Rasperry Pi users

[Andrew]

Does anyone play about with these?
I last did some programming with Visual Basic when I was at school, (15? Years ago) and made a light following robot at college 10 years ago so can’t remember much, and never had anything to do with a pi.

I have a very old mig welder. I do a lot of repetitive work and would like a few ‘programmed memories’ of weld settings. Also I’d like to be able to see amps, wire feed speed etc etc. Is this a doable project to aim for?

What starter kits do you suggest, what’s the best way to learn etc?

 

[TechWise]

Raspberry Pi is one option for this, as is an Arduino. Both have various forums and support communities that will be able to help with any problems you have.

The Raspberry Pi might be a bit of "using a hammer to crack a nut" in this application. It has a very powerful processor which you don't really need for this. On the other hand, it has loads of memory and loads of nice features like WiFi, USB ports and a display. It also has a 7" touchscreen add on which might be nice for making your adjustments.

The arduino is somewhat cheaper but it is a much slower processor with much more limited memory. That being said, the arduino is great for embedded applications like what you've described. It also has built in Analogue to Digital converters which you might need to read in measurements from your welder or to add extra sensors.

And quick look on Amazon/eBay should throw up loads of kits for both devices, complete with project ideas and various components to get you started.

 

[Andrew]

Cheers. I brought starter kit from Amazon to have a play. Done a bit of research and changed my project ideas - might make an automated control system for my Heath chaser.

Quite fancy a cnc plasma as well!

 

[john1123]

@Andrew how did the bale chaser go?
For the auto setup of the welder, Arduino and Stepper motors would probably do it though not the prettiest. Depending on how well versed and 'keen' you are you could open the welder, find out how the control knobs work and create a dual control by wiring it in directly. Not the safest if you don't do that often.

 

[Andrew]

@Andrew how did the bale chaser go?
For the auto setup of the welder, Arduino and Stepper motors would probably do it though not the prettiest. Depending on how well versed and 'keen' you are you could open the welder, find out how the control knobs work and create a dual control by wiring it in directly. Not the safest if you don't do that often.

Went ok actually, hopefully be in a position to tell you more soon.
Still thinking about the welder idea.