micro-controller based dividing head

[EclecticNeophyte]

Hi Paul,

Interaction is completely via the LCD display and buttons (i.e., the SainSmart LCD Keyboard interface). The display mounts 'piggy-back' onto an Arduino UNO, and uses firmware written (I think) by Chuck Fellows. This unit mimics one produced by Chuck, which is described more fully here: (Electronic Dividing Head using the Arduino - Home Model Engine Machinist). You can find a lot of info on the web just by searching for terms like "electronic dividing head", or "stepper motor dividing head", etc..

From that you will see that the idea isn't unique to Chuck, as there are others who have done this as well. Some start with an old surplus mechanical dividing head, and simply fit a stepper motor to it, along with some sort of controller and brains...

In my case, I didn't possess a dividing head, but had previously built an indexing head with crude hand made indexing wheels. The accuracy just wasn't there... so when I found this solution, the decision to build one was simple. I have a number of small micro controllers from past projects, and was able to slap this thing together once the mechanical aspects were made. I'll likely gravitate away from the arduino, and to something like the MSP430 by TI as time allows...

Good luck, and let us see what you've built!
-EN

p.s., one other modification I'll be making to this EDH, is to shorten the motor mounting plate; which will bring the stepper closer to the spindle. That will reduce chances of interference with parts of the mill.