Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => Mach4 General Discussion => Topic started by: DynMetalworks on October 28, 2022, 03:31:05 PM

Title: Probing & Soft limits
Post by: DynMetalworks on October 28, 2022, 03:31:05 PM
I'm using a ESS and have my software limits setup. The machine probes correctly with the softlimits off, but if I turn them on then it will not probe. Does this with gcode from sheetcam or if I just run G31 Z -4.
Title: Re: Probing & Soft limits
Post by: DynMetalworks on October 28, 2022, 03:48:08 PM
Ok, in the gcode from Sheetcam it has G31.0 Z-10. My softlimits for Z is set to 5, so I lowered this in the post to Z-4. But, this has not fixed the problem.
Title: Re: Probing & Soft limits
Post by: joeaverage on October 28, 2022, 05:23:38 PM
Hi,

Quote
I'm using a ESS and have my software limits setup.

Limits are all very well but far less important than Home switches, and SoftLimits ONLY make sense once a machine has been Homed or Referenced.

Many people use limit switches as dual purpose, ie limit event indicators but when Homing home event indicators. I personally do not like that practice.
I have six limit switches, 2 per axis, each on its own ESS input, and three separate home switches, again each on its own input on my new mill.
My first mini-mill had three home switches only, no limits. Because it had good home switches SoftLimits worked well and  I never got around to having limits switches
and I used it like that for seven years.

How do you Home or Reference your machine?

Craig
Title: Re: Probing & Soft limits
Post by: joeaverage on October 28, 2022, 05:54:27 PM
Hi,

Quote
G31.0 Z-10. My softlimits for Z is set to 5

You are confusing the Z-10 in the g31 block with SoftLimit Z. The Z ordinate in the g31 block is a work coordinate, ie referenced to the current g54 Work Coordinates
whereas the SoftLimit Z ordinate is in Machine Coordinates, ie referenced to the Machine Zero not the Work Zero.

Craig
Title: Re: Probing & Soft limits
Post by: DynMetalworks on October 29, 2022, 06:43:06 AM
I have home switches on all axes. I ref all axes then enable softlimits to prevent hitting hard limits. This works well with a plasma table jogging at 1500ipm.

What your saying makes sense. Lowering the Z travel in the G31 block allowed softlimits to work. Now, I need to figure out adjusting settings in the post for the ref distance.