Machsupport Forum
Third party software and hardware support forums. => Mach3 and G-Rex => Topic started by: cncdaddy on October 06, 2011, 12:17:37 AM
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I am having quite a few problems getting my DIY machine operating. I bought it used (nevered actually been used) it is a 2' x3' and it came from Fine Line on the web. Everything did or does power up, I fail the diagnostic test everytime but the MACH3 diagnostic page said my pulse frequency was 24800. The unit does not jog and no table (red outline shows up on the home page). I took some screen shots of the diagnostic test page that show me how bad my Khz were and some images of the Mach3 config page (Ports and Pins etc.). I have uninstalled and reinstalled then uninstalled and rebooted then reinstalled Mach3 and rebooted...still nothing. Does anyone have some sort of idea of where I might check next since I am getting tired of unistalling and reinstalling. I can send images (pdf file) if anyone is interested in helping.
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Post your xml file and someone will have a look at how Mach is configured.
RICH
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Please excuse my newness but Where do you find the XML file?
Thanks
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CncDaddy, where are you? Is your machine wired up and ready to go? Are the steppers locked up upon powering up your controller. I am away from my pc but IIRC look under computer/c drive/ Mach3/ (what ever profile you have created) or are you using the master? There is a bit to learn here. Don't worry it will take some time to learn where the answers are.
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Have you optimized your pc for Mach? Setting the EPP and turning off all sleep or hibernation modes etc?
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I'm at work but I will check tonight and get back with you on the data
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I just got home to my PC and it is as I remembered C:\Mach3\ then look under what the profile name is and over to the right it will say what kind of file it is, in this case an XML document. If you click on this, it will open the XML file showing all of your settings within Mach (it might not make any sense to you at first). You could copy this file and send it or a screenshot but I would think they might prefer the file.
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I have ascertained the XML files, I am pretty good with a computer, so I know that may come in handy. I have both mymill XML and the Master but I am only posting Mymill. I will or can post the other if it would help.
- I turned off everything I could, Power, hibernation, Sleep modes, screen savers, my virus protection etc., no worries I'm not hooked up to the internet so I am not worred about my virus protection, besides I will turn it on periodically to do a sweep of my CPU.
I have complete specs of my CPU:
-Operating System:
XP professional vers 2002
Service Pack 2
- My MACH Driver:
Mach 3 driver
4/11/2010
Version 5.50.0.0
- CPU:
HP Compact dx2250
AMD Athlon 64 processor
1.8ghz, 1 GB ram
ATI Radeon Xpress 1150
-Printer Port Specs:
I/O 0378-037F
I/O 0778-077B
-Port1:
I/O 03f8
IRQ 4
What is an EPP / EPP Settings??
I have attached an XML file
I hope this data will help, I'm ready to get moving...need to make some Xmas presents.
I will say it again, I really appreciate all of your help.
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Go thru this list. http://www.machsupport.com/downloads/XP_Optimization.txt
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cncdaddy,
You need to configure Mach before trying to use the software.
Ports and pins
-Non of the motors are enabled or step direction state defined
Motor Tuning
-no motor tunng is defined unless you are using the generic which i doubt is correct
RICH
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Fastest1: Thanks for the link, I will certainly use that list to optimize my CPU.
Rich: Thanks for the response, I would very much like to be able to open Ports and Pins and understand why I am clicking any button on or off, is there any standard or help for properly setting the Ports and Pins and especially tuning the motors, I do not know enough about the sliders to make my actions relevant when I adjust them. I will work diligently to read and understand this information before proceeding
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I will let you know how the optimization works out tonight.
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In all the information I wrote I never said anything about the CNC machine I have. It is a FIne Line Automation 2x3' CNC Router setup. I am usings a Gecko 540 4 axis controller, the motors are NEMA 23 380oz in stepper motors... if any of that helps.
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Cncdaddy, this is quite normal and anyone setting up a machine for their first, second or third machine build will still need a refresher on a few settings before everything is tuned well. That being said, once you get the basic settings of the pins for each stepper and it's direction of travel set correctly then motor tuning will come into play. I did not use the XML reader to analyze your file. I have never used it personally but I guess I should have. I did download the reader though. During the set up of your port and pins all of your port settings will be "1" unless your have 2 Parallel Ports. That will have to be entered and saved for each axis.
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Side note: At what point would I have to declare what units I am using (inches versus metric).
The file I got from another person that I was going to use was in metric...I'm sure ports and pins are not affected however I want to operate in SAE (inches mode).
I'm going to try to optimize my PC tonight.
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Have a look at the Mach manual as it describes how to calculate the steps per unit. You can also use the axis calibration feature under the F6 tab.
There is a spread sheet in the Tool Box if you want to use a spread sheet to calculated the steps per unit.
Mach needs to know which pins of the PP port are associated with what axis in order to send the signal out to the proper place.Additionaly
the active state ( high or low needs to be set ). Then you set the velocity , acceleration, etc for each axis. All in the manual.
RICH
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Rich, should the cpu be set to EPP or Normal? I still do not have any action when I try to jog the CNC around.
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Go to the folder you installed Mach and click on the file named DRIVERTEST.EXE to install the driver and let it run.
Ports and pins:
1.Port Setup - enable the port that you will use by checking the box "Port Enabled"
2.Motor Outputs - i assume that you have enabled them and defined dir & step state
3. Will assume you have no input signals / output signals / encoder / spindle setup requiring congfig
Motor Tuning:
1.Fill in the boxes for each axis for steps per, velocity, accel, and for now use a value of 4 for step & dir pulse time
How to figure has already been posted
System Hotkeys:
1.Click the axis button and then hit a key on the keyboard you will use to jog the machine. You need to do that for each key you will use in jogging.
Save Settings
Click the Reset Button if it is flashing. Then hit the click the Jog button ( tool information ) to turn on jogging.
Now hit the TAB key and use the axis butttons to jog the Machine.
Go through all of the above. Try jogging and also post you xml file when you are done.
RICH
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I will give it a shot tomorrow, thanks
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Rich:
I have been out of the loop for a couple days, but that has not helped my frustration. I did contact the Gecko guys and they had an XML file for me to use, I installed it and I did get the CNC to Jog. Unfortunately it only added to my frustration/confusion. I am looking at your list and I am not sure of exactly where I would find:
• Port setup, I do not know where the “Port Enable” box is, is it called something else? Is there an example somewhere?
• I’m pretty sure the Motor outputs are working since I was able to Jog
• Since this stuff is still “Russian” to me I have not yet figured out the Steps, velocity, accel etc. I am reading the book, pages 5-16 – 5-19 to use as a guide.
• Where is the AXIS button? This step should be done after the previous steps?
• I have posted my current XML file
I did select “Ref All Home” and it slowly went jogged through the X & Y Axis until it was parked in the corner.
I still do not have a table out line showing up in the display yet
I wish all of this just worked and my learning curve was spent on G-code and running files and learning
V-Carve Pro, I guess this is where baby steps come into play.
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Rich, should the cpu be set to EPP or Normal?
EPP
Go to the Gecko site site and read all of the information on the G540.
While you are there read some of the tech info as it is top notch, concise, and helpfull in gaining an understanding of cnc..
I wish all of this just worked
CNC is not "plug and play" like installing some computer component. The learning curve "never ends" and is just a matter of where one finds themselves and the degree with which they want to pursue how to do something. Waite until you spend months learning software....there are no shortcuts.
Take a moment and just click on the Config Tab and work your way down the list. For each list have a read of the manual.
Actualy you need to read most of the manual just to get a flavor, then you need to study it for specifics, then you will forget everything and start all over. ???
There are a number of Mach manuals avialable...and don't foget about the videos.
Using Mach 3 Mill
Software installation & configuration
Setting up basic 3 axis machine
RICH
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Is there a link to getting those manuals, I have one already, it seems to be the digital user manual on Artsofts site. It is helpful but definately not specific to my machine, I know there are many variations however, I wish there was a specific manual that I could read and atleast be cutting a circle. Thanks for the EPP info I already read about that in Geckos information on their site. How will I know I am done and set up is complete? It kinda runs now but there are many things about it that do not seem right. Time will tell.
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SUPPORT > DOCUMENTATION from this sites pulldown above.
Rich