DDCSV1.1 4 Axis controller

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PK:
These little controllers are also good in that they feature isolation and simple power supply arrangements. Earth loop problems on PC's driving USB motion controllers driving motor drives with limits and encoders can be very frustrating.
We have one machine that we've basically given up trying to sort out. We just live with the occasional latch up..... OK, so we use it to weld but....
PK

JHovel:
While we are currently discussing beginners' questions, may I ask a couple of my own?
1. what is the difference (to a potential future user) between the 1.1, 1.14 and 2.1 versions of these controllers - given that all 3 versions appear to be in the market at the same time now?
2. what is the difference between these and the similarly priced CW40 controller?
e.g. here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4-axis-3-5-Inch-LCD-Screen-CNC-controller-lathe-mini-milling-machine-servo-USB-stepper/32324927105.html
It appears from the descriptions that it has similar functions, a lot more manual editing functions and buttons and a seemingly higher resolution screen (alas a smidgen smaller).

A little recap of my understanding for comment and education, please?

* I draw a part in some CAM software - saving it as a .drw file
* then open the file in some CAM software, add tool parameters like cutting speed, tooth load, number of flutes, diameter/offsets etc. - saving it as a G-code post onto a USB stick
* then open that file on one of the above controllers and click the run button - obviously with home set, tool height set and starting point appropriately located on the material
* watch for any glitches/abnormal behaviour etc.
* take out the finished partWhat am I missing? :)

Yes, I do know there has to be a suitable machine tool, with stepper or servo motors and their respective drivers and power supply/ies and a controllable spindle (VFD/DC/Servo) - all connected to the above controllers.

I'm starting to seriously thinking about starting with a small 3-axis router/mill to get my feet wet.... I make tools and bits for vintage motorcycles as a hobby in my retirement (I'm 67).... Have been using computers since the early 80s, but never had a connection to CNC at all.

WeldingRod:

--- Quote from: JHovel on January 25, 2018, 08:18:33 AM ---While we are currently discussing beginners' questions, may I ask a couple of my own?
1. what is the difference (to a potential future user) between the 1.1, 1.14 and 2.1 versions of these controllers - given that all 3 versions appear to be in the market at the same time now?
2. what is the difference between these and the similarly priced CW40 controller?
e.g. here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4-axis-3-5-Inch-LCD-Screen-CNC-controller-lathe-mini-milling-machine-servo-USB-stepper/32324927105.html
It appears from the descriptions that it has similar functions, a lot more manual editing functions and buttons and a seemingly higher resolution screen (alas a smidgen smaller).

A little recap of my understanding for comment and education, please?

* I draw a part in some CAM software - saving it as a .drw file
* then open the file in some CAM software, add tool parameters like cutting speed, tooth load, number of flutes, diameter/offsets etc. - saving it as a G-code post onto a USB stick
* then open that file on one of the above controllers and click the run button - obviously with home set, tool height set and starting point appropriately located on the material
* watch for any glitches/abnormal behaviour etc.
* take out the finished partWhat am I missing? :)

Yes, I do know there has to be a suitable machine tool, with stepper or servo motors and their respective drivers and power supply/ies and a controllable spindle (VFD/DC/Servo) - all connected to the above controllers.

I'm starting to seriously thinking about starting with a small 3-axis router/mill to get my feet wet.... I make tools and bits for vintage motorcycles as a hobby in my retirement (I'm 67).... Have been using computers since the early 80s, but never had a connection to CNC at all.

--- End quote ---
I think the cw40 doesn't execute gcode directly, but I don't really know the answer.

As for the tool chain, this is how I did engraving using my controller:
Make a dxf of what I wanted, making sure I knew where 0,0 was. Fyi, the aitocad fonts DON'T engrave. I used a freeware that would make vector letters.
Run "dxf to gcode" to convert. It hasnsettinhs for the basic cnc stuff, like feeds and speeds, and how deep to cut per pass.
Put the usb stick in the DDCSV.
Put the cnc in the right home position and zero.
Pick my file.
Put on hearing protection.
Push "run"
Wait.
Smile at finished engraving.

I've also handwritten gcode for other weird automation tasks with this controller.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

philf:

--- Quote from: WeldingRod on January 25, 2018, 11:32:14 AM ---
As for the tool chain, this is how I did engraving using my controller:
Make a dxf of what I wanted, making sure I knew where 0,0 was. Fyi, the aitocad fonts DON'T engrave. I used a freeware that would make vector letters.

--- End quote ---

I assume that aitocad should be Autocad?

I use Autocad 2008 and can produce outlines from any font for engraving. I have a menu item Express/Text/Explode Text. This gives you an outline of the font. In this example I used a complex script font which needs a bit of tweaking afterwards. Simpler fonts come out OK with no tweaking necessary.

Phil.

Benedikt:

--- Quote from: dale brisson on January 14, 2018, 05:20:52 PM ---i know there is the new firmware that is made ..haven't tried it .. but was wondering if it can be programed to run grbl ? estlcam have a few good things going for it as you can prob the whole workpiece incase your higher or lower in some spots.. can it be done?

--- End quote ---
Well in fact we were once planning to write entirely new firmware, but time is just too limited. If we had done so, I would have most likely ported a good part of grbl over. I have got a working C compiler toolchain for this controller, however reverse engineering of the FPGA got stuck at some point.

--- Quote from: JHovel on January 25, 2018, 08:18:33 AM ---While we are currently discussing beginners' questions, may I ask a couple of my own?
1. what is the difference (to a potential future user) between the 1.1, 1.14 and 2.1 versions of these controllers - given that all 3 versions appear to be in the market at the same time now?
2. what is the difference between these and the similarly priced CW40 controller?
e.g. here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4-axis-3-5-Inch-LCD-Screen-CNC-controller-lathe-mini-milling-machine-servo-USB-stepper/32324927105.html
It appears from the descriptions that it has similar functions, a lot more manual editing functions and buttons and a seemingly higher resolution screen (alas a smidgen smaller).

--- End quote ---
1. Honestly, I don't know. The new versions of the software are compatible across all versions though. Personally, I only own the DDCSV1.1, so I can't tell what they have changed. It's probably only some minor things in the hardware / FPGA.
2. The CW40 is a completely different product and is not compatible with our modified firmware. It's a completely different can of worms.
It does not have an FPGA which decreases the accuracy and smoothness. Also, I doubt there is any room for community based software improvement on this model.

BR,
Benedikt

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