Skip to content

Commit

Permalink
Update README.md
Browse files Browse the repository at this point in the history
  • Loading branch information
clough42 committed Feb 27, 2021
1 parent adbd47f commit aaadffd
Showing 1 changed file with 21 additions and 6 deletions.
27 changes: 21 additions & 6 deletions README.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
@@ -1,14 +1,28 @@
# Clough42 Lathe Electronic Leadscrew Controller

This is the firmware for an experimental lathe electronic leadscrew controller. The goal is to replace the change
This is the firmware for a lathe electronic leadscrew controller. The goal is to replace the change
gears or gearbox on a metalworking lathe with a stepper motor controlled electronically based on an encoder on the
lathe spindle. The electronic controller allows setting different virtual gear ratios for feeds and threading.

![Silkscreened Control Panel](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/clough42/electronic-leadscrew/master/docs/images/CPKit.jpg)

## License and Disclaimer

This software is distributed under the terms of the MIT license. Read the entire
license statement [here](https://github.com/clough42/electronic-leadscrew/blob/master/LICENSE).

**Machine tools can be dangerous.** This is especially true of machine tools that can move by themselves
under the control of electronics and software. You are responsible for your own safety. Always assume
that something could fail and cause the machine to move unexpectedly. Keep clear of pinch points and
be ready to kill the power in an emergency.

## Latest Version

The latest version of the firmware has been updated with several new features and fixes:
Version 1.4.00 adds the following features and fixes:
* Automatically detect if the ELS hits its max 100KHz step rate and fail safe
* Change the memory map to allow more thread and feed definitions

Version 1.3.01 added the following features and fixes:
* Fix phantom control panel button presses
* Add power button support
* Fix integer overflow for large metric threads
Expand All @@ -22,7 +36,7 @@ The latest version of the firmware has been updated with several new features an
Beta.

**NOTE: This is still a work in progress and is subject to change. Hundreds of people all over the world have purchased parts
and are following along with the build. That's great! I have had great success with mine, as have others. Building an ELS
and built their own. That's great! I have had great success with mine, as have others. Building an ELS
for your lathe does require require basic electronics and troubleshooting skills, so keep that in mind if you decide to build one
yourself.**

Expand All @@ -47,12 +61,12 @@ The ELS firmware currently supports the following:
* Imperial thread pitches (in threads-per-inch)
* Metric thread pitches (in millimeters)
* Imperial and Metric lead screws
* Support for powering down the leadscrew while leaving the tachometer active
* Tachometer averaging (stabilization)

Items on the short list for future development:
* Support for dual-shaft lathes that have different drive ratios for feeding and threading
* Support for powering down the leadscrew while leaving the tachometer active
* Leadscrew speed limit warnings
* Tachometer averaging (stabilization)

## Possible Future Goals
While this project is starting out as a simple gearbox replacement, some features seem attractive, even for
Expand All @@ -67,7 +81,8 @@ set to almost any ratio. The lathe will continue to operate normally, with the
the half-nuts to control feeding and threading.

## Hardware Configuration
If you want to get this running on your own LaunchXL-F280049C board, here are the settings you will need:
If you want to get this running on your own LaunchXL-F280049C board, here are the settings you will need.
See the documentation at the link above for more details.

### Physical Switches
The LaunchXL-F280049C has a number of switches on the board to configure the GPIO and peripheral signal routing.
Expand Down

1 comment on commit aaadffd

@7severn7
Copy link

@7severn7 7severn7 commented on aaadffd May 14, 2024

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

The reason will be displayed to describe this comment to others. Learn more.

Hi James
When you start work on support for dual-shaft lathes that have different drive ratios for feeding and threading please consider the Myford range of machines that utilise a slotted leadscrew on those power cross feed equipped machines. This doubles as a drive to the cross-slide albeit at a different ratio.

Please sign in to comment.