3 Axis Control Options

[Banjo_B]

Hi Guys. I've recently started to design the project for my final year project and Ive got some hardware related questions. The project will be a vision guided 3 axis cartesian robot. Since I'm almost done on the mechanical design, I'm now looking into the control side. I'm familiar with labview vision and in my project last year I have used the counter on a DAQ 6211 to provide a pulse train to control a single stepper motor. So now for my question. Since this project has 3 axes, I will need to control 3 stepper motors and therefore need to provide 3 pulse trains. Since my budget is extremely low, I'm wondering what DAQ could provide three onboard counters that would provide the pulse trains I need?. Unfortunately, the NI motion control modules are far too expensive for my budget :(. Finally, there is the possibility of buying some lower budget three axis controllers that have RS232 ports. Would it be possible to interface between labview and the controller via RS232. I have never attempted any type of serial communication but I imagine I would need the syntax that the controller needs before I could do anything. Sorry for the long winded post guys but any help with this would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance 🙂

[Banjo_B]

Hi again. On the same topic, I've researched some cheaper 3 axis controllers with rs232 ports Here's a link to one. http://www.ebay.ie/itm/3-Axis-CNC-Stepper-Driver-Display-Module-Controller-/261055335875?pt=UK_BOI_I... This particular one has parallel port communication to talk to the accompanied application but states that the rs232 is used for manual interface. I'm still unsure whether something like this can interface with labview via rs232?. I've messaged the seller but they could not tell me if it would work with labview but I guess that's just down to them not being familiar with labview. Edit: As a side note. When I create a post, I am using paragraphs but when I finally post it just appears as a block of text??.

[Banjo_B]

So I've discovered that the above linked controller and most like it are merely breakout boards and are not capable of delivering hardware timed pulse trains.

Is there anyone that can recommend a 3 axis controller that could communicate with labview via RS232, USB or Ethernet??.

[Jack._W]

Hi Banjo B,

If the motion control modules are out of your budget there are other options. I can't suggest any other 3rd party RS-232 motion controllers but if you can find one, controlling it with LabVIEW and the NI VISA driver would be easy as long as it is well documented.

Going down the pulse train generation route you might like to look at getting a NI-9402 Measurement system. There are a few options from wired USB and Ethernet to Wireless and each comes with a chassis that has 4 counter/ timers and a module that can access them to output up to 4 individual signals.

If you have more questions about our hardware and you project requirements you can always call our office and talk to our technical sales team on 01635523545. They will also be able to inform you of any academic discount that you may be eligible to receive when ordering our products and what support is available in your university (we work closely with many of the UK universities).

Hope this helps,

 

[Banjo_B]

Thanks very much for your reply Jack W.

I think I may have solved my problem with an external device that is capable of outputting those much needed pulse trains on 3 axis.

I'm still figuring out the communication end so far as it communicates over RS232. Hopefully I will have it up and running soon and when I do I will post back here with my solution. :).

[Jack._W]

Hello Banjo B,

Glad you found a solution, thanks you for your contribution to our forums.