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Weiss VM32 CNC Conversion

I would think the more likely path is to create your own bit file to map to PathPilot. Peter could help with that.
I have never built a bit file m yselft, instructions are sadly opaque or lacking.
 
I would think the more likely path is to create your own bit file to map to PathPilot. Peter could help with that.
I have never built a bit file m yselft, instructions are sadly opaque or lacking.
In my discussions with Peter he's always either already had a bit file that fits. In my case with the PMDX-126 there were two different bit files. If you use the Gecko G540 there's a bit file for it. The 7i92_C11G series address another group of BoBs.
And then there's the more extensive 7i76 series of boards and bit files.

Attached is the VHDL file for creating the .bit file written to the device via mesaflash.

Gosh it's been years since I've done anything with this stuff.

Peter at MESA has always been super helpful.
 

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Peter was very helpful to me today.
He said he does not have a Pathpilot setup running but figures he probably should.
 
I appreciate that Peter is very helpful, I see that on the linuxcnc forums. But somehow being able to build one myself is one of those strange needs, an itch that pops up now and then. Not that I need a custom one right now but......

With PathPilot in particular, I think your goal should be pin compatible. Even with a custom bitfile if necessary. Otherwise you are in for a world of work everytime they do an update. You would need to compare your hal and ini files with their new ones. Not that they change often but 3.0 is coming eventually. I opted to make a jumble cable to match the 1100-3 bit file which leaves me with only 4 or 5 lines to update each time.
Keep in mind that Tormach actively supports PathPilot, they issued 40+ updates so far on 2.0 since Dec 2017.
 
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In anticipation of having rigid tapping available via Linux CNC I made an encoder ring.
PXL_20250528_180630662.jpg
 
In anticipation of having rigid tapping available via Linux CNC I made an encoder ring.
View attachment 65195
3D Printed?

So you don't go through the anguish I did I'll let you know up front that you will have to paint them with a metalized paint.

The encoder disk in this photo is actually also 3D printed.
1748460329487.png


The trouble is the PLA is transparent to IR from the optical sensors. I found that out the hard way.
 
3D Printed?

So you don't go through the anguish I did I'll let you know up front that you will have to paint them with a metalized paint.

The encoder disk in this photo is actually also 3D printed.
View attachment 65202

The trouble is the PLA is transparent to IR from the optical sensors. I found that out the hard way.
Good to know!
Maybe I'll chrome plate it :D
 
I can add an index slot easily. Looks like the index slots needs to line up with one of the regular slots?
1748464687095.png
 
On my Emco lathe, it just has an extra deep slot. Don't know if lcnc is picky about placement but I suspect not as the placement of the sensor would also need to be spaced exactly as well if the signals needed to be at the same time, and I just slapped my sensors in. I either have a great deal of luck or it doesn't care.

Or not. Never mind, brain is turning off for the night.
 
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I'm hoping to avoid a rotary encoder simply because of the extra faffing with mounts, pulleys and belts but it may be a moot because I need to fabricobble a sensor for the ring. Maybe rotary is the way to go as my electronics skills are well, non-existent.
 
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I'm hoping to avoid a rotary encoder simply because of the extra faffing about but it may be a moot because I need to fabricobble a sensor for the ring. Maybe rotary is the way to go?
Fairly easy to 3D print a mounting bracket and pulleys to match any tiny timing belt you have laying around. 3D printers have small belts that are appropriate. Food for thought.
 
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