NAME

mdro - manual only Digital Read Out (DRO)

SYNOPSIS

mdro [-v] [-p point_size] [-m] [-l file.var] [axes]

DESCRIPTION

mdro is a manual only DRO providing functionality similar to a traditional manual DRO. It is most useful for manual machines converted to CNC. It allows the user to manually control the machine while continuing to use the DRO scales on the axes. The GUI can be sized to match the user's screen. It is mouse-only and touchscreen friendly.

OPTIONS

These command line options are normally used when mdro is started in a HAL file. See below for the corresponding .ini file options.

v

Turn on verbose debug prints. -vv is even more verbose.

p point_size

Set the point size for the text in the application. This option controls the overall size of the window on the screen. Default is 20. Typical values range from 20 to 30.

m

Set this if the DRO scales provide data scaled in millimeters.

l file.var

Load G54 through G57 coordinates from file.var.

axes

This option is used to specify the names of the axes handled by the program. The default is "XYZ". A four axis mill would use "XYZA", and a lathe with a two axis DRO might use "XZ".

SCREEN CONFIGURATION

The top of the screen includes a row for each axis specified in axes. Data in these rows are derived from signals on the mdro.axis.n pins that are instantiated when mdro is started. Each row includes buttons that allow the value to be be zeroed, to be halved or a new value to be entered. There is also a button that enables the index zero process for that axis.

The screen includes buttons that allow the selection of one of four different coordinate systems. The machine coordinate system can also be selected though it cannot be changed.

The screen includes a keypad that can be used with a mouse or a touch screen to enter coordinate data.

Finally, buttons on the screen allow the selection of inch or mm data display.

USAGE

mdro is normally started from the [DISPLAY] entry in a dedicated mdro.ini file. The INI file and the associated HAL files should include the pins and signals that support the DRO scales. The HAL connections to mdro must be done in the POSTGUI_HALFILE referenced in the INI file.

Other [DISPLAY] section options:

GEOMETRY = axes

Names the coordinate axes used in the program. For example, "XYZ" for a 3 axis mill or "XZ" for a lathe, Default is "XYZ".

MDRO_VAR_FILE = file.var

Preload a VAR file. This is typically the VAR file used by the operational code.

POINT_SIZE = n

This option sets the size of the font used which sets the overall size of the window. The default point size is 20, Typical sizes are 20 to 30.

MM = 1

Set this if the DRO scales provide data scaled in millimeters.

EXAMPLES

Using an example of "XYZA" for an axes argument, these pins will be created when mdro starts:

mdro.axis.0
mdro.axis.1
mdro.axis.2
mdro.axis.3
mdro.index-enable.0
mdro.index-enable.1
mdro.index-enable.2
mdro.index-enable.3

In this example, the first row will be labeled "X" and will show the data associated with pin mdro.axis.0. In many configurations, mdro.axis.0 can be connected directly to x-pos-fb in the POSTGUI-HAL file. The index pins should be connected to the corresponding index-enable pins from the DRO.

mdro can also be started via a "loadusr" command in a HAL file for a trial. Here's an example of a sim setup:

loadusr -W mdro -l sim.var XYZ
net x-pos-fb => mdro.axis.0
net y-pos-fb => mdro.axis.1
net z-pos-fb => mdro.axis.2

AUTHOR

Robert Bond

COPYRIGHT

Copyright © 2022 Robert Bond
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions. There is NO warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.