Thread: Console - Group Tutorial

Not sure if I have any practical ideas for a console, not having done any CNC yet.

I'd certainly like an excuse to use some of these switches in any console I built. I don't know just what I'd use them for - but they are cool! Imagine being able to program any colour/text on your console keys depending on what function you are doing.

You can get them at Sparkfun.

Hi Geoff,
They would be cool but at $50 each it is out of my reach. I am looking at 40 to 50 switches and I get them ex China for less than $1.00 Aus each. I'll provide all the links if there is enough interest in the project.
I'd like to keep the project simple so that others (including me) can follow. Making consoles is something that hasn't been discuused much so I think it will be of value to the group.

Hi Rod,
I agree, $50 - $60 is a lot for what is in effect just a 'gee whiz' feature. Multicolour LEDS in a switch is good enough and doesn't require the level of programming the RGB switches would
Best still would be to have all the important switches on a touch screen. What price does a 17" touch screen run to?

Rod,
I have always admired your console, but because of space limitations I was proposing to build my 'control panel' under the side of my table ... not sure if what I am planning constitutes a 'console'. But I was planning to have a monitor on a movable arm similar to Greolts with keyboard, so I don't know why I couldn't build a bit around that and have lots more switches ... have always loved switches!!

I will follow with great interest, but not sure if I can contribute much as I am on a very steep learning curve and don't want to let go in case I slide back to the bottom!!

Cheers,

Alan

Hi Rod,

Will watch this with considerable interest. I may be able to contribute a little, re the electronics side.

Hi Geoff,
The touchscreen is an overlay and you fit it to a standard (not widescreen) 17 inch LCD. This link is probably only good for a week or so but they have the overlays or a ready to go touch monitor Here

Hi Alan,
What you are thinking is what I have in mind.

Hi Chris,
I need all the help I can get so your input will be welcome.

Here are some links to cheap switches - I got a box of 50 of each colour red, green, amber when I made my first console and ordered another box of green last night. I will probably have surplus if anyone is dinkum on building a console.
Link is Here

I have got a couple of the Pokeys to do the interfacing to Mach3. This is the link to Pokeys and is the engine that makes all the switches work.

For a keyboard I prefer a standard type and have found this one good - it is small and has fairly standard layout. Some may prefer the silicone membrane type that is totally sealed but they are quite large and I don't like the spungy feel of the keys.
Keyboard

Mouse is a problem and I have a touch tablet on my first console. Works well but I can't find any. I still like a mouse even though there is touchscreen and of course some may not use a touchscreen. While it is easy enough to use the touchscreen the mouse is good for file searching and necessary if doing CAD work on your console. Looking for suggestions and links if anyone knows of a good choice - problem with a mouse on a console is how to operate it - no desk to sit it on and how to prevent it from falling off the console.

Hopefully that gives a bit of insight into the project and wets the whistle of some of you to think about building one yourself.

Just a bit on the Pokeys. There are other keyboard emulators such as Hagstrom, I-pac, etc but Pokeys have been working with Mach3 to interface pots, MPG's and the like so I have chosen theirs as an easier path to getting this working.

My first console has the Hagstrm unit and they are excellent but my skills limited it's use to switches only. I used a breakout board and second parallel port for the MPG on that one. It has the computer in the console so it was easy to do so there are lots of options.

This time around I want the computer separate to the console for a couple of reasons. First is I want to mount the console on an arm over the machine so it is impractical to have the computer in the console,. Second is I may want to upgrade the computer down the track so keeping the two separate makes this a lot easier.

I am starting to waffle so will end off before I bore the heck out of you all.

On the subject of a touch screen overlay panel; I fitted one to a 15" LCD screen and that is what I use on my router. Same setup shares double duty on my X3 mill.

Looks the same as the one from Aus that Rod put a link up for but was from China. What is not made in China these days.

I found that I had to make mods to the plastic bezel or front of the LCD. I machined a bit out of it to allow for the panel which was 2.5mm thick. It now fits up well.

Overall I am very happy with it. I have found that large buttons are needed on screen. Not only are my fingers stubby but there always seems to be a small amount of random positional error with the cursor.

I have had the situation where the button next to the one I pressed, activated instead of the button intended. I have learned to have critical buttons separated by some space to avoid this.

However having said all that I do find the touch screen not used as much as I might have expected.

This has mostly to do with the fact that I have a splash proof keyboard and mouse that are just as easy to reach and use as the touch screen.

All of this is in very handy position as I stand at, use and set up my router or mill.

So I could not envisage a console on wheels like Rod has to be an advantage for me in my situation.

Now if I had, like Rod has (I think), several machines that use this console and it is wheeled to whatever machine is to be used, then the mobile console approach would be great.

When using multiple machines there is a definite advantage to having the control interface to look and feel the same in each case. Less mistakes to make when not thinking.

As far as interfacing lots of push buttons, dials and things I would go for the Pokeys unit. Lots of in/out including analogue and compatible with MPGs. Mach has a plugin which I believe is being rewritten as we speak.

Peter Homann, one of our regular posters would say that modbus is the way to go. And with his very capable help being local that may be a good alternative for those wanting to do this sort of thing.

So have I taken over from Rod the "Waffler" crown.

Greg

Rod,

None of your posts have EVER been boring.
Always informative, often expensive (to the readers), but never boring

Rod, have you considered a keyboard with built in trackball? There's quite a range of them now, such as this. I have used simillar keyboards in the past, and find the trackballs quite usable. If I were to make a console, I suspect I would go this way.

Hi Greg,
I agree with the touchscreen - nice to have but soon becomes a novelty. My console has a touchscreen and I prefer to use the switches and the keyboard. There is something about a mechanical connection rather than a virtual touch.

My exisiting console services three and sometimes a fourth machine depending on what I have built at the time. The plan this time around is to make one similar to your swinging arm model but to add lots of switches and dials and thingos. I like the look of lots of buttons and dials.

You make a good point about Modbus and it is time for me to get out of the safe zone and attempt something bold like that. As I understand it Pokeys controls the machine through Mach3 so a shutdown is a software "reset". Modbus would be a connection to the driver board and therfore a much safer shut down. Feel free to correct me if I got this wrong.

I am going to make two consoles so I think it will be an advantage for me as a learning experience and for others to see one of each type go together. I might contact Peter and discuss with him the best option and a suitable board.

Hi Geoff,
I waffle alright - particularly late at night if I have consumed the odd glass of swamp or fire water. Some of that red swamp water can pickle your insides.

Hi Chris,
Thanks, I will have a look at the link. The mouse/touchplate side of it is the biggest problem for design and ease of use.

Here's a collection of consoles both commercial and DIY. Should be good for a few ideas.