Messages

6201

LazyTurn / Re: LazyTurn

« on: May 25, 2009, 08:37:26 AM »

JOE,
Your files are coming in as 3d files in Microstation, won't open in earlier versions of AutoCAD but will open in
later versions.
1. Save your drawings as a 2d, version 12 DXF
2. You only draw the top half of the profile. See Appendix "B", figure 3.5.1 of the manual. Also look at the
    other comments in that appendix.
3.As far as DXF's are concerned, read Appendix "C"

I know nothing about Corel Draw. All programs are not created equal when it comes to what they create and export.
That's what appendix "c" tells you and then tries to address the issue. To make your drawings work i would have
converted them from 3d to 2d, then modified them to agree with appendix "B" , then exported them as
a version 12 DXF. Since i don't have or use your program i can't give specifics to Corel Draw on what exactly you need to do.

As far as using the manual, Appendix B & C are solid and still are standing the test of time.
The manual is being updated, and maybe, depending on how things go today, there will be an update shortly.
 
RICH

6202

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problems threading on the lathe

« on: May 24, 2009, 01:33:36 PM »

Take a look at the description of the different plug-ins on the Warp site. May just be plug-in version
problem.

RICH

6203

General Mach Discussion / Re: Motors willl not move

« on: May 23, 2009, 04:25:39 PM »

Under config> motor tuning - set your vel to 50, accel to 3, and step & dir to 2 to 5 us and put a calculated number in for the steps /unit .

config>ports & pins>motor input try with step and direction active low ( click the box to change )

But irrelevant of the above you should see a voltage swing on the pins which are going to your controller for each axis. If you don't have that, no pulse is going to your controller / driver. So start trouble shooting  the PP.
Are you using the motherboard PP or a card. Some only put 3.5 volt swing out instead of 5. May be your problem.

Not sure,
RICH

6204

General Mach Discussion / Re: Send pulses in breakout board

« on: May 23, 2009, 03:19:58 PM »

Jeff,
Are you meaning to do something like the XBOX360 which allows pressing of a button to go from a slow velocity
to max  velocity when jogging?

RICH 

6205

General Mach Discussion / Re: Motors willl not move

« on: May 23, 2009, 02:57:48 PM »

John,
What is the make of the motor drives and post a link to the info on them if Chips suggestion don't work?

RICH

6206

General Mach Discussion / Re: Losing steps on reversal

« on: May 23, 2009, 08:16:31 AM »

Jurgen,

Try what Chip has suggested as that just may be the problem.

"Before anyone chimes in with useless suggestions " & "So, is Mach3 really so sensitive to the PC setup that it has to be just right?"

- Mach is highly configurable.
- If you think in terms of a CNC system (ie; mechanical, electrical, software) it's complex to address all the different makes of computers, driver boards, break out boards, add on boards, possibilities of interface problems as they pertain to mechanical, electrical and software.
- If someone uses "YOUR" system combination and has specific experience then there may be a simple answer as it pertains to your system. If not, someone may take the time for you and try to narrow it down. Some times the suggestion  may seem useless, but you don't know  their thinking / or from what perspective they are coming from.
- There are no "useless suggestions" in my opinion.
- Something works, like Turbocnc / Mechatronics / Zenbot and Mach / Mechantonics / Zenbot does not. An apple is not an orange
and surely looks and  tastes differently but in the end it provides food for the body. Resolution to a problem comes about once the system is understood. Mach produces step and direction signals which can be configured to address different drivers.
I don't use or know anything Mechatronics drivers. It would helpfull if the model, a link to the site, manual was provided to make it easier for others to help you.


"would like to know something about the systems that do work"

-Tough one to answer, so here's a generic answer:
A dedicated optimized computer for CNC, with Windows XP running a lockdown version of  Mach, which provides a clean signal out of the PP, only with
software that  will not interfere with the controlling program. Mach configured to address an appropriate mechanical and electrical system interface used  for CNC. Of course, an operator who knows the above.

RICH

6207

Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / Re: wizlic doesn't work anymore!

« on: May 22, 2009, 03:50:47 PM »

Never had a problem with the license. I just copy it into the directory where  Mach3 is installed.
I keep a copy of my original license in a safe place, like on a CD, should i ever need it.
 
Suggest you contact New Fangled Solutions.

RICH

6208

General Mach Discussion / Re: Just got my Jog Dial!

« on: May 21, 2009, 08:59:53 AM »

Chris,
I use two different deivces, namely two MPG's and also the XBOX360. Each satisfies a particular need
for what i am doing. The XBOX360, which has a plugin for MACH, is realy nice to use, as you can move two axis at any rate and creep up on a spot and also just hit another button to go from slow to fast jogging along with other
functions.  Must also mention you can use it along with video. Maybe you can borrow one and try it out.
Point is, that all works and setup would be painless.

The two MPG's ( two encoders ), can be setup for two defined axes are also handy as they can be used together to move both axes or seperately. I use them for very precise positioning of the tool to stock on the lathe. Cost was about $10 to do.

Most all the devies use an encoder of sort ( even a cheap mouse has one in it ). I look for high count encoders on anything and will buy "junk" and use the encoders. Spend a buck and save 50 to a hundred, little work and presto, two functional MPG's for pennies on the dollar.

You may be able to get the space pilot to work, but painless hookup seems to overide other choices and guide myselfon what i  have chosen to do.

Just wanted to mention other options.

RICH

6209

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Lazy Cam manual or tutorials

« on: May 20, 2009, 09:48:35 PM »

Yep,
Don't know when the bold print was put there. But it is appropriate.

vamx549,
I can't speak and write English, let alone German, so the translation needs to be a task for someone else. 
I heard Dave lived in Germany for a lot of years in the early 1900's. 

I just dopped the LazyCam manual idea when LazyTurn started knowing that it would replace the LazyCam Turn part and personaly had no need for the Mill part of  the program. I have other stuff i wrote but never really organized it. I am committed to LazyTurn  and that manual will be different. Hopefully no one will need to spend hours hacking away to learn the program and in that light it's been a challenge.

Dave,
I agree with you " try it and if the shoe dosen't fit, find one that's right for your foot, and walk on".
By the way, still have the Zoot Zooters, you know, looks like a cross between a Buster Brown and white Hush Puppy with freckles,
maybe will step up to Velcro one day! 

RICH

6210

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Lazy Cam manual or tutorials

« on: May 20, 2009, 01:43:04 PM »

Curtis,
This verbage is in large bold print befoer you purchase.

"Due to the availability of other low cost CAM packages, LazyCam is in semi-permanent Beta and no longer being actively developed. LazyCam is not intended for use in a production environment."

I understand your disappointment in light of recent software in the last year or so. If LazyTurn
comes to pass, even at this years anticipated level of release, your money will have been well spent should you get a
cnc lathe going. But that's just my opinion, as i speak for no one.

RICH