tas99
07-31-2010, 12:01 PM
I just thought I’d let everyone know that the summer 2010 issue of Digital Machinist magazine has a great article on building a DIY remote control pendant for under $100. The article is generally intended for machinist but the basis of the controller is a keyboard emulator which means it can be used to control anything that uses keyboard shortcuts such as the ShopBot control software.
The article is filled with detail and Part Two will focus on adapting the unit to work with other control software. The unit looks perfect for those, like myself, that are looking for a hand held unit to control some of the ShopBot’s functions when we want to be close to the work.
There is an older assembled model that is available through the authors website at texasmicrocircuits.com. While that older model is not applicable to the ShopBot the video on that site will give you a good idea of the units’ capabilities. The newer DYI version – the MP2CP or MiniPendant (version 2)/ Control Processor – is the one that’ll work for us. Details of the unit and its construction can be found at texasmicrocircuits.com/Files/TMC-MP2CP-UG.pdf (http://texasmicrocircuits.com/Files/TMC-MP2CP-UG.pdf) . The author has all the parts available through his website at what I think are very reasonable prices.
Take a look. It looks like a great device. I have no affiliation with either the author or the website. I just think it’s a great device and wanted to pass the information along.
The article is filled with detail and Part Two will focus on adapting the unit to work with other control software. The unit looks perfect for those, like myself, that are looking for a hand held unit to control some of the ShopBot’s functions when we want to be close to the work.
There is an older assembled model that is available through the authors website at texasmicrocircuits.com. While that older model is not applicable to the ShopBot the video on that site will give you a good idea of the units’ capabilities. The newer DYI version – the MP2CP or MiniPendant (version 2)/ Control Processor – is the one that’ll work for us. Details of the unit and its construction can be found at texasmicrocircuits.com/Files/TMC-MP2CP-UG.pdf (http://texasmicrocircuits.com/Files/TMC-MP2CP-UG.pdf) . The author has all the parts available through his website at what I think are very reasonable prices.
Take a look. It looks like a great device. I have no affiliation with either the author or the website. I just think it’s a great device and wanted to pass the information along.