I just finished comparing the EX Servo system upgrade to the EX Stepper configutration. The servos really are smooth as people say, and you can run them a good bit faster and still have smoother movement than with the steppers.
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Jim: Great video.
You made a comment about using the same post processor for spindle and laser. Wanted to confirm that as I have a separate AVID post processor for laser.
I think originally Eric had a separate one for lasers, but by the time I got to this, I just downloaded the ones from AVIDs support page and there isn’t a specific laser one.
So you can just use that one. However, I made a custom one already so that I could cut out all the Z movements between vectors (i.e. at each rapid movement). So it think there is some optimization to do to get to a single efficient post processor.
Are you sharing your post processor.
Hi Pete,
Sure, here is a copy. Keep in mind this is a very preliminary version and definitely needs optimization.
This one eliminates the Z move and just runs everything at Z=0, so you don’t want to use it with the spindle.
Avid EX Inch Laser.pp (4.9 KB)
Thanks !!
@Eric ,
Is the M64 command Jim mentions in the PLC? I don’t see it on the list of G and M codes for CNC12.
What I’d like to do is see if I can use the Avid Laser stuff on my stock CNC12. I like how Avid has incorporated all the laser stuff into one usable package. Very functional and easy to use.
As far as I can tell, you need to piece bits together from different places in the stock CNC12, and I’m still not sure it will have the same function as what Avid has put together. I’m particularly motivated right now because I have to laser engrave 451 cutting boards and I’d like to push things to the limit on this job.
Scott
Scott,
Look in the new centroid-cnc12-router-operator-manual.pdf Centroid just released. Its actually G64, not an Mcode. Sorry if I mispoke on the video. Hard to keep the Ms and Gs all straight (like when they have a G37 and M37 for lasering :-)).
So you need G37, M37 and G64 for good lasering.
Okay, I see it. Thank you Jim.
So it’s built in already. I’ll noodle around in what I have to see if it’s in there already.
Ya, the key with this one is that its used to turn on/off smoothing, but it also always turns off G61 (which is true exact stop mode). You definitely don’t want G61 on, it will make the runtime much longer. You probably already have G61 turned off.
@jjneeb have you played with the rapidchange ATC and the new setup at all?
Ha. I haven’t actually had time to build anything for months, so I don’t need an ATC 
I was just looking today, I think I have enough I/O’s to connect it, and RC did write macros for CNC 12.
I’m concentrating on getting my lasers up and running first though, I need them for a couple jobs and can do w/o a tool changer.
I also need to get my CNC12 environment dialed in. There are some macros I need to write to be able to support my preferred workflow (same kinda stuff I wrote for my Mach4 screens). For some reason I just can’t run stock software
I’m ready to test your changes!