OpenServo.com

[guru]

Hey all, I am back from my long trip. I made an XYZ table out of a DVD-ROM drive enclosure, some 3.5 to 5 1/4 drive brackets, printer carriage, stepper motors and other varios parts.

I emptied most of the guts of the DVD Rom. Kept the outer case, the black inner case (inverted it and remounted to the metal case) and kept the disc tray. I ripped out the tray motor and installed a stepper instead for precision. Used 5.25 drive brackets as goal posts to mount using standoffs the carriage rod (Y) axis (smooth carriage bar from printer). There is a stepper on the left goal-post with a pully on the right goalpost that fits a belt with a coupler to attach to the carriage. This belt moves the carriage on the Y axis. (This belt is missing from the pictures, I forgot it!)

There is a square rod below the carriage rod that is the Z axis. The square rod turns a gear (the Z axis), but the gear is free to move on the Y axis along the carriage rod. (Not sure how good this will work in the end.)

I havent made the carriage part yet, but thats next. All the motors work including the table moving. I am not expecting to get any serious precision from this device as there is a lot of play in the gears especially the DVD rom tray.

Go here to see more pictures (hi-res) and a movie too:
http://www.colinmackenzie.net/projects/dvd-xyz/

This picture is missing the belt that moves the carriage on the Y axis:

[ginge]

Hi Colin,

I hope you enjoyed your trip.

The plotter is very impressive. I especially like your creative use of to hand components, especially the CDROM hack. It is certainly worthy of hack a day, are you going to do a nice write up when you are done?

What are your plans for the device?

I look forward to the next part of your upcoming saga.

P.S re: the audio track... missing the end of that party question is like missing half of a movie

Barry
_________________
http://www.headfuzz.co.uk/
http://www.robotfuzz.co.uk/

[guru]

What?!?!?! I checked that movie to make sure you couldnt hear our conversation. What is wrong with my audio? That was my beautiful wife, ...beautiful but easily jealous from a few girl friends. lol

I dont know what I will do with the device. I may not even finish it. I really want a precise XYZ table to mount a dremel tool and other devices and I know this thing wont cut it. I have been looking at a lot of hobby made CNC tables lately and I think a precision table wouldnt be too hard to make. This DVD rom hack started more as a lark.

I bought an Epson C84 printer but after much abuse on myself (and probably the printer) I am left to the conclusion that this printer is unservicable. I think the print head is damaged. New printers on Ebay are going for 100 and 200$ a piece!!! These printers were often given away with a computer purchase so this is strange. Others must be pcb hacking these printers too.

Maybe a precision XYZ table can help me in the prototype pcb area too.

C