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Good Morning,
I'm wondering how one would set up*LEDs to indicate the status of the Shopbot?* I would like to set up*some type of LED Andon Stack Light on production machines.* Has anyone already tried this?* I know that I can turn on/off the LEDs via the relay board, but how do I determine the different modes of operation. For example, Red = Stopped, Green = Running, Yellow = operating but stopped. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Rich
Normally this is a built in feature of the controller. Red = Alarm or prior to homing, Yellow = Idle, Green = executing (running) commands
You will have to use a relay board and place the appropriate commands in the your macros (C# files) to toggle the lights as desired.
Here is one on my ATC-40 tool bridge mill
http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/att...id=33896&stc=1
As another option, the HandiBot uses a system with lights that are programmable based on the state of output switches to change color and flash different patterns. It uses a small Arduino microcontroller and individually-addressable leds for custom lighting colors and patterns. It gets the status signal by tapping into the output switch signal in the ribbon cable that connects the control card to the board.
We currently have new prototype accessory boards being produced that will make it easier to do the same on our other tools, using the existing ribbon cable connection. The estimate is that the boards are currently a couple of weeks out and then have to go to testing, but they will allow you to do things like put an led strip on the underside your gantry that will change color and behavior based on the status of the tool. In addition to strips the addressable LEDs are available in a lot of different formats..rings, grids, individual lights...so it will be a pretty customizable solution.
Bill, no disrespect here but SB has always been on the verge of releasing a new this or that and it just never comes to be. How about something other than vaporware?
John,
It's certainly hard to argue with that and we do try not to talk about things too much until they are a done deal. We're always working on new things though, and the majority of them either don't pan out or take way longer than we want.
This one however has been used on the Handibot since it started as a Kickstarter project. The Arduino code is on Github and could be setup by anyone that wants to DIY it...some already have. Even if you didn't want to use an arduino and the individually addressable leds, reading the code tells you how it works and what output switches control which behavior
https://github.com/wlyoung/Adafruit_NeoPixel
The new board will just make it easier to get set up without having to solder and program and make connections. While there's no guarantee that the new board will work correctly in this first batch, we're guardedly optimistic :^)
John,
Any update on the new board?
Rich
As with most things, what should be simple never is. The first batch of board arrived with the wrong connector and we're waiting for the corrected batch. Covid 19 issues certainly don't help in getting things done quickly these day!
As an FYI, here's the version we use on the Handibot. The micro controller is under the shrinkwrap and it's a bear to solder all those tiny ribbon cable wires to make the connections! The new board cleans it all up and lets the controller and ribbon cable plug in. It will be easier to us build and will let you use a ribbon cable that fits your control box.
Attachment 34063
Bill,
Any updates on the board?
Thanks
Rich
I will check on progress and report back.
Bill
Bill,
Any update?
Thanks,
Rich
I guess it's another great vaporware promises from Shopbot that will not fulfill. This follows so many such promises in the past such as new embedded 32 bit controllers (the current controller was stopped being used in the Automotive industry around 2002) and better computer-based software. It's apparent that Shopbot is now lagging in the field. This is very disappointing. :-(
Sorry...haven't been on the forum much and slow to update on this:
We got the first batch boards and they replace your existing ribbon cable. On the end is a wago connector to attach the addressible LEDs. This picture shows it installed on my MAX and it shoudl be the same for any tool, but I had to get a longer ribbon cable for my old PRS Alpha..it is almost 10 inches long... so it will take some more testing before it's universal
Attachment 34217
We're exploring some options for lights. This one works well on my PRS and is bolted to the YZ car, and 've just been sticking a straight strip to the gantry beam on my MAX. I'm sure there are some other creative ways to mount on a Desktop or other tool.
Attachment 34218
The standard programming pulses yellow until the control box connects and then turns solid green. Since any time the tool moves we feel like you need a warning, when the tool is moving with the spindle off it turn read and randomly flashes. When the spindle does turn on to cut (or Warm up) it pulses red until the file stops where it goes back to green. The attached Arduino can be programmed any way you want though...the code is available on Github so the colors and patterns can be modified.
We've got a couple of testers but could use a few more, especially people with older tools or unusual setups. I rarely check private messages on here but if you're interested in being a tester send be an email at billyoung (at) shopbottools.com and we'll see what we can do.
Attachment 34219
Interesting thread.
I was just looking for an indicator light that would alert me that the machine was powered on. Several times I would come out in the morning and find it still powered up. (Sitting idle it's too quiet)
Not really interested in a light telling me the gantry is moving or the spindle is energized. (Not too old yet to realize those things are happening) :rolleyes: so I installed a signal light connected to the power switch. Couldn't find a single light so I opted for a dual unit. Not sure what I will do with the red light yet.
Attachment 34223
All,
Is there any update on this topic by Shopbot or is Shopbot still in the 1990's with Turbo Pascal?
Rich
It's been 3 years, 3 months, 16 days, and still no update on the new prototype board (should we call it the old prototype board?). What has SB been doing for the past 3 plus years dealing with software development?