New PC Loosing Steps (I think)

[audioandy]

Hi All

I have been running Mach 3 now on my machine for quite sometime with no issues what so ever, but last week my PC that I use just for controlling my machine decided to call it a day, so because the PC was fairly low spec 1Ghz 512MB ram I decided to build a higher spec with some bits I had around.

The new spec is AMD dual core running at 2.4Ghz 2MB ram clean install of XP with all updates nothing else other than Mach3 apart from the graphics card and sound card untils, ran the system test which showed a nice flat line and a steady pulse rate but here is the problem.

Since changing the PC I seem to be loosing steps in the Z axis, I have been trying to do some simple engraving and as the tool moves along the line of text the tool starts to get higher after every safe Z move until it's completely above the work piece.

If I stop and home my Z axis it returns to the correct starting height.

One more thing I have noticed  when my axis are on the home switches the LED's  on the Diagnostic Screen randomly flash so I was just wondering if anybody has experienced anything like this or could come up with some idea what might be going on.

The only thing I haven't tried is retuning my motors but I am using the same .XML file from my old PC setup, I use a CNC4PC buffered breakout board and the LED's on the board are solid no flashing or flickering.

Thanks

Andy

[Hood]

Check that the cable from the port is connected properly, also might be worth increasing the Debounce Interval a bit.
Hood

[manmeran]

Already i test mach3 with two system base AMD. but it dont work well.

randomly flash

Exactly like my problem.

and i decide change system to intel.now without problem.

[Hood]

Already i test mach3 with two system base AMD. but it dont work well.

randomly flash

Exactly like my problem.

and i decide change system to intel.now without problem.

All of my machines have used AMD CPUs and I have never had a problem, so I would say its not a case of AMD have problems and Intel dont. I  use Via Pico motherboards now on two of them and a third is on the cards to be done but this has nothing to do with the AMD being no use but rather the Via Picos are tiny (100mm x 72mm )and I wish to save space.

[manmeran]

Maybe I'm wrong

Via Picos are tiny (100mm x 72mm )

please price ?

[Hood]

Maybe I'm wrong

What I am saying it is not because its an AMD that its a problem, there may be a problem with  that particular chipset on the motherboard but not actually a problem with the CPU.

Via Picos are tiny (100mm x 72mm )

please price ?

They do not have parallel ports so an external motion device is needed to use them, I use the SmoothStepper on all machines but KFlop DSPMC would also be fine with it.
You will see it here http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=11693

Hood

[manmeran]

there may be a problem with  that particular chipset on the motherboard but not actually a problem with the CPU.

yes , i agree

about PICO , i think CPU is 1.0Ghz . is it enough for mach3 ?

[Hood]

about PICO , i think CPU is 1.0Ghz . is it enough for mach3 ?

Yes I use it on my lathe and Beaver mill and soon to be on my Bridgeport.
I have been testing it with Mach3 Rev 4 and it works well, but, as said, you need an external controller to use it and these controllers take a lot of overhead away from the computer as they do the pulsing.
Hood

[manmeran]

you need an external controller

you mean : SmoothStepper ?

[Hood]

you need an external controller

you mean : SmoothStepper ?

Yes or some of the others such as  K-Flop, Galil or  DSPMC

Hood