machine
Going For Broke
Well, dumb me again. Sometimes I just have to learn by experience and just blame myself. I actually like problem shooting and it is something I usually do quite well. I should have been a CSI or some kind of forensic engineer.
My problem is I broke another coupling on the HB2. Same place and I am certain the same reason. There is nothing wrong with the selection or type of coupling. They are perfect for the work they were selected to do. Actually, the helical beam is one of the most rugged, with the highest torque and deflection ratings of the couplings I have researched.
My problem is shaft alignment. I am using the original slotted aluminum tubes around the couplers as debris covers. They have no affect on spacing or alignment. However, they did prevent me from clearly seeing, thus correcting my real problem on the Y axis steppers.
The first two axis I set up were X and Z. They were the easiest for me to measure and eyeball. They both have run super smooth. The double Y axis drive is what I did last and has been more of a problem. Since X and Z aligned so well, I ASSUMED assembling Y would be a no brainer. I put them together with the covers on and the open slot down. That made it extremely difficult for me to see the shaft misalignment. I used a mirror so I didn’t have to stand on my head to look up. However I couldn’t see the vertical alignment problem, only the horizontal which was fine. (The assume part.)
All the other work, end play, screw/guide alignment, was on the right track but not the major issue.
I am an energy and HVAC engineer. Motor coupling alignment is a major… Continue reading
HB2 First Project
HB2 has been brought to full functioning life with sounds not much unlike a trim router. I am kind of alluding here to a new baby cries when first born.
I am not one to choose an easy project for the very first run. What you see here is the Aztec calendar with a lot of detail. I set the design up in Vectric Aspire V2 and sized it for a 12 inch diameter. The process is known as V-Carving.
I used a 90 degree V-Carve bit. I discovered I should have used a 60 or perhaps 45 degree V-Carve bit. I would have deeper cuts and wouldn’t have had the dropout in several areas due to board warpage.
But all in all, not too shabby for a first run. I and HB2 can only get better. Enjoy the pictures.
See Video -> V-Carve Action
It’s the Details
I have ordered a few more parts for the HB2. That sentence may be written many more times as I continue to detail the HB2 build.
This time it is some cable carriers or sometimes called cable chains. They are flexible linked sections of wiring conduit that contains the wiring that is forced to flex as the X/Y axis moves. They really clean up the jumble of system wiring and keep it out of the way.
This constant movement also requires special wiring that can withstand all the flexing. Ordinary wire will fail in several different ways from the constant flex. I have used only this special purpose flexable type wiring in the HB2 design. A little more expensive but the “right stuff” for use in a cable chain.
More about this after I get it all installed. ~ Dan’l
Music To My Ears
My wife is a professional piano teacher but I am swooning over another kind of music. That other kind of music has four speakers and three channels.
What I am hinting at is the HB2 has come alive and is singing it’s stepper pulses. Anyone familiar with stepper motors knows what I am talking about. The steppers actually sing in the audio range as the pulses are being fed to them. The HB2 has four motors (speakers) and three channels (X, Y, Z).
The PS2 Power supply is complete and working as good if not better than expected. I made up all four XLR 5 pin plugs and they are a perfect match to the stepper motor cable I am using. I haven’t done the finish wiring at the motors yet as I plan to test for awhile.
I’ll get some pictures tomorrow and post here. Maybe a video too. I also need to do a write up for the web site. For today I just wanted to mark this milestone that the HB2 is now self powered. I could actually do some cutting if I come up with a hold down.
Dan’l
UPDATE 3/8/09: Pictures of the PS2 are now in the THMS website. Look under SITE TOOLS and What’s New for this entry: 03/08/09 – HB2 Construction Section 6, The PS2 Controller/Power Supply. At last the HB2 gets the power and brains to move on its own!
More HB2PS2
Click on pictures for a large view.
I got a lot of work done on the PS2 Power Supply / Controller this week end. Slight layout change form the first picture a few days ago. I turned the transformer around and put the full bridge diodes on the other side. There was too much going on around the capacitor
I fired it up and got some DC voltage readings (see picture). The transformer is 10 Amps at 24 volts A/C. With full wave rectification and the capacitor it charges up to peak voltage DC. I haven’t powered the board yet as I need a 10 amp fuse. Otherwise it is ready to go.