Proximity sensors...

[geneb]

I've got the prox sensors for zeroing the X and Y axes, but I was wonder if there was a second set available that could be installed before the hard stops at the ends of the racks? I know that the 'bot is smart enough to know when it's slammed into the stops, but I'd rather have it know to stop short, even if I've programmed it incorrectly.

If nothing like this is available, would it be possible to mount microswitches and tie them to the emergency stop switch inputs?

tnx!

g.

[rob_bell]

In addition to zeroing the x,y my prox sensors perform that functions also. They are positioned a bit over 1/2" before the mechanical stops. Hitting a prox sensor at a full speed jog is violent enough I'd hate to hit the mechanical block.

[geneb]

I know that'll work to prevent the bot from smashing into the 0,0 stops. I'm concerned about the other end where there are no sensors.

tnx.

g.

[richards]

My proximity switches came with targets for both ends of the X and Y axes.

[oscarg1971]

Yeah, I had that same question a couple months back. There should be 2 switches and 4 targets. -Oscar

[fleinbach]

Gene, it sounds like you may not have mounted your sensors as intended. You only need 2 sensors to be able to stop the X and Y car at both ends of there travel. One sensor is mounted on the X car the other on the Y car.

The proximity switches are activated by sensing metal. You can just use a bolt as the trigger mechanism at each end of travel.

[geneb]

Frank, I guess my problem is that I didn't read the instructions completely. I interrupted the installation process mid-stream because I was missing some of the mounting hardware. SBT mailed out new parts on the 27th.


One thing that does nag me is that the instructions state that both the X and Y proximity sensors go into the same input. When it's homing, how does it know which axis it's solving for?

tnx.

g.

[terryd]

First it looks for the x then when it has been homed it does the y. If you read the code in SB editor you can see what it does..It checks the one its working on then when complete it moves on. Thats why it uses computers because us frail human males can't follow seqential instructions....ask my wife.

[fleinbach]

Gene,

As Terry stated the software knows which direction the bot is moving in so moving in the X direction all the switch does is tells it it's reached it's destination. Then the software tells it to move in the Y direction and repeats the procedure.