Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / Saving the Tool Table Changes

« on: June 25, 2009, 03:06:27 PM »

I have integrated a tool height probe & macro into my code.  It works flawlessly.  It calculates the height of the tool, updates the tool table, and I am able to use the new tool offset when I run my next program.

HOWEVER, when I exit Mach 3, all of the changes to the tool table are erased.

I have tried hitting "save settings" before closing, but that does not work either.

Is there a way to force a write to the tool table inside my VB script?

Help!

2

General Mach Discussion / Soft Limit Warning

« on: June 10, 2009, 04:23:10 PM »

I have recently upgraded my Sheetcam program from Standard to TNG.  I am using virtually the same post processor (a modified version of the standard Mach2 post processor).

I have taken an existing job and re-run it through the SheetCam TNG program and generated the GCode.

When I load the new gcode, it loads without error, however, as soon as I click Cycle Start, I receive a Soft Limit warning.

I can bypass the error message and it appears to execute correctly.  I receive no additional warnings.

I have compared the code generated from the SheetCam Standard and SheetCam TNG programs, and can find almost no difference.  The primary difference is the TNG program eliminates some of the Z moves.

For example, in SheetCam standard, you might have the following sequence of commands:
G00 Z1
x2 y4
Z0.0197
G01 z0 f90
x-0.03


On the TNG program you might see:
x2 y4
z0.0197
g01 z-.03 f90


Other than that, the code is virutally idendical

Has anyone else experienced this type of problem???

3

General Mach Discussion / Synchronize X & Axis

« on: March 04, 2009, 03:32:44 PM »

I have looked through the other posts and cannot find anything on this ... but is there a way to synchronize slaved axises?

For example, on my machine it takes 3052 pulses for the x axis to travel 1".  It takes 3054 pulses for the slaved A axis to travel the same distance.  Not a big difference, however with the axises slaved together, at the end of a 96" travel, the A axis lags behind the X axis by about 1/16" - which is a problem.

I have changed the "steps per" settings on the A axis, but it has no effect on the travel distance.  It appears that if the axises are slaved, then both axises are sent exactly the same number of pulses (ie what is under the "X" axis setting)

Although I am sure this is a mechanical issue - one pinion gear must be slightly closer to the gear rack than the other - I am sure it would be much easier to fix using software, if that is possible.

Help! 

4

Forum suggestions and report forum problems. / Not being notified of replys

« on: February 25, 2009, 08:36:45 AM »

Not sure what the problem with my profile is, but I am not being notified when someone responds to one of my posts.  I do not recall ever having been notified.

Is it possible that you can look at my profile and see where the problem is.  At varius times, I have flagged every notify button.

Please advise.

THANKS

5

General Mach Discussion / Output turning on when Mach3 shutsdown

« on: February 23, 2009, 12:21:48 PM »

I have looked around through the posts, and although I expect that this has been covered before, I cannot find anything on it.  I am still doing some of the final touches on my build, and I just hooked up the router.  I am driving a set if relays with Pin 14.

Pin 14 tied directly to a solid state relay (Magnecraft 861 style).  3-32VDC Control, 24-280VAC load.
That relay is tied to a pair of contactors (1 for the 12amp router, the other to be used for a dust collector).  That relay is a 120VAC control, 120VAC SPST electromechanical relay.

Everything appears to work fine when the system is booting and when Mach3 is loaded.  The relay stays off - just like it is supposed to.  When I request the router to activate using gcode, the led on the SSR turns on, the electromechanical relay turns on, and the router turns on.  When I request the router to turn off, everything turns off.

HOWEVER, when I shutdown Mach3, the relays fire momentarily.   Long enough to visually see the LED turn on, and hear the electromechanical relays fire.  In total, it is less than a second - but they definitely fire.

I do not know if this is an issue, but I am using the Smooth Stepper board.

Help.

6

Mach Screens / Button Maker

« on: February 20, 2009, 08:51:07 AM »

For those of you making new buttons and are looking for a nice FREE program, here is one that I have found:

Button Maker 1.0. 

This is a freeware program.  Note that the first time it is run, it asks for a license key - but that license key can be found in BW_Installation.txt which is located in the zip file.   Button Maker is a product of INet Software and can also be found at http://www.inet2inet.com/  This software will also allow you to create a script that builds a "Batch" of buttons.

The only drawback to this software is that it creates BMP files (not JPG or PNG) - HOWEVER, using another package, FSViewer (also FREEWARE) allows you to open the BMP files and save them into any format you want.    FSViewer is a product of FastStone Soft.  I prefer the attached version of the software, however, the latest version can be found at http://www.faststone.org/

Another program that FastStone has is FSCapture.  This is a SHAREWARE program that will Capture any screen image.  The image can be saved to a file - or printed out.  Great for documenting Mach Screens - ie Hard copies of setting screens.

Enjoy.

7

General Mach Discussion / G43 Sheetcam Problem

« on: February 10, 2009, 11:31:41 AM »

I am experimenting with SheetCAM.  As part of its tool change routine, it inserts the following code:

N0220 (Process: Outside offset PARTLAYER, Mill/Router, 0.25 inch diameter, 4 inch Deep)
N0230 (Mill/Router, 0.25 inch diameter)
N0240 T2 M06  G43 H2
N0250 M03 S10000

The problem is with line N0240.  When the code appears as written, Mach does the following:
- Issues a tool change command - pausing the program requiring a Cycle Start
- Reads the offset from the tool table (in this case 4")
- Adds the offset to the Z Axis current coordinates
- MOVES the router up 4" (at the currently set feed rate)

IF however, you break apart the command into two lines:
N0240 T2 M06
G43 H2
then the Mach does the following:
- Issues a tool change command - pausing the program requiring a Cycle Start
- Reads the offset from the tool table (in this case 4")
- Adds the offset to the Z Axis current coordinates
- Router DOES NOT MOVE.

I believe that the SECOND action is what is suppose to happen.  It is my understanding that the T2 or G43 commands do not actually move the router/cutter.

Has anyone else experienced this problem?

I have also been able to duplicate this by typing the command
T2 M06  G43 H2
directly into the MDI screen, switching to the Program Run screen, acknowledging the tool change, and the z axis moves to ZERO at the currently set feed rate.

If I enter:
T2 M06
switch to the Program Run screen, acknowledge the tool change, return to MDI screen, enter:
G43 H2
directly into the MDI screen - and switch back to the Program Run screen .... the tool has changes, the offsets are changed, but the z axis remains at its current position (ie -4)


When the commands are issued on the same line
T2 M06  G43 H2
Mach appears to be issuing the following
T2 M06  G43 H2 G1 Z0

It is the "G1" move that is driving me nuts.

Help!  

8

General Mach Discussion / Homing Problem - Slave Axis

« on: January 30, 2009, 04:53:05 PM »

I am having a homing problem with a new CNC router.

“Normal” motion (X, Y, Z, & A axis) is working fine.  Jogging works as well.  Homing the Z axis works great.  Homing the Y axis works great.  The problem is during the home operation of the X&A axis (A slaved to X).  Here is what I see happening - per the Alt7 Diagnostic Screen.

I hit the X-Ref button
X & A axis move toward (-) home position
M1Home & M4Home light up (Separate home switches)
X stops A stops
X begins moving away (+) from home switch
X Home switch (M1Home) turns off (M4Home remains on)
X stops moving – X is referenced HOME
A begins moving away (+) from home switch
A Home switch (M4Home) turns off
A continues to move away (+) from home switch until motor “slips” and gantry binds
Finally have to hit “reset” button to stop slipping

IF at this point I then hit A-Ref button …
A begins moving toward (-) home position
A Home switch (M4Home) turns on
A reverses and begins moving away (+) from home switch
A Home switch (M4Home) turns off
A stops moving – A is referenced HOME

In other words, homing seams to work separately – but not together.

Also, when the X&A homing routine fails – Mach 3 no longer recognizes the A axis with regards to standard movement.  In other words, Mach 3 seams to un-slave the A axis from the X axis.  This un-slaving occurs even if the A-Ref button succeeds in homing the A axis.  The only way to resolve this problem is to close Mach3 - and reopen it.

Using Mach3 version 3.042.020
Using a PMDX-132 board
Using Smooth Stepper Driver Beta2_V015ogb
Debounce is set at 2000
X Home on Pin 15
A Home on Pin 13
Y Home & Z Home share Pin 12
All Limit switches share Pin 11

Help! - and Thanks in advance for your input.