds very interesting - I'm willing to bet that together, we could reduce your 15 minutes down to a more reasonable figure. For example, the first thing I would do is download a program called VMWare Player. This is a license-free commercial software allowing you to virtualize your operating system and call it up within another. For example, on my primary computer, I run a host operating system of Windows Vista (must due to the type of CAD/CAM software I use), but whenever I need to break into a Linux box, I run VMPlayer and load up the Linux instance to communicate with my EMC2 (milling machine) simulator.
Likewise, using VMPlayer, you could install the DOS operating system and create a bridge directory (a shared drive on the virtual machine) between your modern operating system and the virtual DOS OS. Now you can edit the software in place, then simply click on the VMPlayer window and hit "transfer" or whatever it is you do. Now your editing and transfer no longer require any delay due to rebooting/reloading, etc. I suspect the USB to FDD step would be eliminated somehow too, but I'm not familiar enough with your setup given the limited information you've provided.
At any rate, I'd be very interested to hear more about the translator you've written (I have a SW background too), and the mechanisms you use to edit and transfer your wares to the MRC controller. Please, if interested, email me at torinwalker@gmail.com and let's chat.
Torin...
This thread went awfully quiet - am I to infer that there exists no serial communication software that can either transfer data to/from this robot, or interact with it in any way, that is not free?
Torin...
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http://www.walker-tech.com
Thank you everyone for your responses. Yes, I'm aware the MRC is old. It could have been worse - it could have been an ERC!
I run a CNC shop and I'm used to being in control - I built my CNC milling machine control from the ground up using OpenSource (Linux CNC), motion control electronics, amplifiers, and industrial electrics all from eBay. This is how I built my business from the ground up - by being creative, innovative, ... and thrifty :-). Now my toys are getting bigger, but I must still be thrifty. Since I was on a strict budget, I couldn't afford the XRC.
And therein lies why I have an MRC. I got it for cheap because I don't NEED a robot - I could very easily just stand there and load/unload parts from my CNC lathe manually... but I WANTED a robot so I could feed my lathe automatically whilst I do better things such as run my business, or spend time with the family. My garage is filled with automated machinery that does the work for me. In time... a long time from now though, I will have robots on tracks that literally bring parts from the saw, onto a machine, then move them to another machine, and so forth. All done by automated machinery, rather than low-cost manual labour.
Anyway, I am mostly interested in doing offline programming. I would like to be able to, for example, create a program using some basic pendant teaching operations, then move the program off the MRC onto my PC for further refinement.
Here is an example: I have a table placed beside my lathe - on this table, I would like to arrange 100 raw billets of 2" diam x 2" long aluminum, arranged in an array, butted up against a fixed rail for accurate positioning. The robot will move to billet x=0,y=0, put it in the lathe to machine side 1, flip the part and machine side 2 (a lathe that does this costs $25,000 more than the one I have), then return that part to x=0,y=0. Next, do the same for x=1, y=0. Repeat until all 100 raw units have been replaced on the table with completed units.
Doing this on a pendant will probably drive a man insane. So, once I've established some relative positioning, such as the plane lying just above these raw pieces, I can adjust the program using a loop and program in the offsets, then send it back to the MRC for execution. While I'm doing this, I might optimize the path to reduce traverse time, etc.
Again, with my software development background, I'd rather do this from my desk than standing there with a pendant.
But perhaps, since I'm new, there might be a more clever way to program this in with the pendant... such as programming the bulk of the movement, but assigning each raw material position as a series of visits and position recordings that are then programmed in the same loop but on the pendant.
But what do I know. I've never programmed one before, but if it's anything like g-code, I know I'll want to do it from my desk.
Someone mentioned the protocol is freely available - does this mean I can simply use a comm program to transfer the programs to/from? If so, that'd be good enough.
Yes, I thought I would need a JOB EDITOR. But, a simple comms program will work.
So, can anyone describe the protocol interface? Is there a terminal I can log into (FTPd?) or is there a serial terminal shell on the MRC I can connect to? Is the JOB EDITOR free? Does it have I/O built into it? Anything, guys. I have a 1986 Hardinge CHNC1 that uses 9600 baud serial and hardware flow control with a silly PC transfer program, and that is enough to make me happy.
Anything, so long as I don't have to always program from a pendant.
Torin...
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http://www.walker-tech.com
Gentlemen!
Can't wait to get my robot home. I've been interested in robots ever since Chrismas of 1977 when I got a Robotron from Radio Shack. Remember those? Anyway, I run a small CNC machine shop and want a robot to load/unload parts. I simply don't have the room for a long bar feeder, so robot loading is the next best thing.
I'm looking for any and all software I'll be able to use to communicate, configure, program, and even simulate. And yes, I've seen the "free utilities" thread, but I have plenty of editors already.
First and foremost, I'm looking for communications software so I can write the code on my PC, then transfer to the MRC via ethernet. I have since learned (after writing a cheque to the local Motoman distributor here in Canada) that software isn't free, and isn't something they can give out just because I bought a robot from them. Yeesh. Give me a break.
What can I say - I'm a small business trying to save a buck here, and can't afford to spend thousands on software packages. I can obviously program from the pendant, but I'd like to do more interesting stuff affix the robot with a spindle/endmill and carve 3D objects on a rotary table (4D milling). Not something possible with a pendant. That requires feeding the program in a stream, or at least uploading copious lines of code over a network.
Next, is the Motocom DLL. Is the DLL a chargeable item? You'd think Motoman would give away the DLL to encourage developers to write software and interfaces for them. It's an Open Source world now. Why not avail of it?
Actually, I'm interested in any software that could be used ... affordably. Is it common (or even possible) to buy a USED copy of software and its corresponding USB key? (For example, when a robot or controller explodes explodes and its owner doesn't want to fix it, can they sell their software? Is this unheard of?)
Anyway, I chose the SK6 and MRC over an older K6 + ERC because of three things:
Too bad I didn't factor in that everything Motoman sells costs money - no freebies, and their software is expensive.
Anyway, I'm located in Canada if that makes a difference.
I'd like to hear how others have arranged to communicate with their robot by means other than the Motoman software suite, or if I'm mistaken about how expensive everything is, to become informed.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for any information you may offer.
Torin...
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http://www.walker-tech.com