Custom software for RV1S/RV4S

[Mike]

I think an OpenPnp port would be a massive job - apart from the peculiarities of the Scara geometry itself, you also have to deal with the situations where a move needs to be split into multiple moves as there are reachable positions that can't be moved between in a straight line.
Can Openpnp even deal with a non-rectangular working area?
Then you have to deal with the fact that the relationship between the fid cam and nozzle is different at different locations.
And figure out how to manage all the grid calibration stuff.
And figure out the maximum reliable speeds and timings for the various permutations of moves
And the tool loading sequences.
What would be the actual benefit ? The machine isn't going to end up any more accurate or faster.

Although the current software has its quirks and annoyances, none are show-stopping- I don't recall ever having any software issues which have resulted in ruined boards or significant lost parts, for example.

 

[alanambrose]

That's a definite 'no' vote from you then

Did you ever communicate with Paul Mills, if not I thought I might write him a polite letter from his RV fans?

Alan

[Mike]

No.

[alanambrose]

OK I'll contact him and I may well run the text by you guys beforehand. I'm well off-thread so I should bring us back:

A few more questions for Jason:

>>> I trap the priviliged instruction exception

This is using the windows DDK?

>>>
Write : Move axis ? steps at speed ?
Read : Has axis ? finished?
If not finished goto Read
<<<

Ah good, so it's 'exec command and wait'.

>>> I've written substitutes for the Imagenation .DLLs.

These are a straight C interface?

>>> My RV1S has UARTS on the ISA card

From memory mine uses the PC's com ports although it's been a while since I thought about it and my RV is in a different location so I can't check atm.

>>> MPSSE

You got on OK with that? I found it an unreliable PITA.


Anyway, great work Jason, I'm sure you have our support. Is there anything we can help with?

Alan

[Jason]

A few more questions for Jason:
>>> I trap the priviliged instruction exception
This is using the windows DDK?

No, using a vectored exception handler which installs itself
when the substitute Imagenation DLL is loaded.

>>> I've written substitutes for the Imagenation .DLLs.
These are a straight C interface?

Yes.

>>> MPSSE
You got on OK with that? I found it an unreliable PITA.

I guess it may depend on which protocol you're using but in host bus emulation mode it seems OK.