Messages

2161

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Add More Software Input Signals

« on: August 06, 2019, 08:41:45 PM »

Hi,
that looks like you are able to address the registers.

The Hicon will have a stack of registers and you can access those but that is somewhat different to being able
to generate new signals in Machs core.

It would appear that a device plugin can register IO which thereafter behave like Mach Signals.....those IOs/Signals are 'owned' by
the device or plugin which registers them.

Craig

2162

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Tool Table and Tool Changer question

« on: August 06, 2019, 03:11:17 PM »

Hi,
you might be trying to run before you can walk.

In the first instance get your toolchanger to work with just seven tools. Then maybe later you can extend that to
a larger number, maybe aligned with the tool table.

Craig

2163

Mach3 under Vista / Re: Origin drifting along the program running

« on: August 06, 2019, 03:08:35 PM »

Hi,
you are gaining/losing steps. Maybe noise is getting to your servo encoders and making the drive think the servo
is at a different position.

Tells us more about the servo and servo drive.

Craig

2164

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Hook up Schematic help

« on: August 05, 2019, 09:15:25 PM »

Hi,
to start with just plug the C11 with a ribbon cable to port one of the ESS. You can use pin 26 of the ESS IEC header
to power the C11 if you wish.

That will be enough for you to get thw motors hooked up, the spindle drive, an Estop and a probe maybe. Thereafter you
will need the second BoB. Start with just the C11.

Craig

2165

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: How to show the value of a variable in the ZeroBrane Editor?

« on: August 05, 2019, 07:36:38 AM »

Hi,

Yes, many times and watched all the videos many times

I was not talking about videos......what about the example scripts?

Mach4Hobby/LuaExamples/ToolChanger.......there are four scripts that might give you some ideas.

Craig

2166

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Programming Mach4 setup on one computer, but running it on another? Licensing.

« on: August 04, 2019, 11:58:39 PM »

Hi,
a resistor and a 4.7V Zener diode will cut a 10V signal to 5V.

I dont even know how good this feedback would work but it would give a couple extra programming options and possibly better spindle speed control if it worked.

If the spindle produces an index pulse then Mach can give you a very accurate (100 part per million type accuracy) speed feedback.
The VFD will produce a pulse stream but you will have to allow some slip, maybe 3%, a normal part of operating asynchronous motors.
Unless you are threading and thereby demand very accurate speed control its dubious to me that you'll gain much advantage.

You may be interested to know that if you have spindle (not VFD) feedback then the ESS offers PID control of spindle speed.

Craig

2167

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Programming Mach4 setup on one computer, but running it on another? Licensing.

« on: August 04, 2019, 10:51:49 PM »

Hi,

but reading my Machmotion I06 manual shot that down. It seems to only want to take in a 5V signal from what it says.

The ESS provides a 5V peak PWM signal. On the breakout board there is (usually) an amplifier and filter circuit to produce 0-10V. Note that the 10V supply
is usually provided by the VFD and is isolated from the ESS/BoB supply.

If that proves not to be possible then make a filter circuit (resistor and capacitor) and the output of the breakout board followed by x2 gain opamp to produce 0-10V.

Craig

2168

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Programming Mach4 setup on one computer, but running it on another? Licensing.

« on: August 04, 2019, 09:17:03 PM »

Hi,

Is there any downside to buying the license from a re-seller rather than directly from Artsoft?

It rather depends on how the reseller handles it. If you buy direct you register on the NFS site and you can thereafter
manage your own licences. Were you to buy from a reseller then you may potentially have to get them to manage your
licences for you.

Being able to manage your own licences is a real bonus.

Craig

2169

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: How to show the value of a variable in the ZeroBrane Editor?

« on: August 04, 2019, 07:12:03 PM »

Hi,

I don't think I really need to keep getting the warnings.

My apologies.

I am confused. How do I make my tool changer work without using Lua coding?

Have you even looked at the toolchanger scripts that come as examples? Most people find that a couple of tweaks
to one of the examples is enough, no 'real' coding required.

Craig

2170

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Programming Mach4 setup on one computer, but running it on another? Licensing.

« on: August 04, 2019, 07:07:37 PM »

Hi,

How can I make both computers work with no time outs so I can get more done without the annoyance?

If you do not install a motion controller plugin, ie your sole motion plugin is Sim(ulator) Mach does not time out. Once you install
a motion plugin, even if not active, Mach times out.

If you licence Mach that obviously cures the time out.

A Mach4Hobby licence allows you to have up to five active PCs at one time. Thus you would have your machine PC licenced
but could also have your development PC licenced as well.

Craig