Creating software to communicate with and control a machine powered by CNC12 *Solved*

[aroot]

I’m tasked with creating an application that will be able to control our gantry machine and return various values and whatnot. I believe ultimately I need to be able to move the machine somehow and when given input from a separate software , also integrated into my application, I need to return the position of the machine.

I’ve looked at the Skinning API and I’ve tested retrieving and changing values like travel limit, so it sounds like getting the position data of the machine shouldn't be too big of an issue. However I don't immediately see a way to move the machine using this API, which is where my question lies.

Do I need to look into PLCs and things like G-Codes and M-Functions to create a job, and then the skinning API will allow me to run the created job?

G-Codes and such don’t seem too terribly complicated, but I would rather not do heavy research into how they work if it wasn’t the right direction in the first place.

[martyscncgarage]

Your details are so vague on what you are trying to accomplish. You need to map out exactly what you are wanting to do so you can get better suggestions. Create a scenario and post it. You have to be clear in what the outcome needs to be.

[tblough]

Look on this site at Swissi's probe app as an example. You should be able to do what you want. But you will need to learn G and M codes as this is the language the control speaks.

Do I need to look into PLCs and things like G-Codes and M-Functions to create a job, and then the skinning API will allow me to run the created job?

This precisely what you will need to do.

[aroot]

Look on this site at Swissi's probe app as an example. You should be able to do what you want. But you will need to learn G and M codes as this is the language the control speaks.

Do I need to look into PLCs and things like G-Codes and M-Functions to create a job, and then the skinning API will allow me to run the created job?

This precisely what you will need to do.

I figured that this was the likely solution, but i really wanted the confirmation before diving into the G-Code documentation. Thanks a lot.