Numeric USB keypad pendant

[el$syd]

Not sure whether this might help someone so apologies if you already know this -

My PC keyboard is next to my screen near my TRIAC, when I first had the TRIAC PC I used the full keyboard to jog the x,y,z axes. Very awkward to do . Then decided to buy a small silicone numeric keypad - the type that sits alongside notebooks that don't have separate numeric keypads.

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This means that I can easily hold the keypad whilst jogging the axes. The silicone covering is great too as it stops oil/grease/dust/chips getting into the electronics and can easily be cleaned. Cost is about £6.00 for these on ebay. Couldn't do without it now. I'd like to fit a mpg to it and put the whole thing in a small box - but not being a USB programmer I have no idea how to do this!

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There are no changes needed - just plugged it into a spare USB slot in my PC running XP. XP recognised the external numeric keypad and started using it.

I still have to change the feed and spindle speeds from my main screen though.

[Denford Admin]

It is a great idea - one of our demonstrators found a similar one, and has fitted magnetic strips to the back of it so it sticks onto the machine cabinet.

It probably wouldn't be possible to get a handwheel to work that way, however - it's something we experimented with in the past and had working, but never really got implemented- I'm not sure why

[derekb]

I know this is an old post but the use of a Jog Wheel, MPG's (Manual pulse generator) would really help the setup procedure, never mind touch-ups on the mdf models

any chance of looking into this again to see how far the development got and if you would be prepared for some of us to try out the feature and provide feedback ?

many Thanks

Dez

[Steve]

Hi. Denford now supply one of these with all new machines. They are really useful. Thanks for the post.

[derekb]

Thanks
We have a micro router , is there any further info on this or details on compatibility info for purchase ?

Dez

[TDIPower]

It should just work, just make sure number lock is turned off on the pad, that switches it to the arrow key, page up/down etc. You can change which keys are used within VR Milling, so you could use any keys you wanted, just go to Setup > Jog Keys > Password 'Denny' >click on what you want to redefine and click what you want it to be.

Pete

[derekb]

Pete
im talking about a Jog Wheel, MPG's (Manual pulse generator)

[Steve]

There is no option for an MPG with the machines as the best option is to use the Step mode and then move the axis fixed distances.