Question How to operate AC Servo-Driver via SimTools ?

On the forum I could not find the information how to operate AC Servo-Driver via SimTools ?
I have three-axis servo driver DORNA EPS - M1 :
https://www.yoycart.com/Product/537908559744
This servo driver is controlled by RS485
Connecting RS485 to computer possible by "USB to RS485" adapter:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/usb-to-rs485-converter

- but the question is how to operate AC Servo-Driver via SimTools ?

Hi,


You need a motion controller for these servo drives. A few months ago I made one exactly for these Dorna M1 (3-in-1) servo drives:




(power-on calibration)


(running on Ian's BFF motion software motion software, soon on simtools as well)


Thanks
Thanos

I admire the work you have done
When I saw such a complicated motion controller - immediately there were a few questions:
1) there are international communication protocols, for example:
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard protocol for communication between PC and other devices
RS-485 ( Recommended Standard 485), other name EIA-485 (Electronic Industries Alliance-485)

2) when you made controller, you did a great job, what purpose did you pursue:
2.1. to make an interpreter for standardization between different protocols?
2.2. or make an interpreter between the servo-drivers and the SimTools ?
2.3. or make a "universal motion controller" for all types of servо-drivers?

3) Is there really no direct communication between the USB and RS-485 on the international protocol?

As a professional in his field, can you please explain the intricacies of communication between RS-485 and USB ?
Thank you.

Kind Regards,
Ashraf.

Hi Ashraf,

My controller is using serial interface via its FTDI chipset on board. When connected on a PC it shows up in the Device Manager as USB to Serial device (COMx). The RS-485 is similar but it uses a half-duplex encoder/decoder chip to rise the voltage for transmission and lower again on the receiver (for longer distances).
I understand many servo drives have RS-485 interface for settings but usually use CAN interface to control the motion part as it uses better addressing system. However neither the RS-485 or CAN interface is standard even for different devices of the same manufacturer. Each device has its own set of address system and commands they respond to. This means that you cannot use the control software that Dorna servo drives use for example on Syntron servo drives. Nor you can program a motion interface in a computer and be able to reuse it in another servo drive model.

The AMC1280USB has different approach, as its using universal control inputs that are the same for all servo drives, no matter what model or manufacturer are from. All you have to do is to connect these control input between the AMC1280USB and the servo control connector ( usually a 44 pin connector) and set the proper control mode in the servo parameters and you are set. So yes, you may consider it as a universal motion controller for Servo drives.

Now you can use any type servo drive via the AMC1280USB common interface to provide motion from Simtools or other motion software. The command protocol of the AMC1280USB is easy, you can sent to it simple position command even from simple terminal if you like. I can provide detailed command list and specs on the communications of the AMC1280USB if you like to write you own custom control interface for it.

Thanks
Thanos

Hi Thanos, you mentioned (My controller is using serial interface via its FTDI chipset on board)

Should I use this to connect the 1280 to the PC?
https://www.banggood.com/Geekcreit-...6-p-961537.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CN

Jerry

No. The AMC1280USB does not have RS-485 receiver circuit!!

Thank you for such a detailed answer.
I caught myself thinking, why don't you use «Serial Port Monitor» (sniffer) ?
- this could have greatly facilitated your task

Do you have a manual for Dorna EPS - M1 (3-in-1) ?
- please can you tell me what is the problem here?

I don't have the english version of the Dorna EPS-M1 manual, however I sent you the manual for the EPS-B1 which is the same. The Dorna EPS-M1 contains three EPS-B1 drives...

I'm not sure what is the problem. Perhaps its trying to detect limit switches when you don't have any attached. Try disabling the limit switches safeguard, but be ready to stop the motor before it reaches the end positions of the actuator... The JOG function keeps running the motor to either direction non stop!

Thanks
Thanos

Probably for safety of the actuator this parameter was blocked (!)
- changing this parameters removes the motor lock:



Thank you soooo much

Kind Regards,
Ashraf.

Hi Ashfaf, still looking for an English manual?

This might help!

http://www.newtech.pk/down/DORNA-AC- SERVO-Manual.pdf

Regards Jerry

Thank you for your participation in the project
I checked the manual for EPS B-1 and EPS M-1 and there is a big difference,
using the sniffer, we listened to the signals and got the result:
Speed 57600 odd 1 stop bit
2304 - register turns on the servo
2305 - 1-on forward 0-off forward
2306 - 1-on , 0-off backward
306 register the speed set in JOG
for us now an open question is: - how to connect this data via SimTools?

Obviously you will need a CAN interface that can talk to the motors, then you will need to write a computer program that will translate the axis positions from Simtools to positions of the actuators that the Dorna drives. You will need to write that between program in a way to control the actuators in position mode with all things involved in that, managing home position limits, managing stroke limits, PID control and error control.

Personally, I think this is too much work to do for a specific servo drive model, that might be obsolete soon. And you won't be able to use same code for another model or brand servo drive...

Thanks
Thanos

what simulator is this ? where did you get it from ?

https://mantgames.en.made-in-china....otion-Platform-3-Dof-Platform-for-F1-Car.html

Its not mine, a customer has it in Australia, I just made for him a custom AMC1280USB to bypass the Vegafu motion controller on it so he will be able to play other racing games and flight sim, as before was locked for use only with pCars...

Thanks
Thanos

I CANT SOLVE THIS PROPLEM ERORR 10 ON DRIVE ANDER ON SMC

Hi Mohamed, sorry I can't help, but I hope you get some response to help fix this; as it would be a shame to finish here!

Jerry

hello
i have a sim motion but the software was gone i used vegafu smc_x24 and servo dorna m1 for car racing purpose anyone can help me to fine a compatible software