ISOBOB

[ger21]

I noticed the ISOBOB version of UCCNC, and after a bit of Hungarian translation, I see that you were working on this about 2 years ago.
Is this a product that you are still working on, and will be releasing at some point?

[cncdrive]

Gerry, the ISOBOB is a product we did not finish.
We started developing it a long time ago, but later we had so much other works that we could not find the time to finish that project.
The ISOBOB is basicly a motion controller, a UC300 module (a UC300ETH could also fit in) with a motherboard which has optoisolators on every I/Os.
Below is a picture of the protoype:

[ger21]

So you have no plans to finish it?
I would much prefer a unit like that to an assortment of boards I'll need to use with my UC300.
You showed me a picture or rendering of that about 2 years ago.

[cncdrive]

That's an actual photo, not a rendering.
Yes, we have plans to finalise this project sometime, but we do not have an ETA at the moment, because there are too many other ongoing projects which currently taking all of our times,
so giving an ETA now is not really possible.

What I also know about is that CNC4PC is designing a new motherboard called the M45 which will be plug-and-play with their C62 BOB.

[ger21]

What I also know about is that CNC4PC is designing a new motherboard called the M45 which will be plug-and-play with their C62 BOB.

I'm aware of that, after buying an M44 and finding out that it had issues with the UC300eth.

[cncdrive]

I'm aware of that, after buying an M44 and finding out that it had issues with the UC300eth.

Yes, I talked to Arturo at CNC4PC a few days ago and he described me the issue.
The problem seems to be that the microcontroller's configurable weak pullup/pulldown resistors are stronger in this new microcontroller than it was in the USB version's micro.

The micro works with 3.3V and the external signals has to be TTL 0/5V compatible, so there is a voltage divider in their M44,
but the issue is that they used a different approach as we did in our -5LPT and the stronger pull resistors pulls the signal slightly out of range.
Since the pull resistors have a relatively high tolerance it may work in some devices and may not in others, depending on the actual micro's manufactured internal resistor values, it can vary by device,
I guess this is why they did not explore this issue when they tested.

We've made some calculations and however the micro has both internal pullup and pulldown resistors options, non of them will work with the M44 reliably,
because one will move the signal out too low and the other too high.
Leaving the signal floating disabling both would be a 3rd option, but CNC4PC did not install a pullup or pulldown external resistor (we did in the -5LPT),
so that is not an option, because then there is nothing to hold the signal on a discrete voltage potential when nothing external is connected to it, it would be floating.

So, unfortunately it seems we can't solve this issue by software/firmware, but we still thinking and working on this with CNC4PC as I only heard about this issue first a few days ago
and we only yesterday figured out the things which I described you above.

[cncdrive]

I just talked to Arturo@cnc4pc again discussing the issue with the M44 and it seems I missunderstood their circuit a bit,
so it seems we found the solution and can resolve it in firmware, started working on it now...

[ger21]

Now THAT is my idea of a CNC controller. It would go over WELL with the commercial OEMs

(;-) TP

I wanted one for my router when I saw it two years ago....

[Derek]

Put me down for 2.

Part of the allure of UCCNC for me is that one company is steering the ship. This would totally complete the circle for me.

[Robertspark]

personally.... I'd like a bob for my uc300 (single board for 5LPT + Analogue I/O).... something with idiotproof, easy to install RJ45 connectors (there is a whole lot to be said for a length of ethernet cable, some connectors and a crimp ...... sooo much easier and quicker for drive to bob..... or bob to I/O's.... with a chassis / bulkhead connector on the end....

Also some high speed reed relays.....

24v..... (high noise immunity)

idiotproof is really what the DIY market is after in my opinion.... quick easy to install and less chance of error, less messing with singles, screw terminals, cable ties etc etc..... [at a reasonable price... ]

Also allows the ability for stuff to be made collapsible (able to take apart for storage ... or moving home.... more machine side this.... OK motor current not good for ethernet cable.... but sensors are, and you can use other higher current rated connectors for the motors / driver case) ... also allows you to expand or share one very expensive driver box with a few machines (potentially) given it's unlikely they are all going to be used at once in the hobby market... and there is a fair amount of customers in that sector beyond commercial I would have said... but yes it is driven by Chinese cheap stuff and cost till you learn a thing or two.... (how many of those $5 5axis+1 relay LPT bobs have been sold?)