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Posted by Dave Hughes
- June 06, 2024, 11:11:05 AMRichard Dale from Hill & Dale Private Press and Typefoundry recreates the title page from an 1829 newspaper on his Monotype Supercaster using the Welliver interface in this recently-posted YouTube video that was filmed in 2008.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9D3dEQcGkM
QuoteCreating a facsimile copy of The Weekly Gleaner from 1829, at Hill & Dale Private Press and Typefoundry with Rich Hopkins (filmed in 2008). This video shows casting type on a Monotype Supercaster, setting up a file from scanned text, and outputting that text as type on a Composition caster using the Welliver interface.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9D3dEQcGkM
Posted by Dave Hughes
- May 27, 2024, 09:18:30 AMForum regular, and Monotype expert @KPMartin has recently uploaded some video to Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQasXJ8Wi_Q
Says Kevin:
The PCB design that is in the works sounds interesting, anybody know more details?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQasXJ8Wi_Q
Says Kevin:
QuoteThis shows my Monotype Composition Caster, under control of my laptop and a custom interface, casting a font of 6-point Sans Serif Light (Monotype #329). This type is used for hand-setting of text for letterpress printing.
Although reliability of the whole system has improved over the years, the actual interface is still a rat's nest of wires on a proto-board. A PCB design is in the works, though.
Various posts about this machine are available on our blog.
We sell new metal type; information is available here.
The PCB design that is in the works sounds interesting, anybody know more details?
Posted by John Nixon
- February 08, 2023, 06:32:41 AMHi all
We at the Printing Museum in New Zealand have taken a different approach.
We have a Monotype punch unit from the 1960's and many rolls of paper.
Check this out, we can produce a tape and courier it world wide.
Always in development but would be happy to produce a short trial for you to test, courier only cost.
Please let me know on, ironically linotype@icloud.com
Cheers, John
https://youtu.be/br9LpPwjqDI
John posted more details of where this system is in use on this topic: Wellington Centre for Book Arts, New Zealand - Admin
We at the Printing Museum in New Zealand have taken a different approach.
We have a Monotype punch unit from the 1960's and many rolls of paper.
Check this out, we can produce a tape and courier it world wide.
Always in development but would be happy to produce a short trial for you to test, courier only cost.
Please let me know on, ironically linotype@icloud.com
Cheers, John
https://youtu.be/br9LpPwjqDI
John posted more details of where this system is in use on this topic: Wellington Centre for Book Arts, New Zealand - Admin
Posted by Keri Szafir
- January 21, 2023, 06:11:32 PMAh yes, "A Mess of Tubes" as I call it. I never really liked his design - truth be told, when I saw it back in 2014, I said I can't even look at that - I can do so much better, make a device that can withstand the hardships of a hot typecasting environment. And I did.
I've been thinking about getting into cooperation with Welliver, especially now that he stopped offering these interfaces. My electronics design is certainly superior to his (haha!), but his software and probably marketing skills too is superior to mine. We could complement each other. The problem is that with chip shortages still going on, it may be hard to get a fully fledged Raspberry Pi. I've also been thinking of moving the platform to a microcontroller with WiFi, e.g. ESP32, and implementing the control and communication functions.
I've been thinking about getting into cooperation with Welliver, especially now that he stopped offering these interfaces. My electronics design is certainly superior to his (haha!), but his software and probably marketing skills too is superior to mine. We could complement each other. The problem is that with chip shortages still going on, it may be hard to get a fully fledged Raspberry Pi. I've also been thinking of moving the platform to a microcontroller with WiFi, e.g. ESP32, and implementing the control and communication functions.
Posted by Dave Hughes
- January 07, 2023, 09:01:42 AMEd Rayher at Swamp Press was mentioned on the Forum recently: A new source of matrices available in the US
He uses a "Welliver" computer interface for his Monotype operation.
He has a video of it working:
https://youtu.be/nWdqS-VtPS8
He uses a "Welliver" computer interface for his Monotype operation.
He has a video of it working:
https://youtu.be/nWdqS-VtPS8
Posted by Keri Szafir
- July 26, 2022, 11:48:27 AMI can make a new one and the estimated cost would be around 3000 euro, but because of the chip shortages it may be hard to come by a new Raspberry Pi. Still got a bunch of interface boards. The device will work with any machine (both Lanston and English).
Posted by Dave Hughes
- July 26, 2022, 10:11:48 AMThanks, Keri for explaining the rpi2caster - your "opus magnus" - is it available for purchase at this stage, or is that some time in the future. Also, would this machine be able to be used globally, for instance in North America or Australia?
Posted by Keri Szafir
- July 25, 2022, 11:58:09 PMPosted by Keri Szafir
- May 19, 2022, 12:56:10 AMObsolete ICs can be worked around if you know the communication protocol between the interface and control computer. If the mac2cast software is open source, it's possible to develop an alternative interface working with Harry's software, or the opposite: new software working with Mactronic interfaces.
Posted by mmckenzie
- May 18, 2022, 02:36:51 PMThanks for the thought.
The problem in this case is zero future supply due to the interface IC being discontinued by the manufacturers! There are no spare boards in any case, or drawings available to make new ones due to the wholesale destruction of Harry's office.
However, the electronics side of an interface is not really an insurmountable problem given that the only requirement is to turn the odd pneumatic valve on and off at will.
Matt
The problem in this case is zero future supply due to the interface IC being discontinued by the manufacturers! There are no spare boards in any case, or drawings available to make new ones due to the wholesale destruction of Harry's office.
However, the electronics side of an interface is not really an insurmountable problem given that the only requirement is to turn the odd pneumatic valve on and off at will.
Matt
Posted by Keri Szafir
- May 17, 2022, 08:25:13 AMHey, I could help you with the USB interface; the problem is the apocalypse i.e. chip shortages. Even the MCP23017 port expanders are just not there yet. I've got a few of them rpi2caster boards that I designed to work with Raspberry Pi, but I could as well hack them to work with an Arduino instead, if you need an USB interface, but let's postpone any actual production until next year.
Posted by mmckenzie
- May 16, 2022, 06:21:13 PMSadly Harry had a stroke a couple of years ago and is no longer casting. I managed to rescue the contents of his workshop and am still sifting through and cataloguing the collection of mats et al.
There were no additional interfaces made, although I do have the one shown in the video above attached to the caster it came with. At some point I intend to produce an interface myself but since the USB interface chip Harry used is now no longer manufactured, I will have to find some currently supported means to do that.
Harry was very protective about his system and although I managed to get some details about it and the software, his wife Diana had the whole of the contents of his office put into a skip whilst he was in hospital with Covid, so there is no more documentation currently available.
There were no additional interfaces made, although I do have the one shown in the video above attached to the caster it came with. At some point I intend to produce an interface myself but since the USB interface chip Harry used is now no longer manufactured, I will have to find some currently supported means to do that.
Harry was very protective about his system and although I managed to get some details about it and the software, his wife Diana had the whole of the contents of his office put into a skip whilst he was in hospital with Covid, so there is no more documentation currently available.
Posted by Dave Hughes
- May 11, 2022, 11:33:51 PMA more up-to-date video from mac2cast shows MacTronic3 (the video in post #3 was the MacTronic2, c1996; this one is from 2016).
Not the best of videos, it was accompanied with the following text: "NEW! At last, the Mark 3 has arrived! It is available to all interested parties who want a well-tested, reliable, self-contained unit that is customised to their requirements – NO coding, 'rocket science', Internet dependence or DIY!
The 'Windows' environment is used with USB connection and, due to a long experience in computing and typecasting, there are many new features – all rigorously tested and user-friendly! Having abandoned the use of R-Pi/Arduino in favour of a Windows 10 tablet (Linx 1010 tablet is included and ready to go!), all tried and trusted programs can still be used – everything is in the box! If attached to a normal monitor and keyboard, the tablet can be used as a desk-top PC that will give easier viewing to rest of programs – OpenOffice, DiecaseLayout and WinJp.
This is a sorts galley of 10pt Gill Sans Light being cast and showing the stop character on the first (last!) line stopping the caster. A simple text file is used to produce by number of lines or characters of any font, size or measure – these can even be kerned.
Contact Harry McIntosh to discuss your requirements at machot@supanet.com (NOTE: use hmachot - problems with machot)."
https://youtu.be/RTogR87NJRs
A contemporary web page here: MACTRONIC 3 offers more detail of the system
For over forty years Harry McIntosh has serviced a nucleus of select customers with a fully comprehensive range of typesetting facilities and typefaces to suit all of their requirements. He has recently (2013) sold a large part of his Monotype collection, but has kept back more than enough to retain a strong presence in Monotype hot-metal typesetting – see the list below. Thanks to MacTronic, he can offer this service to everyone. Harry has been using MacTronic to produce punch-tape since 1986, and later, in 1996, direct to caster – no paper tape!
After a great deal of testing and extra features, the long-awaited Mark 3 has now arrived. It is available to all interested parties who want a well-tested, reliable, self-contained unit that is customised to their requirements – NO coding or DIY and certainly no reliance on Internet connection!
OpenOffice (as well as LibreOffice, InDesign, Word, etc.) is used to input text in conjunction with very versatile software and an easy-to-install, clamp-on unit – no paper tape and ready to go without disturbing any caster adjustments! Just think – no more reliance on worn, badly adjusted pneumatic keyboards, justification drums, sticky stopbars and keybars with all their idiosyncrasies; and, of course, no need for expensive, scarce paper tape and re-keying – mistakes and revised specifications are easily rectified with a few keystrokes. The 'Windows' environment is used with USB connection and, due to a long experience in computing and typecasting, there are many new features – all rigorously tested! Having abandoned the use of R-Pi/Arduino in favour of a Windows 10 tablet (Linx 1010 tablet is included and ready to go!), all tried and trusted programs can still be used – everything (including software) is in the box! If attached to a normal monitor and keyboard, the tablet can be used as a desk-top PC that will give easier viewing to rest of programs – OpenOffice, DiecaseLayout and WinJp.
This development allows word-processor disks, data files, e-mails, or copy that can be either scanned or keyboarded into a computer to be converted into Monotype hot-metal or 31-channel punched tape. OpenOffice (as well as LibreOffice, InDesign, Word, etc.), is now used to control text input. This means complete control of accuracy, word spacing, hyphenation, line breaks, page breaks, etc. – you get what you see on your own screens!
THE 'MACTRONIC' SYSTEM
The MacTronic system comprises of a text output from OpenOffice (as well as LibreOffice, Indesign, Word, etc.). Special hot-metal fonts are used to control line-endings, hyphenation, etc. When a satisfactory result has been achieved, a PDF file is generated to give a hot-metal facsimile. This PDF can be sent to customer for checking, and any last-minute alterations can be done before commitment to caster. After any corrections, the file is processed through a Justification Program (including diecase) to produce a final hot-metal file with complete control of galley length by line/page and auto-generated galley lines with stop quads. This is sent to caster, through Cast Driver Program and Interface, to create perfectly justified galleys of type.
An extensive selection of classical Monotype typefaces have been retained for the use of the discerning publisher, press or design studio - see the list below. Traditional skills and quality control are used throughout all services. For further information regarding spool setting, typesetting, digital setting, or even letterpress printing, please contact us.
Typefaces available
Baskerville (169) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14pt
Bembo (270) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13pt
Bodoni (135) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11D, 12, 13pt
Bulmer (469) - 11, 12pt
Caslon (128) - 10, 11, 12pt
Garamond (156) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Gill Sans (262) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14pt
Gill Sans Light (362) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Grotesque Light (126) - 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13pt
Grotesque (215) - 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13pt
Helvetica (765) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 12D
Imprint (101) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11D, 12pt
Modern (1) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Modern (7) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Octavian (603) - 14pt
Old Style (2) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Old Style (151) - 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Perpetua (239) - 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14pt
Plantin (110) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14pt
Plantin Light (113) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Rockwell Light (390) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 12pt
Rockwell Medium (371) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 12pt
Sabon (669) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12D
Scotch Roman (46) - 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Scotch Roman (137) - 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Times (327) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14pt
Univers Light (685) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12D
Univers Medium (689) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12D
Univers Bold (693/696) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12D
as well as Cyrillic, Greek and even Hebrew and 4-Line Maths! - and, of course, Sorts and Ornaments up to 14pt, Spoolsetting and MacTronic. I no longer have the facilities to cast display type or lead and rule.
Technical details
MacTronic uses OpenOffice (as well as LibreOffice, Indesign, Word, etc.) with all their text functions to produce hot-metal text that is justified, ragged left, right or centred on any Monotype composition caster. This means instant on-screen text recognition – no coding!
Any layout can be used (16×17, 15×17, and 15×15). Any set size; measure up to 60 ems; unit-adding, letterspacing, unit-shift; automatic high space when character in layout requires it; auto-generated ligatures; when word space in line is over wedge limits, extra spaces are auto-generated until within limits (usually in very narrow measures).
There are various left, hanging and right indents; also margins for hanging punctuation and short leads. The tables of the wordprocessors have been utilised to produce hot-metal tables automatically.
Galley line/page length control with galley lines auto-generated with stop quad and blank line through any length of file – usually per chapter.
Due to the limitations of matrix-case layouts, punctuation, etc. can be shared between fonts or changed to deliberate wrong characters for hand alteration. Accents, pi-characters, etc. are only limited by the capacity of the matrix-case. Any layout can be generated, and, if the caster has the unit-shift facility, even 15×15 and 15×17 layouts can be unit-shifted.
A 'wrong' normal wedge can be substituted to produce the same results as a correct wedge, utilising unit-adding and unit-shift (if available) or single justifying to obtain the correct character width.
This facility can be used to kern characters – plus 1-9 units, minus 1-2 units (depending on type size).
By using a simple text file, a sorts galley can be produced by number of lines or characters of any font, size or measure – these can even be kerned.
The latest capability is to mix italic, Greek, etc. from different diecases – not only of the same set, but different sizes within the limits of the wedges. This is very useful in large composition where there is only one font per diecase, or where a different size or language such as Greek, Fraktur, etc. is required throughout the text.
Due to the ease of creating PDFs, these 'proofs' can show customers how a job will look in hot-metal and enables any changes to be made before commitment to casting.
It would seem that Harry is no longer in business, was the MacTronic3 the answer to automating the Monotype caster? Is the technology still available?
Not the best of videos, it was accompanied with the following text: "NEW! At last, the Mark 3 has arrived! It is available to all interested parties who want a well-tested, reliable, self-contained unit that is customised to their requirements – NO coding, 'rocket science', Internet dependence or DIY!
The 'Windows' environment is used with USB connection and, due to a long experience in computing and typecasting, there are many new features – all rigorously tested and user-friendly! Having abandoned the use of R-Pi/Arduino in favour of a Windows 10 tablet (Linx 1010 tablet is included and ready to go!), all tried and trusted programs can still be used – everything is in the box! If attached to a normal monitor and keyboard, the tablet can be used as a desk-top PC that will give easier viewing to rest of programs – OpenOffice, DiecaseLayout and WinJp.
This is a sorts galley of 10pt Gill Sans Light being cast and showing the stop character on the first (last!) line stopping the caster. A simple text file is used to produce by number of lines or characters of any font, size or measure – these can even be kerned.
Contact Harry McIntosh to discuss your requirements at machot@supanet.com (NOTE: use hmachot - problems with machot)."
https://youtu.be/RTogR87NJRs
A contemporary web page here: MACTRONIC 3 offers more detail of the system
For over forty years Harry McIntosh has serviced a nucleus of select customers with a fully comprehensive range of typesetting facilities and typefaces to suit all of their requirements. He has recently (2013) sold a large part of his Monotype collection, but has kept back more than enough to retain a strong presence in Monotype hot-metal typesetting – see the list below. Thanks to MacTronic, he can offer this service to everyone. Harry has been using MacTronic to produce punch-tape since 1986, and later, in 1996, direct to caster – no paper tape!
After a great deal of testing and extra features, the long-awaited Mark 3 has now arrived. It is available to all interested parties who want a well-tested, reliable, self-contained unit that is customised to their requirements – NO coding or DIY and certainly no reliance on Internet connection!
OpenOffice (as well as LibreOffice, InDesign, Word, etc.) is used to input text in conjunction with very versatile software and an easy-to-install, clamp-on unit – no paper tape and ready to go without disturbing any caster adjustments! Just think – no more reliance on worn, badly adjusted pneumatic keyboards, justification drums, sticky stopbars and keybars with all their idiosyncrasies; and, of course, no need for expensive, scarce paper tape and re-keying – mistakes and revised specifications are easily rectified with a few keystrokes. The 'Windows' environment is used with USB connection and, due to a long experience in computing and typecasting, there are many new features – all rigorously tested! Having abandoned the use of R-Pi/Arduino in favour of a Windows 10 tablet (Linx 1010 tablet is included and ready to go!), all tried and trusted programs can still be used – everything (including software) is in the box! If attached to a normal monitor and keyboard, the tablet can be used as a desk-top PC that will give easier viewing to rest of programs – OpenOffice, DiecaseLayout and WinJp.
This development allows word-processor disks, data files, e-mails, or copy that can be either scanned or keyboarded into a computer to be converted into Monotype hot-metal or 31-channel punched tape. OpenOffice (as well as LibreOffice, InDesign, Word, etc.), is now used to control text input. This means complete control of accuracy, word spacing, hyphenation, line breaks, page breaks, etc. – you get what you see on your own screens!
THE 'MACTRONIC' SYSTEM
The MacTronic system comprises of a text output from OpenOffice (as well as LibreOffice, Indesign, Word, etc.). Special hot-metal fonts are used to control line-endings, hyphenation, etc. When a satisfactory result has been achieved, a PDF file is generated to give a hot-metal facsimile. This PDF can be sent to customer for checking, and any last-minute alterations can be done before commitment to caster. After any corrections, the file is processed through a Justification Program (including diecase) to produce a final hot-metal file with complete control of galley length by line/page and auto-generated galley lines with stop quads. This is sent to caster, through Cast Driver Program and Interface, to create perfectly justified galleys of type.
An extensive selection of classical Monotype typefaces have been retained for the use of the discerning publisher, press or design studio - see the list below. Traditional skills and quality control are used throughout all services. For further information regarding spool setting, typesetting, digital setting, or even letterpress printing, please contact us.
Typefaces available
Baskerville (169) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14pt
Bembo (270) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13pt
Bodoni (135) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11D, 12, 13pt
Bulmer (469) - 11, 12pt
Caslon (128) - 10, 11, 12pt
Garamond (156) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Gill Sans (262) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14pt
Gill Sans Light (362) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Grotesque Light (126) - 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13pt
Grotesque (215) - 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13pt
Helvetica (765) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 12D
Imprint (101) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11D, 12pt
Modern (1) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Modern (7) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Octavian (603) - 14pt
Old Style (2) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Old Style (151) - 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Perpetua (239) - 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14pt
Plantin (110) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14pt
Plantin Light (113) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Rockwell Light (390) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 12pt
Rockwell Medium (371) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 12pt
Sabon (669) - 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12D
Scotch Roman (46) - 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Scotch Roman (137) - 8, 9, 10, 11, 12pt
Times (327) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14pt
Univers Light (685) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12D
Univers Medium (689) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12D
Univers Bold (693/696) - 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12D
as well as Cyrillic, Greek and even Hebrew and 4-Line Maths! - and, of course, Sorts and Ornaments up to 14pt, Spoolsetting and MacTronic. I no longer have the facilities to cast display type or lead and rule.
Technical details
MacTronic uses OpenOffice (as well as LibreOffice, Indesign, Word, etc.) with all their text functions to produce hot-metal text that is justified, ragged left, right or centred on any Monotype composition caster. This means instant on-screen text recognition – no coding!
Any layout can be used (16×17, 15×17, and 15×15). Any set size; measure up to 60 ems; unit-adding, letterspacing, unit-shift; automatic high space when character in layout requires it; auto-generated ligatures; when word space in line is over wedge limits, extra spaces are auto-generated until within limits (usually in very narrow measures).
There are various left, hanging and right indents; also margins for hanging punctuation and short leads. The tables of the wordprocessors have been utilised to produce hot-metal tables automatically.
Galley line/page length control with galley lines auto-generated with stop quad and blank line through any length of file – usually per chapter.
Due to the limitations of matrix-case layouts, punctuation, etc. can be shared between fonts or changed to deliberate wrong characters for hand alteration. Accents, pi-characters, etc. are only limited by the capacity of the matrix-case. Any layout can be generated, and, if the caster has the unit-shift facility, even 15×15 and 15×17 layouts can be unit-shifted.
A 'wrong' normal wedge can be substituted to produce the same results as a correct wedge, utilising unit-adding and unit-shift (if available) or single justifying to obtain the correct character width.
This facility can be used to kern characters – plus 1-9 units, minus 1-2 units (depending on type size).
By using a simple text file, a sorts galley can be produced by number of lines or characters of any font, size or measure – these can even be kerned.
The latest capability is to mix italic, Greek, etc. from different diecases – not only of the same set, but different sizes within the limits of the wedges. This is very useful in large composition where there is only one font per diecase, or where a different size or language such as Greek, Fraktur, etc. is required throughout the text.
Due to the ease of creating PDFs, these 'proofs' can show customers how a job will look in hot-metal and enables any changes to be made before commitment to casting.
It would seem that Harry is no longer in business, was the MacTronic3 the answer to automating the Monotype caster? Is the technology still available?
Posted by Dave Hughes
- May 11, 2022, 09:08:54 PMThanks for joining in the discussion Kevin, I know you're a busy man.
Although I don't own a Monotype I think the development of a reliable, working computer interface is important for the future of large-scale letterpress work.
It would be nice to see people who are working independently towards the same goal have somewhere that they can exchange ideas and collaborate.
I hope that this site can provide that platform.
Although I don't own a Monotype I think the development of a reliable, working computer interface is important for the future of large-scale letterpress work.
It would be nice to see people who are working independently towards the same goal have somewhere that they can exchange ideas and collaborate.
I hope that this site can provide that platform.
Posted by KPMartin
- May 11, 2022, 08:00:14 PMHere I am!
The interface you see in my video has been independently built. I had been thinking about making a custom-built valve body that would go on the caster instead of the paper tower, when I discovered the Matrix valves and an eBay item packed with 18 of them plus driver electronics. Most single solenoid valves are so bulky that they have to be organized into perhaps 5 banks or more with hoses and/or air passages to route the air to the 1/8" spacing required for the air tower.
As the interface stands right now it is intended as a proof-of-concept so I wanted to work with whatever I did not have to buy. Thus the processor is actually a programmable name-badge (with an LPC1343 processor IIRC) from a local Makers' conference from several years ago. The power supply was purchased new but will be used in the finished project. The badge/processor connects to the breadboard which contains the power regulation and the driver chips for the solenoid valves. This is controlled, in turn, through a USB cable from a computer, with the application on the computer being written in Java so (I hope) it can be run on Linux and Macs as well as its current Windows host. The UI for the application closely resembles Bill Welliver's software, and uses the same format of ribbon files as input.
I have started working on a circuit board to replace the rat's nest of wires, but that will require climbing the learning curve on PCB layout (I'm using KiCAD for the circuit design) and also making some decisions about how some parts will be wired in. I will likely want to reassign which pins on the processor chip control which solenoid valves to simplify the PCB layout (remapping these is just a table in the firmware on the processor).
Every now and then I post something about this bumbling around on my blog (https://www.papertrail.ca/blog) though there is plenty of non-Monotype content there as well.
I'm also trying to organize it all into a Git repository but that takes time as well. I would prefer it to be substantially more complete before publicizing the details.
The interface you see in my video has been independently built. I had been thinking about making a custom-built valve body that would go on the caster instead of the paper tower, when I discovered the Matrix valves and an eBay item packed with 18 of them plus driver electronics. Most single solenoid valves are so bulky that they have to be organized into perhaps 5 banks or more with hoses and/or air passages to route the air to the 1/8" spacing required for the air tower.
As the interface stands right now it is intended as a proof-of-concept so I wanted to work with whatever I did not have to buy. Thus the processor is actually a programmable name-badge (with an LPC1343 processor IIRC) from a local Makers' conference from several years ago. The power supply was purchased new but will be used in the finished project. The badge/processor connects to the breadboard which contains the power regulation and the driver chips for the solenoid valves. This is controlled, in turn, through a USB cable from a computer, with the application on the computer being written in Java so (I hope) it can be run on Linux and Macs as well as its current Windows host. The UI for the application closely resembles Bill Welliver's software, and uses the same format of ribbon files as input.
I have started working on a circuit board to replace the rat's nest of wires, but that will require climbing the learning curve on PCB layout (I'm using KiCAD for the circuit design) and also making some decisions about how some parts will be wired in. I will likely want to reassign which pins on the processor chip control which solenoid valves to simplify the PCB layout (remapping these is just a table in the firmware on the processor).
Every now and then I post something about this bumbling around on my blog (https://www.papertrail.ca/blog) though there is plenty of non-Monotype content there as well.
I'm also trying to organize it all into a Git repository but that takes time as well. I would prefer it to be substantially more complete before publicizing the details.
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