Starting and Stoping Router

[dcruze]

I am in the process of setting up a PRT. Right now the router is turned on manually. Is there a way to have the Shopbot Software start the router when it starts running a file and stop it when it is finished with the file?

I have a smaller desktop CNC running mach 3 that does that, but it runs through a Geckodrive G540 control box. Do I need something like that to work on Shopbot?

[Red F]

This is a modification that I'm interested in doing as well. I have a standard Buddy32 that is almost identical to the one at my old job, except for being a couple of years older. The newer one has the auto-on feature, so I know it's a relatively simple matter. I'm just not sure what components need to be added/altered.

[myxpykalix]

You need to have a power supply running thru the control box and the shopbot turns the power off and on thru commands in the toolpath that is created.

I think most programs have that wired into the commands at the beginning and end and your power supply is connected to your control board and when you run the toolpath it turns the power on and off to that outlet.

I recall that i cut the end off of a extension cord and wired it to a tap on the control board
I would assume what you need is this "tap" and instructions on how to wire it into the control board.

[ken_rychlik]

Shopbot sells a board you can add to do that, or you can just use a solid state relay if you are decent at wiring.
Output one is usually what is used.
Type in so, 1, 1 and that light should light up on your screen. output one on the board will also give about 5 volt reference voltage at the same time. It will not carry much current by itself.
Type in so, 1, 0 to turn it off.

These are the commands that will go in the postprocessor to be added to the header and footer. "so" stands for switch output

[myxpykalix]

uggh 10 minute rule...:mad:

But to be honest if i am 2d cutting i just plug my router into my other extension cord (I have the one that is triggered by the board and a constant power one) because i have to get up and walk around to the side of the bot everytime i start a toolpath. And i just start/stop right at the router more convienent.

If i'm doing a long 3d toolpath that i ma going to walk away from then i use the other supply so it will turn the router off if i'm not right there when done, so i'd have both if i were you...

[ken_rychlik]

one like this would work.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solid-State-Relay-SSR-25DA-25A-3-32VDC-Output-24-380V-AC-Solid-State-Module-/130905531225?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e7a93e359

[steve_g]

http://www.winfordeng.com/products/cat_rly.php

[Brady Watson]

See here (http://www.shopbotblog.com/index.php/2008/10/the-shopbot-relay-board/) and here (http://www.shopbottools.com/ShopBotDocs/files/Relay%20board%20install%202011%2006%2021.pdf) for the 'official' ShopBot accessory relay board and subsequent supporting documentation.

Yes, there are others, like the Winford board etc, but if you want to be able to pick up the phone and get support on it, it's worth the extra bucks to buy the SB one.

-B

[steve_g]

Hi Brady…
I didn’t point to the “official” ShopBot solution because the 24v needed for their board isn’t available on the older PRT standard mother board, adding another layer of complexity. Also, when I tried to get one for a friends bot, there were none in stock… It’s certainly worth a phone call to see if this is still the case.
It’s also worth noting that ShopBot is also recommending owners of older machines to daisy chain output 1 and 4. Output 1 is the standard output to use for router control and output 4 is automatically activated whenever a bot is active. Theoretically this would require a double failure to have the router start up inadvertently. This “failsafe” method effectively makes the Winford board a 3 channel board. Then again, there is a switch on the router!
SG

[curtiss]

I like to turn it on and off manually, that way I know it will ...not come on suddenly.... with a computer glitch.