Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: malgazz on March 24, 2013, 07:39:19 AM

Title: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 24, 2013, 07:39:19 AM
Hi
Earlier I connected the PC, driver board and motors for the 1st time. Mach 3 I had configured the ports and pins previously. The supplier of the board, supplied a file for changing the XML, I chose to manually do the settings as set out in their documentation.
At this stage I get no movement, not even a hum from the motors.
When looking at the driver board with the parallel and serial connectors on the right hand side, I see 3 leds light up and that is it.
I am hoping some one has experience with these boards and can help in getting the system up and running.
 ::)
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 24, 2013, 08:58:15 AM
Hi Gary,

Many, before you, have had unresolved problems with the TB66560 boards and this is perhaps not the best board for you to be starting out with, however...

Perhaps you could try the supplied .xml file and see if this works (you can always go back to your own manually entered settings).

Do the motors lock when power is applied ??

Does your PC have the 5 Volt TTL standard for it's LPT parallel port or is it the 3.3 Volt TTL standard ??

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 24, 2013, 09:22:51 AM
Hi Tweakie
From what I have read sofar, the board is not great, but have to settle with what I got for now.
I will try the supplied xml file shortly (machine situated in garage - away from this PC)

What is meant do the motors lock when power supplied?

How do I check the LPT port voltage?
Regards
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 24, 2013, 12:03:07 PM
Hi Gary,

When the CNC machine is disconnected from power the motors can easily be rotated by hand. When the CNC machine is powered up the motors should lock and cannot easily be rotated by hand.

After a fresh start and without Mach3 running - using a multimeter measure between pin25 and each of the other pins, in turn, on your PC’s parallel port until you find one that has a voltage present. Ideally the voltage you should find will be approx 5 Volts. If  you are unable to find a voltage then start Mach3 and try again.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 24, 2013, 04:20:05 PM
Hi Tweakie
With M3 the board powered up, the motors are not locked.
I will check the votlages tomorrow and report back.
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 25, 2013, 04:03:54 AM
Hi Gary,

Sorry, I did not make it clear in my earlier posts – when I referred to “motors locking” I should have said “stepper motors locking” - the axes driving motors (my bad).

Still it is good news that the M3 command operates the spindle motor.

One more question – what colour is your TB6560 controller board ??

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 25, 2013, 05:35:12 AM
Hi Tweakie
I took it that you meant the stepper mtrs.
From your comments, that is a good thing that they are not locked when power supplied to them.
The TB6560AHQ board is blue. Its a 4 axis board.
In Mach3 I have the 2nd X axis (A) slaved to X.
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: jimthefish on March 25, 2013, 06:31:07 AM
Hi Saw this on you tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7m7YkIXrvo
I know its for a 3  axis board but it doesn't help if the instructions that came with it were wrong. Good Luck. Jim
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 25, 2013, 07:23:32 AM
Hi Gary,

The stepper motors should lock when power is applied with Mach3 running and the CNC connected to the PC.

What I have here for the step / direction (blue board) Mach3 configuration is as follows;

Xaxis  Step16  Dir1
Yaxis  Step14  Dir7
Zaxis  Step3   Dir6
Aaxis  Step9  Dir8

Enable1  Pin4
Enable2  Pin17
Enable3  Pin5
Enable4  Pin5

Output#1 Pin2

Does this match up with the instruction you have been supplied ??

Tweakie.

(As Jim has pointed out there are so many variants of pin connections with these boards and the suppliers instructions are often incorrect so they can be difficult to get going).
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 26, 2013, 03:07:43 AM
Hi Jim and Tweakie
With basic electrics (household, automotive and boats), I can normally get by, but when it comes to electronics my, my understanding is virtually zero.
From what I have researched, there are plenty of short comings with the TB6560 boards available. Some guys have re-engineered their boards to get them working.
Due to the lack of variety of what is locally available, I purchased one together with motors and a power supply. For now I am stuck with it, till a better solution can be found and therefore apologize for the headaches caused in helping to get this board up and running.

The DB25 parallel cable, that was supplied with the board got damaged (left it lying about while busy and 1 bored Labrador had a go at trying to digest it). A company that makes cables, supplied me with another. This they say is a straight through cable (wired pin 1 to 1, pin 2 to 2, etc).
(unable to do a pin to pin check as the cable is chewed through in the middle)
This therefore could be the start of my problems.

Question 1: can you verify or supply me with the correct the male to female pin configurations for the cable?


   
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 26, 2013, 03:18:50 AM
Hi Gary,

Your cable should be straight through, with all pins connected, pin1 to pin1, 2 to 2 etc.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: jimthefish on March 26, 2013, 04:38:52 AM
Got to smile, the thought of you dog eating your cable. Before I retired I used to teach blind kids CNC machining at a local college. Their guide dogs looked on and I'm sure they understood CNC. SO Have you asked your Labrador for ideas!! Joking apart I'm like you ain't got a clue about electronics, but can confirm that the computer, and lead to your BOB are standard equipment, just checking its a desktop computer not a laptop, as Mach doesn't work with most laptops. There are lots of video's on youtube showing how to set up c your system, indeed one bloke does a drawing of the set up you need. Have a look. Best of luck. Jim
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 26, 2013, 04:54:25 AM
Hi Tweakie
I have checked the voltages of the parallel port at the back of the PC, without M3 running.
Results as follows:
Pin 1 ~ 9       3.35V
Pin 10 ~13    4.29V
Pin 14           3.35V
Pin 15           4.29V
Pin 16           3.35V
Pin 17 ~ 24   0V

Yes the settings match to what you have in your last reply.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 26, 2013, 05:03:41 AM
Hi Jim And Tweakie
Jim although the Lab that ate the cable was watching, she is not a bright spark, but very lovable though, her brother is a bright spark, however he sleeps while I'm busy.
Yes The PC is a desktop a few years old though.
Ok so one thing is right ....... the cable......phew!!!

Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 26, 2013, 05:57:10 AM
Hi Gary,

Good news that you have found 4.29 Volts on the LPT port.

Now the tedious bit starts (remember that successful fault finding requires you to be very methodical – take it one step at a time and only change one thing at a time).

I am making the assumption that your controller board does if fact work and that you have the 24 Volts ? applied to the board and everything else connected correctly.

The first thing is to get the stepper motors to ‘lock’ when the system is powered up. This appears to be related to Config / Ports & Pins / Output Signals / Enable 1 to Enable 4 settings. So try all output pin numbers (1 to 9, 14, 16 & 17)  both Active High and Active Low until you find the right combination to ‘lock’ the motors.

Once you have achieved this than I will suggest a possible next step in the procedure.

Tweakie.

This is what my little helper gets up to in his spare time.  ;D
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 26, 2013, 06:34:31 AM
As an update to my earlier post…

It is the actual pin numbers you are trying to find – If the pin number entered in Enable 1 does not lock the X axis motor (or any other motor) there is little point in trying that same pin number in any other Enable. Just move on to the next pin number.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 26, 2013, 06:39:20 AM
Tweakie
I noticed that once the xml was changed with their file, the kernel was sitting at 45000Hz changed it back to 25000Hz.
I have also since changed the parallel port to ECP in the bios......... made no difference to motors still unlocked.
I also notice that the power supply is only pumping out 23.5V I will tweak it up to 24V.
Going to go try the output pins now.

Like your helper's pic, need to attach a broom to tail!!!!!!
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 26, 2013, 08:20:47 AM
Hi Tweakie
I have just completed testing: "Config / Ports & Pins / Output Signals / Enable 1" pin no with 1 thru16 active high/low.
No change! motors still revolve freely by hand.
I assume that when you mean locked ~ one cannot rotate them at all by hand!

What I have done so far:
1. Increased the voltage of power supply, now reads 24.5V
2. Unplugged all the motors, rechecked wiring ~ ok.
3. Plugged only x axis motor in
4. Ran PC with Mach3, board connected to PC, power supplied to board.
5. Ran test as suggested "apply and reset" each time change was made to enable 1 pin or active high/low ~ turned motor by hand.

Does it not mean that getting a reading of 3.5V across the pins mean that the PC //port is only putting out 3.3V and not the 5V required.
I paid special attention to the pins that were delivering the higher voltage reading when doing test, but still no motor locking.
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 26, 2013, 08:27:29 AM
Hi Gary,

I may have misunderstood one of your earlier posts when you said that M3 brings the board alive so as a last resort...

There is the possibility that Mach3 is not communicating with your parallel port.

1) Run the Mach3 “Driver Test.exe” which can be found in the Mach3 folder. How does that look ??

2) If you are using WinXP as your OS then Parmon  http://www.geekhideout.com/parmon.shtml can be used to test the outputs from your parallel port.

2a) Another alternative is connecting your multimeter between pin 25 and pin 4 of the parallel port and within Mach3 – Config / Ports & Pins / Output Signals set Enable 1 to Enabled, Port#1 Pin Number 4 then toggling Active Low / Active High should give the readings (approx.) 0Volts / 5Volts.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 26, 2013, 08:51:45 AM
Hi Tweakie
When connected to the PC , LED's light up on the board there are 2 rows. One row with 4LED's and a row underneath it with 2LED's.
2 LED's in the top row light up and 1 on the bottom.
at some stages some go off . cannot varify excly when the go off!

The line is constant, with peaks hitting below the 48Hz on the left      -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/ similar to this no other spikes.
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Pysiek on March 26, 2013, 08:54:56 AM
Gary I'm sorry for hijacking your thread. I have similar problem but my motors locks. But when I try to make them spin (from Mach3) nothing happens.
Do you use build in parallel port? Or you add it to existing computer?
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 26, 2013, 09:01:35 AM
Pysiek
The //port is the onboard one, not an expansion card plugged into pci slot.
Do you have the same axis board Blue TB6560 4 axis
Gary
Does the fan on top of the heat sink run when you supply power to your board??
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: jimthefish on March 26, 2013, 09:02:56 AM
Hi lads this thread is better than watching NCIS, I'm way out of my depth so watching with intent. Just one point, I looked through your threads and nowhere does it mentioned you set the port and pins settings to Port 1 ( at the end of the port and pin settings). I forgot to do this and spent hours trying to get my machines steppers to work. Will shut up now and continue watching. Keep trying Gary you will get there. Jim
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 26, 2013, 09:05:59 AM
Jim
Thanks Jim, I sticking to the quote at the bottom of Tweakie's posts.
Are you are referring to the screen where it says one or 2 //port (0x378)????
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 26, 2013, 09:06:52 AM
Hi Kris,

I moved your earlier post and replied here http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,24098.0.html

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: jimthefish on March 26, 2013, 09:11:04 AM
No, one the end of the line where you assigned your pins for the x,y and z axis. It asks something like port dir and something else, you should have 1 in them for each axis. Jim
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 26, 2013, 09:17:00 AM
Jim
Yup that's been done
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 26, 2013, 11:15:57 AM
Hi Gary,

Sorry to say this but unless someone else can come up with any ideas of how to get the stepper motors to lock (enabled) with that board then I think it may be time to consider a better quality product (such as the Gecko G540) as your controller.

As said in my first post – many before you have tried to get these boards to work, without success.

It may be worth giving the board a thorough visual inspection, checking for poor solder joints or solder bridges even obviously missing components. Also check for damage such as a crack in the board causing possible broken tracks etc.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 26, 2013, 11:34:21 AM
Hi Tweakie
I suspect as you; that the board is a duff one.
I wish I could afford the Gecko G540, being across the pond besides the exchange rate shipping is a killer.
I got hold of the supplier earlier and he's prepared to swop boards and supply new cable.
His answer to me regarding the woes of the cable, said the cable is special and a made up cable won't work.(Does not make much sense)
Would be interesting if someone with the same board could do a pin check on the cable and see if there is a difference.
Thanks for all the support so far. I will have to wait till next week sometime, when the new shipment arrives to continue with the TB6560 blue board Blues!!!
All the best
Regards
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 26, 2013, 11:43:04 AM
Gary,

Could you not just connect red to red, black to black etc on the eaten cable then check it pin for pin ??

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 26, 2013, 12:26:12 PM
Hi Tweakie
I had thought of doing that, however the actual wiring colours get repeated, for instance there are 4 white wires, 5 orange ones.
It put paid to that idea fast
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 26, 2013, 12:47:03 PM
 ;D ;D ;D

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: RICH on March 27, 2013, 07:13:57 AM
One of the problems is the info on the board pinouts is all over the place, wrong, different depending on where you find info, etc. We spent so much time trying to help a young lad get his working.We got one axis to work and then the lad went home and spent hours finding the right combinations, and finaly had it working.
Never......... ever again!

RICH

Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 29, 2013, 02:54:43 PM
Hi Tweaki and Jim
Eureka moment!!!!!!!!
The dumb fangled thing works.
Even the experts can get it wrong! I took it at face value, that the cable that was made up for me would be wired correctly.
Today I thought, check the cable- since getting it I had a niggling feeling at the back of me brain.
The techie doing the job wired pins 1 ~ 9 correctly, but 14 ~ 25 a#$% about face. He wired 14 to 25, 15,to 24, 16 to 22.
That was a lesson learnt.
OK so now it operates, so back to bugging you guys on setting up. Dont worry I still got a little work still to do to do the final finishes, so theres a reprieve for the moment.
Tweakie once again thanks . Jim I'm sorry to say it's back to NCIS for your daily dose of excitement.
Many thanks
G
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: jimthefish on March 29, 2013, 03:48:56 PM
Thank God for that, half an hour before series 10 episode 11 is to be viewed on British TV for the first time. Keep us posted on your progression and don't hesitate to ask (about your machine set up not what happened in NCIS). Jim
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on March 30, 2013, 02:32:42 AM
Excellent news Gary.  8)

Problems are so often caused by the most basic things which we (myself included) overlook or take for granted.  ;D

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on March 31, 2013, 04:44:56 AM
Hi
Having changed the //port cable, the driver board works and the motors run on all its axis ( 1st test).
The motors were then mounted to the table, all  the wiring to the motors rechecked and OK.
I have the 4th board axis slaved to run the 2nd X axis motor( Mach3 config>slave), both of the X - motors still run independently of each other when one jogs.
Does one have to set them to the same pin in motor outputs? 
Regards
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: jimthefish on April 01, 2013, 09:37:41 AM
H Gary glad to hear your nearly there. Not sure what your 4 axis is trying to do, mine is for a rotary table so has its own settings and output pins. I can unplug it and take it off the table. What are you trying to do with yours. Jim
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on April 01, 2013, 10:27:44 AM
Hi Jim
The 4th axis is driving the other half of my x axis. My table has a rack and pinoin/ motor on each side of the gantry.

What I would like to know is whether in slaving the 2 axis, there are any other settings that need to be done.
Under confi>slave, I have slaved the A axis to the X axis, but when jogging the motors they still work independently of each other. Besides slaving the A and X axis does one have to set their outputs as the same? (config>ports and pins>outputs)
Regards
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on April 01, 2013, 10:49:03 AM
Hi Tweakie
Having got past the cable issue and have some movement on the motors, I would like to move onto motor tuning. I have done the calculations but dont know whether I am right or not.
When it comes to section 5.5.1.2 Calculating motor steps per revolution in the M3 manual, I get a bit stumped. I have attached the dip settings of the driver board. I am not sure of what settings to use when it comes to decay mode and microstep settings. It's manual says it's a 1 -1/16 microstep. I am unsure of which setting to use for microstepping and what effect it would have in conjuction with 5.5.1.2 Calculating motor steps per revolution/5.5.1.3 Calculating Mach3 steps per motor revolution.
Would you kindly shed some light on the subject.
Regards
Gary
(Have attached whole document, was unable to separate out the dip switch table)
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on April 01, 2013, 11:49:33 AM
Hi Gary,

It depends on your leadscrew pitch and if you use Imperial or Metric as it is perhaps better to arrive at a nice round number but I would recommend that you set your driver board to 1/8 microstepping (dip switches 5 & 6 OFF) then Al's calculator should help you to arrive at the correct steps per unit. http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,16315.0.html

Tweakie.

Addition;  More info here http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,12512.0.html
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on April 01, 2013, 11:57:45 AM
Hi Tweakie
I will do so as suggested and use Al's calculator.
Would you please advise regarding slaving A axis to X axis. The M3 manual does not give any other details but to slave the axis in config>slaving. I have "slaved " the 2 axis together but they still run separately. In other words when I jog the X axis only the 1 motor turns. If I jog the 4th axis it runs on its own. Are there any further setting to do?
Regards
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on April 01, 2013, 12:06:36 PM
Hi Tweakie
I forgot to mention that my machine linear movements are a mixture. The 2 sides of the X axis and the Y axis run on module 1.5 racks, the pinions are 20 tooth mounted on a 60 tooth belt driven gear, the motor has a 20 tooth belt gear pulley. The Z axis is a direct drive form the motor to 1/2" - 10, 5 start acme screw running through a "Dumpster" nut.
Regards
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on April 01, 2013, 12:44:14 PM
Hi Gary,

I don't use slaved axes so I am not the best person to ask about this one.  :'(

I calculate your steps per at 160 assuming I got everything right.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on April 01, 2013, 01:00:23 PM
Hi Tweakie
When trying to work out micro stepping, my board specs have setting for: 1. 1/2, 1/8, 1/16. What/ how does this relate to M3 settings. I have spent the day trying to reseach this and still no answer. Alez's calculator wont allow me to enter a figure as 1/8!!!!!
How does one get this magical number? Do I enter for example: 0.125! This does not make sence to me as one enters 10 for a gecko.  
The M3 manual states
"5.5.1.3 Calculating Mach3 steps per motor revolution
We very strongly recommend that you use micro-stepping drive electronics for stepper
motors. If you do not do this and use a full- or half-step drive then you will need much
larger motors and will suffer from resonances that limit performance at some speeds.
Some micro-stepping drives have a fixed number of micro-steps (typically 10) while others
can be configured. In this case you will find 10 to be a good compromise value to choose.
This means that Mach3 will need to send 2000 pulses per revolution for a stepper axis
drive."
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on April 01, 2013, 01:05:25 PM
Hi Tweakie
Sorry for the protracted reply and thanks for the magical in sight. In other word you just used the 8 of 1/8 please confirm if my assumtion is correct.
I am feeling fustrated/ anxious/ burnt out as I have spent the last 12hrs solid on the net trying to research and find answers.
Regards
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on April 01, 2013, 01:27:31 PM
Hi Tweakie
How did you derive a figure of 30mm for the lead screw pitch.
Surely for a module 1.5 rack (1.5mm between teeth would) =4.71[3.1452 x 1.5]
Using 4.71 the calc comes out as 1019.10828 with a resolution of 0.000981mm/step
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: jimthefish on April 01, 2013, 01:32:16 PM
Hi Gary, time to throw in my four peneth in. Why cant you use the axis setting option on the setting page of Mach. Its in the bottom left hand corner of the page and providing you can measure the distance your axis have moved it will set the steps for you. I did this and it gave me my setting which I rounded up. I think mine gave me 799.9 so I set it to 800. Jim
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on April 01, 2013, 01:37:51 PM
Hi Jim
Before running the axis, I need to sort out the slaving issue still.
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on April 01, 2013, 01:38:53 PM
I cannot find any references to slaving. doing a search brings me back to my own posts
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: jimthefish on April 01, 2013, 01:56:27 PM
Sorry out of my depth but have a look at this
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/stepper_motors_drives/112753-wiring_two_stepper_motors_single_controller.html

Jim
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on April 02, 2013, 01:51:33 AM
Hi Gary,

Assuming I understood your description correctly this is how I arrived at the figures…

Your steppers are 200 steps per revolution – that is 1.8 degrees per step.

When you set 1/8 micro-stepping (8 micro-steps per 1.8 degree step) this increases the steps per revolution to 1600.

You have a gear reduction of 20 tooth to 60 tooth which equates to reduction of 3:1

You have a 20 tooth pinion running on a 1.5mm pitch rack so one revolution of the pinion moves it 30mm along the rack. This makes the equivalent lead-screw pitch 30mm.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on April 02, 2013, 02:10:16 AM
Hi Gary,

Slaving the X and A axes.

As said, I am not an expert at this because I have never had occasion to actually do it but…

In Motor Tuning make the settings exactly the same for both the X and A axes and save the settings for each.
In General Config uncheck the A-Axis so it makes the A axis Linear.
In Slave Axis select X to A then restart Mach3.

You should now have both these axes slaved.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on April 02, 2013, 02:30:49 AM
Hi Tweakie
You're bloody wonderful! You sure as heck cleared the mud from my eyes.
I got to grips with the 200 steps (360/1.8)
I was battling with the micro stepping, in other words..... how to translate one eighth into a an understandable figure. If my understanding is correct: 1=full step; 1/2=2microsteps/1.8deg step, 1/8=8 microsteps/1.8deg.step, 1/16 =16 micro steps/ 1.8deg step.
The gear ratio, I understood, but you certainly put me o track with the leadscrew pitch.
Can I interpret the 1/2"-10, 5 start  acme screw's lead screw pitch (mcmaster-carr says 1/2" travel per turn) into metric format namely 12.7mm per turn.

To get back to the subject of slaving one axis to another.
direct quote from another source:
"In Mach, go to config->ports and pins->motor outputs.  Change the check mark or x in the "Dir LowActive" column so it is opposite between X and the slaved A axis.  This will cause the motors to be slaved together, but to rotate in opposite directions, which is required since they are mirrored in position to one another."

I would appreciate a comment on this before trying it out.
Regards
Gary
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on April 02, 2013, 02:32:21 AM
bloody smiley popped into my text should read 360/1.8deg
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on April 02, 2013, 02:53:07 AM
Quote
To get back to the subject of slaving one axis to another.
direct quote from another source:
"In Mach, go to config->ports and pins->motor outputs.  Change the check mark or x in the "Dir LowActive" column so it is opposite between X and the slaved A axis.  This will cause the motors to be slaved together, but to rotate in opposite directions, which is required since they are mirrored in position to one another."

If the motors are indeed 'mirrored in position', (which is likely for a rack and pinion setup) then 'yes'.

Quote
Can I interpret the 1/2"-10, 5 start  acme screw's lead screw pitch (mcmaster-carr says 1/2" travel per turn) into metric format namely 12.7mm per turn.

Yes.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: malgazz on April 13, 2013, 04:26:20 AM
Hi Tweakie
Seem to have my problems sorted for now. The motors turn and get decent movement on all axis. The cable seems to have been the cause of all my woes.
Once the pin to pin wiring was sorted on the cable I had made up,its length seemed to be an issue (3m cable made up). Having switched back to the cable I had loaned I was able to tune the motors to get them to run relatively decently. I still have some minor parts to make and install on the table (cable trays,spindle mount and the likes). I am now busy with fine tuning and calibrating the axis while the parts are being  laser cut.
The main issue with these boards, seem to be the poor instructions/manual that is supplied, together with the different variations available.
I have found that I did not have to "oppose" the dir low active setting (motor outputs) for the 2nd side of the slaved axis to get it to run in the same direction (A slaved to X).
All that seems to determined is the test of time, regarding the longevity of the board.
Regards
Gary
 
Title: Re: Newbie with TB6560 1st time testing problems
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on April 13, 2013, 04:39:47 AM
I am pleased you are getting it sorted Gary and that it is all starting to take shape.  ;)

Tweakie.