Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: iphillips on December 21, 2015, 12:04:30 PM
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Hello all,
I am trying to get my Cap04 THC running for the first time. I've been using the machine over the last month with a trim router attached and have swapped to the plasma now. So, I know it all works except the THC.
I've tested the inputs and they do work. In fact too well.
As soon as I set up the Up and Down input, the Z starts to run. Then I can't get it to reset because of an "Up or Down input signal" fault. And, it is showing.
I thought the machine would ignore the THC inputs until the G Code was started but now I'm not sure.
Any ideas, input appreciated.
Ian
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Forgot to add I'm using a licensed version of Mach3 on an XP computer.
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Are you using parallel port, motion controller, if so which one?
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I have two parallel ports and cards.
Main card is C11S to PCI Parallel card- has motors outputs, Estop and THC inputs.
Second is a C10R10.3 to Motherboard Parallel(only way to get all inputs working), +-Limints for X,Y,Z.
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Should work fine.
Need to set up the ports and pins.
You then have two options.... Set up an mcode to turn THC on and off or use THC whenever THC OK and THCDn or THCUp is toggled.
The latter is on on the ports and pins.... Last tab is a checkbox that says something like use THC even when THC not enabled.
Best to use the plasma screenset as the THC speed is set on the DRO on the screen.
THC shunts the z up or down without acceleration... Ie you can stall the steppers if it is set at 100%
Rob
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Using an mcode to toggle THC on and off is fine but you need to note that when you run gcode with an mcode the machine will pause whilst it runs the mcode... So you may get a divot when you do it....
There is however one code which does not hesitate the machine motion.... Which is m10px and m11px.... (11 = on, 10=off), x denotes the output number .... Now this code is normally used for laser... However I have a spare relay on my bob... Which allows me to make and break the THCOK signal... Which in turn allows me to turn THC on and off without hesitation to my machine motion...
As THCUp or THCDn signals have no effect if the THCOK is not present.
Rob
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This is where my "newness" comes in.
I did get the manual and other info for setup from the page: http://www.agelkom.com.tr/mach3.htm
I'm just unsure of how to deal with the macros. Is that what you mean by mcode? Also, I just dragged and dropped the files to the Mach3 folder. Should they go into others?
I also have a relay on the C11s that I was planning on using for triggering the Plasma.
Thanks again for your help
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Yup, macros are m-codes....
Firstly.... I would take a backup of your working profile.XML file.
then I would copy and create a new "plasma profile", by renaming the copy of the working XML file (as you have a mill that works!)
Then, from the link you gave (http://www.agelkom.com.tr/M3_2_06_screen11.zip) , they provide a M3 macro which needs to be placed in your mach3 "macros" folder (as per the instructions:
7. Rename your M3 to M3orj. Also copy and rename our M3*****. file to M3
then place the screenset (http://www.agelkom.com.tr/Plasma11.zip) in the "Mach3" folder.
then restart mach3
then select "view" (along the top line).... and then "load screens".... scroll down to their screenset and select it.
And provided you change all the other posts and pins settings shown on that page ... you "should" have a working plasma setup.
disregard my comments about m10 / m11 as they won't apply to the other M3 setup listed above... get use to what you have then have a fiddle with the VBScript codes when you become less "new".
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Ok, that makes a bit more sense. I was missing the .orj as there dosen't seem to be any listed in the folders but I think it's just a holder. As in original?
I'll get back at this later and let you know.
Thanks Rob!
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I guess orj is original... Can call it anything you want m3old.m1s etc etc... As long as it is not just "m" followed by just a number it will be fine
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Ok, copied and changed the M3, loaded the right screen set, and still can't reset to be able to "home" or jog or anything.
The machine is still locked because of the "Down" signal from the Cap04. Getting a bit fustrated here.
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Can you post or email your XML file please.
You will need to call or rename it something unique like iphillips.xml
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What do you mean by Locked ??? The down signal should not lock the machine up . Do you mean the reset button will not reset ??
You have something not configured correctly . Start over and double check every one thing at a time. DO NOT assume anything, double check it all.
The THC should ONLY be active when it is turned on from the M3 and turned off from the M5 ???
I would completely disconnect the THC and get the machine working, it will run just fine without a THC . Then when you have it all running correctly then hook it back up and tune it in.
(;-) TP
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Yes, the Reset won't.
I am going to go through it all again just to be sure.
TP-
If you look back, everything does work. It's only when I plug the THC box for the sensor, that the unit won't reset.
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Here's the xml
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Mach3 >>> Config >>> ports & pins >>> mill options tab
unselect:
Allow THC even when not in THC >>> disable this for a start, enable your THC via mcode
g28.1 no initial move >>>> not sure about why you set this (I dont use it)
set OUTPUT5 when in THC >>> you have not set output 5 (what would you use this for)?
Mach3 >>> Config >>> General Config
Change the lookahead to 200
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Also check the port addresses are correct and align with the actual addresses assigned on your machine.
I cannot see anything that will not allow your machine to reset specifically.
Rob
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Hi Rob,
Just wanted to get back to you.
So, once I changed the notes above it would allow me to reset! Thanks!
I am now trying to run it without actually cutting but sensing a plate I have to be sure the sensor is doing what it should.
Thanks again.
Ian
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I'd suggest adding a few LEDs to the screenset to show you the up and down motion plus the THC OK.
Can't remember if they are on the standard screenset but I can walk you through that if you want
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Yah, they have Up,Down, and Probe. Included a screen shot
I think the problem I'm having now is the probe isn't feeding back or being delt with. It just drives into the plate.
I can see the Up and In Postion LEDs on the unit but no opposite action to pull the Z back and start the file.
Maybe the M3 part of the process didn't take?
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Where did you place the m3 macro?
Can you go to its location and copy and paste from the windows explorer bar the folder location.
Just check there is only one m3 macro in there (as you have added a second or replaced the first one more correctly)
I'll have a look at the macro later for you
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Here's the route
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M3 File. Ignore the copied over. Had to rename to upload.
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Here's my xml file for anyone that can help.
I reloaded Mach3 and setup the Cap04 per the instructions at CNC4PC.
All inputs can be seen in Mach3 but when running a test, the Z position isn't controlled. I used Aspire(Vcarve) to create the G-code.
At a bit of a loss here.
Ian
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Just an update here.
Everything got sorted. Thanks a ton to Argun at Agelkom! He was extremely helpful in the setup.
And, the problems I was having turned out to be:
New to config for Mach3- was setting up for plasma but not the Cap04 properly.
Trying to run dry without proper inputs happening to Mach3. Just trying to see if the sensor was working.
And lastly- didn't have the proper post processor for Sheetcam! Totally missed the link on the Agelkom site and my G-code was missing the M3 macro.
Once I got the above sorted the machine has been working great!
Should have bought a bigger Hypertherm(always the way :) but it does work.
Thanks to all here who tried to help out.
Much appreciated.
Ian
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Hi Ian,
Any chance you can post you final .set and .xml files? (and any others you may think important) I'm working through the same issues with the CAP 04. Thanks.
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For sure, but really all you should need is on this page:
http://www.agelkom.com.tr/mach3.htm
Follow the directions on that page then follow this:
http://www.agelkom.com.tr/sheetcam.htm
This is the only way the unit works correctly.
Also, as I noted above, if you are running without the Plasma machine talking back(Arc Ok) you need to mimic the signal with a switch. Then the unit should work fine.
Don't play with the pot on the unit or anything else yet. It should be calibrated already.
Once I did these things the unit worked perfectly.