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This page indicates with
which machines Galaad is directly or indirectly compatible, so you do not have to ask us
about your own machine. Using a post-processor, which syntax definition
is extremely flexible, and also an external driver, renders the software
indirectly compatible with almost all existing machines, but with neither
the manual control and the direct milling supervision, which are essential functions of
Galaad. In such case, the application chains to a CNC driver programme
that corresponds to your machine. On the other hand, if a machine is directly driven by
Galaad, nothing else is necessary for the whole process. This is obviously the best work
mode, since Galaad has been designed and architectured to integrate all stages. Important : enumerating the below-mentioned machines does not mean that their manufacturers or importers are dealers of Galaad software, but simply means that Galaad can drive them directly or indirectly. To purchase Galaad from an official dealer, please refer to "Contacts" page. Are obviously recognised all trademarks that correspond to the below-mentioned names.
Machines that can be driven directly by Galaad, in interactive mode: In this mode, Galaad is able to send commands to the machine and receive feedback. Manual drive for workpiece datum is possible, and automatic milling is supervised in real-time conditions by the software application. This mode gives access to all driving functions. AEROFUN AXE-MOTION BLS CHARLYROBOT CIF CNC-CAROLO FWD ISEL-AUTOMATION / PROMA-SYSTRO LOGOSOL MAX-COMPUTER MICRELEC / MECACEL MICRODUR OPTIMUM RM SIGEA - ART'TECH SM-MOTION SOLECTRO SOPROLEC STELEC-EXPORT TECHNO-ISEL TECHNOLOGIE SERVICES UNIMATIC ENGINEERS VECTIS
In that mode, Galaad can send commands to the machine, but cannot receive feedback, generally because the machine has been designed to only receive a toolpath upload and then drives the process locally. Workpiece datum is made directly on the machine itself, with no motion commands from the computer. Then Galaad uploads the toolpath to the machine but does not supervise the automatic process. These machines are not compatible with Kay and Kynon modules which require a real-time bidirectional dialog. GRAVOGRAPH ROLAND DG SUREGRAVE
If your machine is not above listed, but comes with a software driver under DOS or Windows, Galaad can interface directly with this program. You just have to indicate that machining process is managed by an external driver, and setup its properties, particularly its data format. At every new milling process, Galaad creates the files and automatically calls the external driver which will either supervise the milling task directly, or upload it to the machine, depending on the driver type. Chaining between Galaad and the external driver is made immediately and does not require any manual operation from the user.
If your machine is unknown to Galaad but known to you, i.e. you are familiar with its protocol and command language, then it is possible to define yourself the commands to be sent and the acknowledges it returns back. Just select as numerical controller a "Generic / Customised" model. Then you will have to setup every usable command.
For machines that are driven in unidirectional mode or through an external driver, it is possible to define oneself the complete data format. Instead of a simple post-processor redefinition based on ISO G-code, Galaad allows you to access the command language structure and syntax. Then you may integrate in Galaad commands for very special machines with data formats that can be really different from usual standards. Several predefined languages are available as basic canvas.
Galaad does not produce Clock/Dir signals for parallel
port. That kind of driving is limited due to the fact that Windows is not a
real-time operating system (it is impossible to guarantee the continuity of the signals in
case of system interrupt). Software solutions actually exist, but they replace the heart
of Windows by a special program which owns the highest priority on the processor, whilst
the system has become a secondary task. Then the computer does not run under
Windows anymore, but under a micro-kernel which cannot offer the same guarantees
of stability as the standard NT kernel. So it seemed that this was a hasardeous way,
especially because the LPT parallel port has been removed from Intel-Microsoft
since 2002, and is now disappearing even on desktop computers.
That solution is a best seller for hobbyists, highly recommended for driving from Galaad a rack or power card with LPT connector, for stepper or servo motors, whatever the machine can be. The cost of the PulseBox module is moderate and its performances are surprising. For a no-risk trial, please contact AxeMotion which may lend it to you if you provide a guarantee.
We recommend two manufacturers of high performance and cheap electronic cards that provide a very good reliability and which compatibility with Galaad software is 100% guaranteed. These cards have been tested successfully in industrial conditions and especially in noisy environment. AXEMOTION www.axemotion.com SOPROLEC www.soprolec.com
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Performances of AxeMotion controllers are very high: plug & play USB
communication, local memory with 250 look-ahead vectors, advanced kinematical
capabilities, great smoothness of motion in high-speed curves, PWN and 0-10V analogue
output for spindle control, feed speed override, assignment of signals on output DB25
connector pins (freely configurable from Galaad, for the "PulseBox"),
automatic update of the card firmware from Galaad, etc. Professional CNC cards at
hobbyist prices.
The "InterpCNC" is probably the most widely sold CNC card
for hobbyists (assembled or as a kit), with solid reputation. Ease of integration, RS232
communication with dynamic baudrate change, local memory with fast calculation,
kinematical capabilities for an excellent smoothness of motion, PWM output for spindle
variator, special lathe turning functions for CNC threading, firmware update by dedicated
software, etc. The affordable and reliable solution for hobbyists. Soprolec is
also official dealer of Leadshine modules which offer a great quality/price ratio.