Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => Mach4 General Discussion => Topic started by: RMH on February 13, 2018, 08:19:37 PM
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Hi guys,
Let me begin by saying that i'm a super noob when it comes to this stuff. But, I'm trying to learn as much as I can.
Let me tell ya what i have:
computer-Pentium quad, 3.2ghz, 64 bit, win 7 mini case. No other software is installed other than the OS and Mach 4 (brand new computer).
Design software is Vectric Vcarve.
CNC controller is a XHC MK3-M4 (I didn't know it was buggy until i read some of the posts here).
The CNC machine is a home built 3 axis with 4 bi-polar steppers (1 for x, 2 for y and 1 for z) all dialed in exactly the same because all the lead screws have the same pitch.
Ok, now the problem.....
I followed all the documentation as far setting everything up. The limit switches aren't reading one way or the other for some reason. but, I have been able to get it to move per the G code until it gets to line 6. I went into the settings and i cant find anything that is or isn't being made wrong. But the machine or software wont do anything after line 6.
What am I missing/doing wrong. I don't have much more hair to pull out.
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Hi,
unless I miss my guess nobody has got that controller to work.
If you want to go insane an get really pissed off then stick with it.
If you don't then buy a decent controller from one of the 'known good' brands.
Craig
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Hi RMH,
I was wondering how you're getting on, I was pretty blunt in my lost post and hope you haven't been put off as a result. Unfortunately neither will I back
away from the truth.
I was rather hoping you might be able to lean on whomever sold you this thing to either put it right or refund your money.
Hobby CNC is a long learning experience....shame that this experience is part of it.
Craig
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You didn't put me off. Actually, i'd prefer to have the brutal honesty than a lot of hum hoeing.
I've been doing a lot of research trying to find the right controller, I just want to buy the right one this time so i can get this thing rolling.
Any advice on that would be appreciated.
I'm kinda leaning towards the warp 9 ESS. and I can get all of there parts right from there web site.
If there are any others, I'd love some links or brand names.
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Hi,
I use the ESS and am happy with it. All of the devices in the link are good, there are subtle differences between them but they all work well.
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,36536.msg250481.html#msg250481 (http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,36536.msg250481.html#msg250481)
Craig
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I am a big fan of the Vital System stuff although I have just purchased a Pokeys57CNC for a new project.
RMH,
Glad to see you are still with us.
I would just make sure that the controller you get does the functions that you need. If you need lathe threading for instance right now, make sure that it is supported right now, not at some future date.
Mike
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Hi,
Mike is right, there are some specific functions that are done by the motion controller. Many, like homing and probing, are now so commonplace that they
could be regarded as standard and to my knowledge all of the devices by the manufacturers I've listed to do it.
The functions where there is significant variance in the different device offerings is THC, backlash compensation and single point lathe threading.
If you require any or all of those functions you will have to do some careful research, its often not plain what each device is capable of.
One of the more expensive units, the Hicon of Vital Systems is capable of all three, my guess is the extra budget that a higher sales price makes possible
has seen Vital Systems lead the pack when it comes to implementing sophisticated controller level functions.
Warp9's ESS has code to enact all three but as yet none of the functions (backlash compensation, THC or lathe threading) is bug free yet and they have been working
on them for a while. You may get very frustrated if you required THC for instance and bought an ESS in anticipation that THC is just round the corner.
CNCDirve's UC100 and UC300 have a good reputation in Mach3 circles but the UC100 has had a Mach4 plugin for less than a year and the UC300 for only
a few months. It seems unlikely that they will have implemented these functions yet. All the basic stuff they do well. You should email and get genuine clarity
about special functions if such a function is required in your machine.
Craig
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That's awesome you guys. I appreciate all the input. I'll look in those and start doing some home work on them.
If you all don't mind i'd like to post what i'd like to get just to make sure that everything will work good.
This project has a big learning curve to it, and so far i'm enjoying the ride, even the frustrating part.
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Please post what you get. It is always nice to see what somebody else is doing.
Feel free to ask questions along the way. It can get lonely out in the shop all by yourself!
Mike
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Well, What do you guys think of this:
https://www.pmdx.com/PMDX-424
Paired up with this to control my freq drive:
https://www.pmdx.com/PMDX-407
This will give me the control and expansion that I was seeking from the XHC controller.
So what do you guys think. Am I missing anything?
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Hi,
PMDX have a great reputation for quality and backup. The 424 has the equivalent of two 'ports' worth of IO,
so some of its competitors have a bit more IO, the ESS has three 'ports' worth, the 57CNC a bit more and the UC300
has five 'ports' worth. Having said that unless you have swags of remote buttons and things like that its
unlikely you will require even as much as two 'ports'.
I'd say go for it...
Craig
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honestly, as long as i can control my freq drive and my touch pad i'll be good. I'm really looking forward to making something
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Hi,
the VFD no trouble. What is your 'touch pad'?
Craig
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to zero my Z axis
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Hi,
oh yeah, it'll do that fine.
Craig
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Just updating. I just got both boards and getting my wire assignments all planned out. I'll be working on wiring it up tomorrow.
Hopefuly this weekend it'll be making something.
Thanks again for all the help :)
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Hi,
great news. May I suggest wiring and testing small bits before continuing to others.
My observation is that many people try to get everything going at once and end up with a number of problems. It can make diagnosing and fixing problems
very difficult instead of identifying, understanding and solving each problem as it ocurrs.
1) One axis at a time, configure and test with jog commands and MDI BEFORE moving on to the next axis.
2) Home switches, again one axis at a time
3) Soft limits
4) Limit switches, commonly in series therefore all axes at once.
5) Test all motion...jog...MDI...Gcode
6) Test all motion...jog...MDI ...Gcode
7) Test all motion...see above!
8) NOW have a go at the spindle, first just get it to turn on and off. If you really need it get it to reverse (personally I think a reversing spindle is a waste of time except
in special circumstances). Now try speed control.
Craig
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Don't forget enable it's in outputs
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Well, I haven't had much time to work on it until a few hours ago.
It's all wired up and the plugin installed.
The motors are working and im in the tuning stage at the moment.
if anyone has any sudjestions about them moving faster would be appreciated.
thanks again for the help :D
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Hi,
if you are using steppers they lose torque bigtime the faster they go.
At 1000 rpm they may have as little as 5-25% of rated torque depending on their inductance an the open circuit voltage of the driver.
As a starting point assume max speed to be 350 rpm. That should ensure that you still have plenty (50-75%) of rated torque and you won't
lose steps. As a starting point assign an acceleration 10-20% of velocity.
The big point here is not to get them going fast but to get them going reliably. Then and only then can you move on to the next item on the list.
Once you have your machine sorted (motion, homing, limits, spindle) then you might go back and start experimenting to find the speed/accel limits.
Craig
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I'm not looking for a whole lot more speed. Right now i'm traveling about 20 inches per min.
Is that about normal or can I get it closer 35-40 like i'd like to have it?
My rpm is about 100-150. This is a guess seeing that I don't have anything to measure rpm with.
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Hi,
may I suggest getting ALL of the rest of the machine sorted and THEN come back to the speed issue.
You risk, by trying to get it to go fast now, that you introduce 'lost steps' and that will make implementing
homing, limits and so on very very much more difficult. To start with go slow but reliable. Later try increasing
speed.
Craig
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ok, i'll do that
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Hey y'all, time for an update.
It's up and running and have been busy messing around with it.
I must say, That y'all have helped a lot and I appreciate it. this learning curve got a lot shorter thanks to y'all.
hopefuly the pics went thru. my first cut on the machine
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hmm, maybe I should make that pics smaller next time. sorry
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Hi,
kool, great work. I take it the good hardware has helped?
Craig