Ep02: Clough42 Electronic Leadscrew | Sorting the electronics

Time to get the soldering iron out to make up the interface board. Then make up some connectors, download the software and code onto the microprocessor, and then fingers crossed it all works!
Link to mycncuk forum (my lathe mod thread) - scroll to post #49
www.mycncuk.com/threads/9141-L...
Links to James Clough's original (amazing) project:
Clough42 KZbin start of the series:
• Lathe Electronic Leads...
Clough42 WiKi project page:
github.com/clough42/electroni...
Link to Code Composer Studio software:
www.ti.com/tool/CCSTUDIO-C2000
(note: I could not get the latest version 12 to work as it did not support the debugger. I used the same version as James - release 9 build 10.)

[@WireWeHere]

25:01 A paint pen or equivalent means to dab matching asymmetric reference dots to the board and corresponding connector stand out great as a diy orientation reference. Using different colours helps prevent location errors too.

[@bobuk5722]

You set the code load to be either in debug or non-debug mode. The difference is important. In debug mode any code already on the Launch pad board is not overwritten, the newly loaded code is run from the debug chip. If the Launch pad is powr cycled the newly loaded code is lost and the original (if installed) runs. In non- debug mode the code is written direct to the main processor memory and overwrites any previous version. The final code load therefor must be done in non-debug mode. Debug mode is a complier selectable option. You absolutely must watch of of the Clough42 videos on this ELS in order to get it to work. They are very comprehensive also very necessary. Do not try and wing it, you will regret doing that.

[@routercnc9517]

Yes I could not have done it without his video guides

[@kazolar]

Look at PA-09 compression crimp pliers. I don't like the ratcheting pliers, which crimp both shield and pin together. The PA-09 pliers are non ratcheting, you crimp the pin first, the shift the plier and crimp the insulation, so much easier. I've been using these for years, and I can crimp very small connectors very quickly and securely, so now making these cables is pretty fast.

[@routercnc9517]

Thank you! I’ll look into those.

[@routercnc9517]

Ooh, quite expensive (£40) so far . . .

[@bobuk5722]

Hi folks, I've built one. The DuPont connectors require the correct crimp tooling. It is now available from IWIS at an affordable price, I modified the jaws of a standard crimp tool. DuPont connectors need the insulation gripping wings to be formed into a circular shape, not turned in to bite into the wire insulation. The crimp works ok but the connector then becomes very difficult if not impossible to insert into the housing. You can find info online about this aspect. My hands shake and I found making these very difficult. may be better to use ready made wire and connectors.

[@routercnc9517]

I made a fixture to help make my connectors but it is still fiddly

[@mjoconr]

With lead free solder you need to use flux :)

[@routercnc9517]

OK that makes sense. I’ll get some for next time.

[@boldford]

@@routercnc9517 It's no bad thing to use flux with any solder. Use IPA to clean if off when finished.

[@bobuk5722]

Me again, getting the Kapton tape off the Launch Board switches was tricky. Do use electrostatic protection, don't take chances. No nylon underpants!

[@routercnc9517]

Yes they were a bit fiddly

[@daftar37]

It could to be improve

[@routercnc9517]

Hopefully!

[@cadewey6181]

Or use REAL lead soldier and flux, just promise not to lick the lead afterwords.

[@routercnc9517]

I miss the old days . . . .

[@bobuk5722]

Far, far too many mid roll ads. Very difficult to follow what being said.

[@routercnc9517]

Sorry about that KZbin put them where they want to.