Using an X Box Controller on a Centroid CNC system

[rgsparber]

The X Box Controller has a lot going for it. Been around since 2001 so is now a solid design. Great human/machine interface, rugged, and low cost ($15 Wal-Mart). Add to it a software driver ($6) from reWASD and you have a great handheld pendent for CNC use.

If you are interested, please see

http://rick.sparber.org/XBCA.pdf

and

Your comments are welcome. All of us are smarter than any one of us.


Thanks,

Rick

[Frank S]

now that is something that I would never be able to use I can see it's potential for some, but one of them in my hands would be a full fledged disaster i'd push the wrong button and the machine would go into destroy mode then while trying to undo what I'd done I would wind up twisting the X thingy into pieces if none of that happened one of the cats or the dog would play with the cord and try dragging it off

[rgsparber]

now that is something that I would never be able to use I can see it's potential for some, but one of them in my hands would be a full fledged disaster i'd push the wrong button and the machine would go into destroy mode then while trying to undo what I'd done I would wind up twisting the X thingy into pieces if none of that happened one of the cats or the dog would play with the cord and try dragging it off

It quickly became as automatic as touch typing.

Rick

[Frank S]

Maybe but you have to have feelings in the tips of your fingers even for touch typing I have skin on my fingers and palms that is as thick as the bottoms of most bare foot beach goers feet

[Jon]

Congratulations rgsparber - your Xbox CNC Pendant is the Homemade Tool of the Week!

This is a well-documented CNC addition that I think we're going to be seeing more of in the future. I know there are a lot of awards under your avatar, but I believe this is your first Homemade Tool of the Week win.

Other nice entries this week: a Setup Block by Frank s, a Mill Locking Lever by Canobi, a Ball Turner by takkleberry, an Arduino Indexer by Neil Jensen, a CNC Cutter by darkoford, and Circle Cutting Tools by Frank S. There was also a Tool Touch Off by rgsparber, and an Arbor Press Modification.

You'll be receiving a $25 online gift card, in your choice of Amazon, PayPal, Giftrocket, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and gift card choice and I'll get it sent over right away.

We've added your tool entry to our All Homemade Tool of the Week winners post. And, you'll now notice the wrench-on-pedestal award in the awards showcase in your postbit, visible beneath your username:




Congrats again and nice job!

[rossbotics]

Congratulations

[DIYer]

Thanks Rick! We've added your CNC Controller to our CNC category, as well as to your builder page: Rick's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

CNC Controller by Rick Sparber

tags: CNC, controller

[Mononeuron]

Good job Rick.
I've been using the Shuttle Pro 2 for the past 5 years and find it great to use as well but it costs around $100 here in Australia so for a cheap option the Xbox controller looks pretty bulletproof. I like the shuttle function on the shuttle pro and you can insert names under the keys to define what each key does and the driver has all the options available in Mach3 to assign to any key.
Attached is a picture of one. It has a cord attached that is about 1.5m long so gives you a bit of room to play with and It's just another option out of the many you can use
Rich.

[rgsparber]

I like the compact design and the ability to put labels in the keys. My cord is of similar length and has let me move the table around while lying on the floor under the machine. Very handy.

Rick

[G.Paul]

I like the compact design and the ability to put labels in the keys. My cord is of similar length and has let me move the table around while lying on the floor under the machine. Very handy.

Rick

Nice job again Rick. The floor is to hard to lay on