Automatic Sliding Tool Rack Q408 Stepcraft

[Alcyde]

Hello everybody,

I would like to add an automatic sliding table to my brand-new Q408, similar to this system:

https://stepcraft.odoo.com/shop/2103-automatic-sliding-tool-rack-q-204-203521

Unfortunately, this system is no longer available, but I can build one myself.

My question is: does anyone have this system? If so, could you tell me what G-code activates the sliding piston and which output it uses? My ATC works fine, but I need to control the sliding rack with some G-code.

Thank You !

[cncdrive]

You can open the ATC M6 macro and modify the code, add the code to move the sliding table.
You can do it with exec.Code("C0"); exec.Code(C100); etc. assuming that the table is moved with a stepper motor and drive and you configured it as C axis for example.
Or if it is controlled by an actuator with a relay valve then you could use the exec.Setoutput and exec.Clearoutput functions to activate/deactivate the vavle to move the table.

[Alcyde]

Thank you for your response! I was indeed planning to do this. Have you had any experience with StarCraft? If so, could you tell me how to connect the outputs? Unfortunately, it's not a standard CNC drive card.

Thanks!

[cncdrive]

No, I don't know that sorry, that board is designed and manufactured by Stepcraft and I don't know it's pinouts.

[krsykes23]

I have literally justfinished building a new CNC with an 8 position ATC. The toolrack is mounted on dual linear rails and is actuated by an air cylinder, which is operated by a two-way 24v air solenoid.

This solenoid is connected to Pin 6/Port 1, which is defined in my M6 macro as...

int ToolRackport = 1;
int ToolRackpin = 6;
---
---
---
exec.Setoutpin(ToolRackport, ToolRackpin); // Push ToolRack forward
exec.Wait(1000); // Wait 1 sec
---
---
---
exec.Clroutpin(ToolRackport, ToolRackpin); // Push ToolRack backwards

I'm certainly no expert on this, but was surprised when it worked!