A GUI front-end for creating tool paths for a VXM stepping motor controller based on video input. The controller commands used in this application are specific to Velmex VXM stepping motor controllers.
This application requires the qt5 framework, along with the serial port and multimedia extensions. To build, generate a Makefile:
$ qmake -o Makefile vxm-control.pro
and build:
$ make
If building with MSVC gives a "failure during conversion to COFF" error, check
comment in qmake file (vxm-control.pro).
To use the VXM Controller software follow these steps:
1.) ensure the EasyCAP driver software is installed
2.) plug in both the EasyCAP video capture device, and the USB Serial
adapter
3.) launch the Controller software by running vxm-control.exe
4.) in the controller software, configure the camera input by selecting
Config -> Camera..., and selecting the EasyCAP device. Also specify if
it is necessary to mirror the image
5.) In the controller software, configure the serial connection. This can
be accomplished by selecting Config -> Serial... and selecting the
appropriate COM device. All other options can be left as default.
6.) Connect to the controller by clicking the 'Connect' button.
7.) If this is the first time running the software, you may need to
calibrate the controller. The controller is calibrated by selecting an
initial point, moving the platform a specific number of steps, and
measuring the difference in pixels. This is done by selecting the
'Calibrate' button, and following the instructions.
TIPS:
- Select a reference point that is in the middle of the screen.
The platform can be moved into position prior to calibration.
- Ensure the platform is properly aligned.
- Make sure the platform has enough room to move in each direction
so that the limit switches aren't activated during calibration.
8.) Draw the shapes/paths you wish to weld, and and click the Move button.
The limit switches for one axis are wired incorrectly, so it is possible for the platform to get 'stuck' if it activates those limit switches. The easiest way get the platform 'unstuck' is to temporarily switch around the two sets of limit switches and then use vxm-control program to manually move the platform off of the switch.
Note: the platform wont move if the limit switches aren't plugged in, so simply plugging in the other axis' switches will trick the platform into moving again.