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Hey guys, I did a live streaming test tonight on a dry run. I was having mic issues that have since been fixed. I was also experimenting with a dual webcam setup just to test it's feasibility. I'm not sure what I'll do with a second cam, but as you see, it's certainly possible to use one.
http://www.livestream.com/losiastech...2-6283ae9d8f69
(If you happen to get an irritating overlay on the bottom of the video, just pause and start again, and it should go away.)
Okay guys, since I have a habit of never being satisfied... I made a few changes to my CNC router. After my dry run with the picture in picture webcams, I started thinking about how cool it would be to add one of the cameras near the spindle itself. I thought it could capture the mill bit working as I machined. Well, in order to make this happen, I went ahead and got a $10 camera from newegg, and set out to find it a home.
I knew I had to get it as close to the spindle as possible, yet there could be no interference in the machine operation or safety. This was a must. The machine comes first, and these little extras second. So, as I was poking around with the cam, one thing became clear. My new mister bracket wasn't going to cooperate. I could either ditch the idea of a camera, or redesign the bracket. Well, I chose to make a new bracket. It is greatly simplified over the other one, but required the flexible metal shaft from a donor lighter. This shaft was the key to making everything work, as only this, a piece aluminum angle were going to be used in the new design. After a short while, the new bracket was in place, and I could move on the mounting the camera. This was even easier. I just needed a small aluminum triangle and a rubber washer... I removed the camera's original mount, and attached the aluminum. I then bolted the bracket to a free hole behind the spindle, and I was in business. So, shall we get on to a few pics?
Here you can see an overall pic of the machine. The new mister bracket, and the webcam behind the spindle are visible.
A little closer...
A few more closeups...
As you can see, there are no clearance issues of any kind. The machine is still just as easy to maintain, and I don't foresee any issues. Now all I need to do is get something cut!
Aw, it's a shame about that old bracket...it was so pretty. :P
Pretty sweet idea with the camera though; I can't wait to see it in action. Hopefully the shards won't get blasted all over the lens...
It was pretty wasn't it? Lol, I had to change it though, and the new one will work just as well.
I'm going to make little clear plastic loops to put over the camera lens. I can just swap them and throw away as needed. If it doesn't work as well as i had hoped, I'm only out about $15 for the camera.
Awww man, you are so going to make want a CNC router, aren't you? Looking good Craig!
You know you want one! No, I take that back... you need one! You can justify it, right, right?? :D
Oh I WANT/need one, simply can't jutify it right now. So many things it would get used for around here.
Oh believe me, I've come up with a whole list of things I think I need to make...
I managed to make a few cuts today guys. I was having a z-axis plunge problem which you will see in the first video in particular. (I've got videos 2 and 4 linked below). Apparently it's an occasional problem with Mach 3. I did manage to get it sorted though, and got all my cutting done. Take a look!
http://www.livestream.com/losiastech...9-a1e822fd22be
http://www.livestream.com/losiastech...4-c4d584e05332
So is that what the kids are calling it these days... :PQuote:
Originally Posted by craigbru
Seriously though, pretty sweet. Glad to hear you got that worked out. Now you just need to make a mount for your vacuum hose. :D
