The Anilam Crusader 2 post processor available

Discussions around the CAM Add-On of QCAD.

Moderator: andrew

Forum rules

Always indicate your operating system and QCAD version.

Indicate the post processor used.

Attach drawing files and screenshots.

Post one question per topic.

Post Reply
Arctic_Eddie
Active Member
Posts: 28
Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2020 5:23 pm
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

The Anilam Crusader 2 post processor available

Post by Arctic_Eddie » Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:29 pm

The Anilam Crusader 2 CNC is quite old and has some unique requirements in it's gcode file. Two of the oddities I've found while working with a friends CNC is that the arc commands, G2/G3, require that the I/J values be in absolute mode. However, When in that mode, viewers like the one at NCViewer.com are expecting the values to be incremental. Also, the TXT file that's being loaded onto the CNC wants a line containing the % character preceding the gcode and two lines containing the % character to signal the end of the transfer. With the versatility of the QCAM .JS files, we set out to create a post processor for the Anilam when it's equipped with a laser.

Attached are three files, AnilamLaser.js, AnilamLaserMM.js, and AnilamLaser2MM.js. The first is a minor modification of GCodeLaserOffsetMM.js in that the offset command is neutered and the correct M codes for our CNC are inserted in place of the usual selections. The file also makes the Z-axis inoperative which is helpful for single pass laser cutting. This new file is the basis for the following two files.

The AnilamLaserMM.js file forces the arc command I/J values to be in the absolute mode but does nothing to solve viewer problem like NCViewer.com. The AnilamLaser2MM.js file solves both problems by telling both Anilam and viewers that I/J are relative then reverts back to absolute for the next X/Y command. Both files work correctly with the Anilam but the second is more universal and works with the CNC and viewers.

To use these files, copy all three to the QCADCAM/postprocessors folder. In QCAM, select either of the later two, ...MM or ...2MM from the drop-down list before export.

Update:
The three original files have been replaced by the attached set having mostly cosmetic improvements by the excellent help of CVH. The execution in an Anilam will not change. Use these if you have copied the original set into QCAM.
Attachments
AnilamLaserMM.js
(2.35 KiB) Downloaded 399 times
AnilamLaser2MM.js
(2.35 KiB) Downloaded 404 times
AnilamLaser.js
(3.54 KiB) Downloaded 391 times

User avatar
andrew
Site Admin
Posts: 9037
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 6:07 am

Re: The Anilam Crusader 2 post processor available

Post by andrew » Mon Jan 11, 2021 11:56 am

Thank you for your valuable contribution.

Do we have your permission to include these post processors in future QCAD/CAM releases?

Thanks,
Andrew

Arctic_Eddie
Active Member
Posts: 28
Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2020 5:23 pm
Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

Re: The Anilam Crusader 2 post processor available

Post by Arctic_Eddie » Mon Jan 11, 2021 1:04 pm

Absolutely, it would be an honor to have the files included in future QCAD/CAM releases. That's the beauty of forums, sharing knowledge.

Ed

User avatar
andrew
Site Admin
Posts: 9037
Joined: Fri Mar 30, 2007 6:07 am

Re: The Anilam Crusader 2 post processor available

Post by andrew » Mon Jan 11, 2021 1:17 pm

Excellent, thank you for your contribution!

Post Reply

Return to “QCAD/CAM”