Controlling 2 Separate XY tables & 6 solenoids. 1 Arduino per XY table?

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi,

I'm weighing up a new project where I will need to control 2 stepper motor XY tables from Gcode inputs, and also 6 solenoids which will need to be actuated in between movements on the XY tables.

The two XY positioning systems and the solenoids make up 1 complete system, but the tables will move independently of each other and receive independent coordinate commands.

What would be involved in controlling all of this from a single arduino mega? Would it be simpler to have an arduino for each XY table?

I'm not vastly experienced in programming having only completed one or two large project which have given me skills specific to that rather than a broad appreciation! So i'm just looking for some input on feasibility.

Thanks

2

Typically, reading GCode and making steppers move is pretty much a full time job for a Mega controlling two or three steppers. Having one of them control two separate tables based on two separate GCode streams feels like a real stretch.

Would it be simpler to have an arduino for each XY table?

Enormously. That is, if there is no need to communicate between the Arduinos/tables.

What is driving the positions of the tables? That is, where are the GCode streams coming from?

3

If the movements of the two tables need to be coordinated then they probably have to be controlled by the same Arduino.

Perhaps you could reduce the Arduino's burden by interpreting the GCode on your PC and just sending data for the movements to the Arduino.

...R