Controlling robots with VB
Controlling robots with VB
(OP)
My projects includes a controller, sensor switches, valve, grips and
steppers motor. I am wondering how to write program in visual basic
(using .DLL to controll paralel port in c language) to move the
stepper without loosing step. I heard that pulse are not sent
properly in a windows enviroment and that is why most CNC programs
are writen in DOS or linux to prevent this but I need to run my
applications in a windows enviroment so my question is how can the
pulse or signal can be send properly or rechecked to the parallel
port (in windows enviroment) so stepper motors can run smoothly without loosing steps?
luis..
steppers motor. I am wondering how to write program in visual basic
(using .DLL to controll paralel port in c language) to move the
stepper without loosing step. I heard that pulse are not sent
properly in a windows enviroment and that is why most CNC programs
are writen in DOS or linux to prevent this but I need to run my
applications in a windows enviroment so my question is how can the
pulse or signal can be send properly or rechecked to the parallel
port (in windows enviroment) so stepper motors can run smoothly without loosing steps?
luis..





RE: Controlling robots with VB
All the best.
RE: Controlling robots with VB
What I would suggest is go out and get an external controller. If you are looking for Cheap, get a Automation Direct PLC with a High Speed Counter. If you are looking for really cheap, get one used on E-bay or at a second hand place like D&S Engineered Products. With an external controller like this, your VB program just communicates to the Controller a move command and waits for it to complete. I know many VB programmers that have been very successful with this approach.
Good Luck!
RE: Controlling robots with VB
RE: Controlling robots with VB
RE: Controlling robots with VB
You can use micro plc from Omron, AB, Scheneider, SIEMENS or SAIA for that.
if you send me the amount of signal i can help you to choice that.
RE: Controlling robots with VB
The using external MCU is most efficient way (in my opinion) but if you are not comfortable with the MCU and
don't have money to get commercial one. Then try 2 PCs to solve this kind of application. One is to run Windows Application and the other runs DOS then build a communication program between them. Data exchanged via parallel ports. But using this way you have less control
data line.
The way to run DOS emulation on top of the Windows doesn't work well because the sampling rate for each task that Windows check on each task is still limited to 10ms (i think).
Hope it would help.
PS: Please give some suggestion if my idea is not correct. Many thx :)