anyone any good at electric stuff.

[Focus Owner]

I want to make a torch height controller. for a cnc cutter i haven't made yet
I need an external sensing system for proximity. ultrasonic or captive
an override button to go to cutting height
and it to relay a command up or down

will an arduino do the commanding for me?

also anyone know how the sensors give the outs out?
im guessing ultrasonic has spikes on a graph , and captive has voltage.

 

[jenks69]

An arduino will be able to do this, look for the rep rap stuff that's basically a 3d printer often based on arduino for controlling the x,y,z axis movement in conjunction with motor / servo driver boards etc.

 

[Honeymonster]

Arduino or if you're not familiar/or want to learn the language a PIC/PICAXE with Logicator is just as capable for a simple task like this. Logicator is done with flow charts and is sooooooo easy it's untrue. Also there are less components with a PIC if you decide to build its own circuit and make it stand alone. Arduino is extremely capable and popular though, you're more likely to find similar projects based on it on the web. It's also easier to construct with shields but I'd preference the more integrated approach if you're making something more permanent. Arduino is nearly infinitely expandable, so later on after a few upgrades you really feel the need to send information from a remote location via a phone call to your CNC, then have it cut out that shape you just took a picture off on your Iphone 8 in 3d......
If you just want something that works quick with minimum effort Logicator is definetly worth a look.

 

[Focus Owner]

cheers guys, PICAXE M2 is tempting,
done that kind of programming before