Today I upgraded Mach3 and the NCpod plug-in. For the servo time I use .00084. I have been testing the pod as hard as I can. It seems the missing steps are not just related to jog follow mode but with any extra work the graphics on the screen do. If I rotate the graphic of the toolpath I get missing steps or if I move around screens allot.
Now I also find the FRO not working correctly. I move the slider and nothing changes. Sometimes it works.
Sometimes while running at 200ipm I do a feedhold when I restart the feedrate is much lower than 200ipm, maybe 50ipm. If I feedhold again and restart the feedrate goes back to 200ipm.
200ipm on my machine is near the limit of my steppers. I like to test at this speed because Ill get missing steps very easy if the pod doesn't keep the motion perfect. I do all these same tests using the printer port so I'm sure the information is pod related and not lack of torque, noise or any other strange variable. With that said, I found another thing. While running the roadrunner I would do a feedhold and restart, maybe 20 times. After the 20 feedholds I measured my axis and found I had lost position about 1/4 inch. I believe it was missing steps because I could here the missed steps everytime I did a feedhold.
Last thing for today. Everytime I start the pod I have to load the firmware. I get the slow blinking amber led. I load the firmware and the led stays steady. Is this the same for everyone?
My wife thinks its strange that I am happier when things don't work perfect.