NAME

       mdro - manual only Digital Read Out (DRO)

SYNOPSIS

       mdro [-v] [-p point_size] [-m] [-l file.var] [axes]

DESCRIPTION

       mdro  is a manual only DRO providing functionality similar to a traditional manual DRO. It
       is most useful for manual machines converted to  CNC.  It  allows  the  user  to  manually
       control  the  machine  while continuing to use the DRO scales on the axes.  The GUI can be
       sized to match the user's screen. It is mouse-only and touchscreen friendly.

OPTIONS

       These command line options are normally used when mdro is started in a HAL file. See below
       for the corresponding .ini file options.

       v      Turn on verbose debug prints. -vv is even more verbose.

       p point_size
              Set  the  point  size  for  the  text  in the application. This option controls the
              overall size of the window on the screen. Default is 20. Typical values range  from
              20 to 30.

       m      Set this if the DRO scales provide data scaled in millimeters.

       l file.var
              Load G54 through G57 coordinates from file.var.

       axes   This  option  is used to specify the names of the axes handled by the program.  The
              default is "XYZ". A four axis mill would use "XYZA", and a lathe with  a  two  axis
              DRO might use "XZ".

SCREEN CONFIGURATION

       The  top  of the screen includes a row for each axis specified in axes. Data in these rows
       are derived from signals on the mdro.axis.n  pins  that  are  instantiated  when  mdro  is
       started. Each row includes buttons that allow the value to be be zeroed, to be halved or a
       new value to be entered. There is also a button that enables the index  zero  process  for
       that axis.

       The  screen  includes buttons that allow the selection of one of four different coordinate
       systems. The machine coordinate system can also be selected though it cannot be changed.

       The screen includes a keypad that can be used with a mouse or  a  touch  screen  to  enter
       coordinate data.

       Finally, buttons on the screen allow the selection of inch or mm data display.

USAGE

       mdro  is  normally started from the [DISPLAY] entry in a dedicated mdro.ini file.  The INI
       file and the associated HAL files should include the pins and signals that support the DRO
       scales.  The HAL connections to mdro must be done in the POSTGUI_HALFILE referenced in the
       INI file.

       Other [DISPLAY] section options:

       GEOMETRY = axes
              Names the coordinate axes used in the program. For example,  "XYZ"  for  a  3  axis
              mill or "XZ" for a lathe, Default is "XYZ".

       MDRO_VAR_FILE = file.var
              Preload a VAR file. This is typically the VAR file used by the operational code.

       POINT_SIZE = n
              This  option  sets  the  size  of  the font used which sets the overall size of the
              window. The default point size is 20, Typical sizes are 20 to 30.

       MM = 1 Set this if the DRO scales provide data scaled in millimeters.

EXAMPLES

       Using an example of "XYZA" for an axes argument, these pins  will  be  created  when  mdro
       starts:

        mdro.axis.0
        mdro.axis.1
        mdro.axis.2
        mdro.axis.3
        mdro.index-enable.0
        mdro.index-enable.1
        mdro.index-enable.2
        mdro.index-enable.3

       In  this example, the first row will be labeled "X" and will show the data associated with
       pin mdro.axis.0. In many configurations, mdro.axis.0 can be connected directly to x-pos-fb
       in  the  POSTGUI-HAL  file. The index pins should be connected to the corresponding index-
       enable pins from the DRO.

       mdro can also be started via a "loadusr" command in a HAL file  for  a  trial.  Here's  an
       example of a sim setup:

        loadusr -W mdro -l sim.var XYZ
        net x-pos-fb  => mdro.axis.0
        net y-pos-fb  => mdro.axis.1
        net z-pos-fb  => mdro.axis.2

AUTHOR

       Robert Bond

COPYRIGHT

       Copyright © 2022 Robert Bond
       This  is  free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO warranty; not
       even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.