Pocket NC jog controller

A project with pi pico, it makes controlling your Pocket NC much easier

George Yuan

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Description

Getting frustrated when doing some manual machining on my Pocket NC, I decide to make a CNC jog controller for my Pocket NC, like the ones you find on a HAAS machine.

The controller has to have 2 basic functions: 1. Being able to select the axis, 2. Have a jog wheel.

Also, I don’t want to make the controller only limited to Pocket NC, but be a “universal” controller, if I make a robotic arm in the future, I want the controller able to, controller.

To do this I decided to use the new Pi Pico as the controller’s control board, it will communicate to the computer HID, basically act like a mouse and a keyboard. Then I have a Python script running on the computer to interpret the control’s input and translate it into action needed; in this case, licking the axis button on the Pocket NC control site.

Details

video of the jog controller working.

Components

1 × pi pico
1 × micro usb cable, 3 to 6 feet Connectors and Accessories / Telecom and Datacom (Modular) Connectors
1 × hand wheel manual encoder https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G9FVHM8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
2 × 200 ohm resistor
5 × push button switch https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0752RMB7Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

View all 7 components

Build Instructions

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1

getting the files.

go to my GitHub page and download all the files: https://github.com/George0023/pocket-nc-jog-controller

3D print the stl file in sequence.
2

assembly

secure led, button and jog wheel so it look at the front of the controller.

wire up all component like this:

solder everything.
3

getting the software ready

the software instructions are over at GitHub, where you download all the files from.