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Probes and Tool Setters / Re: Rapidchange ATC
« Last post by paul.stephens on April 14, 2026, 08:52:01 AM »It's still being worked on. I will be doing a remote session with the company today to help them out, so hopefully it will be soon.
Recent Posts
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Probes and Tool Setters / Re: Rapidchange ATC
« Last post by edcross on April 14, 2026, 08:31:53 AM »Any progress 
?
Ed
?Ed
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Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4 - C82 - PlasmaSensOut - Z axis
« Last post by paul.stephens on April 13, 2026, 04:13:56 PM »Okay, I'm going to need two other things from you..
1. the .set file your version of Mach is using. I see data about the screen commanding up and down is in the screen. This .set can be found in C:/Mach4Hobby/Screens It's probably one one the ones that does not start with "wx"
"
2026-04-13 13:13:50.147
2026-04-13 13:13:51.658
2026-04-13 13:13:53.197
2026-04-13 13:13:54.923
"
These aren't standard MachAPI's
2. m3 script. You can find this in your C:/Mach4Hobby/Profiles/{Profile Name}/Macros/m3.mcs
This will tell me what is being called anytime you run an m3 script. If it doesn't exist, just let me know.
1. the .set file your version of Mach is using. I see data about the screen commanding up and down is in the screen. This .set can be found in C:/Mach4Hobby/Screens It's probably one one the ones that does not start with "wx"
"
2026-04-13 13:13:50.147
- [I ] - Screenset H.C. Manual Commanding Down
2026-04-13 13:13:51.658
- [I ] - Screenset H.C. Manual Commanding Hold (~D)
2026-04-13 13:13:53.197
- [I ] - Screenset H.C. Manual Commanding Up
2026-04-13 13:13:54.923
- [I ] - Screenset H.C. Manual Commanding Hold (~U)
"
These aren't standard MachAPI's
2. m3 script. You can find this in your C:/Mach4Hobby/Profiles/{Profile Name}/Macros/m3.mcs
This will tell me what is being called anytime you run an m3 script. If it doesn't exist, just let me know.
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Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4 - C82 - PlasmaSensOut - Z axis
« Last post by grivalsky on April 13, 2026, 02:32:28 PM »I uploaded two logs. In the first log, at the beginning I jogging the x,y, and z motors and then I turned on the HC, switched to manual and tried to move the Z axis using the UP and DOWN buttons on the screen.
In the second log, at the beginning I jogging the x,y, and z motors and then I turned on the HC, switched to PINS and tried to move the Z axis using the input signal.
In the second log, at the beginning I jogging the x,y, and z motors and then I turned on the HC, switched to PINS and tried to move the Z axis using the input signal.
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Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4 - C82 - PlasmaSensOut - Z axis
« Last post by paul.stephens on April 13, 2026, 01:19:00 PM »Okay, If you are able to replicate your testing with logging data, I should be able to help you out once I see the logging data.
Diagnostic → Logging and hit the play button. Once you do that, the logging will start recording. You can save or copy the contents and either send the file or the text over.
Diagnostic → Logging and hit the play button. Once you do that, the logging will start recording. You can save or copy the contents and either send the file or the text over.
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Promote and discuss your product / Re: CNCjogger — Wireless Jog Controller for Mach3/Mach4 (iPhone + USB Receiver)
« Last post by motorharpdesign on April 13, 2026, 12:13:24 PM »Thanks, Tweakie — appreciate the kind words! Happy to answer any questions if anyone's curious about how it works with Mach3 or Mach4.
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HiCON Motion Controller / Re: Legacy Syil X5 with Hicon 7754 controller
« Last post by peu on April 11, 2026, 10:06:05 PM »It took me a lot of work but managed to recover all the mach3 and mach4 files for the hicon 7754, even managed to create a fully functional XML for the Syil X5 Servo for mach3 that can be used as a starting point for mach4.
Below is the link to the ZIP file that Includes everything needed to establish a communication between the 7754 and mach3 or mach4. This also includes version 3.24 and 3.40 of the firmware. (file is too large to be attached to this post)
Thanks to everyone but the OEM that decided this should be only obtainable via payment when at the time was freely downlodable. They even asked the internet archive to remove the files...
https://peu.net/syil/HICON_7754_Mach3-Mach4.zip
Pablo
Below is the link to the ZIP file that Includes everything needed to establish a communication between the 7754 and mach3 or mach4. This also includes version 3.24 and 3.40 of the firmware. (file is too large to be attached to this post)
Thanks to everyone but the OEM that decided this should be only obtainable via payment when at the time was freely downlodable. They even asked the internet archive to remove the files...
https://peu.net/syil/HICON_7754_Mach3-Mach4.zip
Pablo
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General Mach Discussion / Spindle won't stop with M5 or Reset (Mach3)
« Last post by ihodii on April 10, 2026, 06:13:49 AM »Hi, I have a CNC machine running Mach3.
The machine was already wired when I got it, I don’t have documentation.
Everything works (X, Y, Z axes), and the spindle starts with M3.
BUT:
The spindle DOES NOT STOP with M5, Stop, or Reset.
It only stops when I close Mach3.
I tried:
- Active Low on/off
- Different Output pins (Port 1 Pin 16 etc.)
- Spindle setup settings
Current setup:
- Output #1: Port 1 Pin 16
- Spindle Relay enabled
- Using relay (not sure about VFD)
Question:
Why would spindle ignore M5 and keep running?
Is this wiring issue or Mach3 configuration?
Thanks!
The machine was already wired when I got it, I don’t have documentation.
Everything works (X, Y, Z axes), and the spindle starts with M3.
BUT:
The spindle DOES NOT STOP with M5, Stop, or Reset.
It only stops when I close Mach3.
I tried:
- Active Low on/off
- Different Output pins (Port 1 Pin 16 etc.)
- Spindle setup settings
Current setup:
- Output #1: Port 1 Pin 16
- Spindle Relay enabled
- Using relay (not sure about VFD)
Question:
Why would spindle ignore M5 and keep running?
Is this wiring issue or Mach3 configuration?
Thanks!
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Mach4 General Discussion / Re: RTCP for a XYZCA (five axes) CNC
« Last post by zeboncak on April 10, 2026, 01:24:59 AM »Yes, Mach4 is capable of 5-axis kinematics, including RTCP, but it's important to note that it usually requires the Industrial version and often depends on the specific motion controller you are using (like HiCON Integra or Vital Systems)
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General Mach Discussion / upgrading to new hardware on old installation
« Last post by bimble on April 09, 2026, 03:16:37 AM »Hi Group
I have a Boxford 160, with a licensed installation of Mach3.
I think it was modified with part of the original boxford electronics and hardware and part new stuff, plus some hacks and sticky tape etc..... it's old and it works, (just about).....
see piccies enclosed of the old system.
It has been repaired by me a couple of times, and recently I lost m03 direction on the spindle, which I think is a relay or contactor that has gone as somthing just buzzes / hums when i run M03 and if I don't hit escape, it trips out... and I then need to reboot the mach software as well.
so for now I am limping and I always run M04 and switch the wires on the motor when i need to change spindle direction..
I have other machines and use this for specific small bits..
I have been contemplating removing all the hardware, motors, wiring etc... and replacing them with new. Which should work with my licensed Mach 3 software..
In looking, there looks like theres a lot of options to purchase and suppliers to purchase from online, but I have not seen a full kit with all the stepping motors and including a servo for the main spindle.
Ideally i would like to control and brake the spindle in axial position (like a 4th axis) so I can then do other ops on the job if required.
I will also need the correct power suplies etc..
Would I use one multi voltage power supply for everything or will I need multiple power supplies?
Will I need a contactor as I have now (see img_1413.jpg)?
the steppers on there do not have a lot of room. Will I get a steppers like for like in terms of size?
and if possible a closed loop version? or can I go for servos that will fit and have the power required?
Where is the best place to buy all the gear with the potential for some backup and advice?
I am in the uk.
B
I have a Boxford 160, with a licensed installation of Mach3.
I think it was modified with part of the original boxford electronics and hardware and part new stuff, plus some hacks and sticky tape etc..... it's old and it works, (just about).....
see piccies enclosed of the old system.
It has been repaired by me a couple of times, and recently I lost m03 direction on the spindle, which I think is a relay or contactor that has gone as somthing just buzzes / hums when i run M03 and if I don't hit escape, it trips out... and I then need to reboot the mach software as well.
so for now I am limping and I always run M04 and switch the wires on the motor when i need to change spindle direction..
I have other machines and use this for specific small bits..
I have been contemplating removing all the hardware, motors, wiring etc... and replacing them with new. Which should work with my licensed Mach 3 software..
In looking, there looks like theres a lot of options to purchase and suppliers to purchase from online, but I have not seen a full kit with all the stepping motors and including a servo for the main spindle.
Ideally i would like to control and brake the spindle in axial position (like a 4th axis) so I can then do other ops on the job if required.
I will also need the correct power suplies etc..
Would I use one multi voltage power supply for everything or will I need multiple power supplies?
Will I need a contactor as I have now (see img_1413.jpg)?
the steppers on there do not have a lot of room. Will I get a steppers like for like in terms of size?
and if possible a closed loop version? or can I go for servos that will fit and have the power required?
Where is the best place to buy all the gear with the potential for some backup and advice?
I am in the uk.
B