Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: dec@rocketmail.com on April 24, 2013, 04:46:14 PM
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Hi all,
I am excited to have a new ATC and spindle control all hooked up on my 24" x 24" Techno CNC! However, before I can get started I have to sort out this funky minor issue:
m3 will start the spindle via the Gecko G540 (Port 1 Pins 14 & 1). m5 stops it.
m101 activates Output 1 (Port 2 Pin3) M102 de-activates Output 1.
m103 activates Output 2 (Port 2 Pin1) M104 de-activates Output 2.
However, for some reason, M5 also de-activates both outputs. Output 1 re-activates after a moment, Output 2 remains deactivated.
I had a similar problem when I was making my solenoid bank and a diode on each helped eliminate feedback through the ground when the solenoid discharged. Since there is now a diode on each solenoid - and more importantly, since the spindle is being fed from the G540 directly (not the solenoid bank) I'm confused about where the cross-feed is....
Any ideas?
dh
What am I missing?
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Additional info:
M5 doesn't de-activate inputs if the spindle isn't already running. For example:
Activate output 1, enter m5 = Out1 is still activated.
Activate output 1, enter m3, enter m5 = out1 is deactivated.
So that made me think the motor is feeding juice through the ground to the rest of the system, but a) the G540's spindle outputs are opto-isolated and b) even Mach3's diagnostics screen shows the outputs being deactivated (it's not an electromechanical thing).
dh
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Can you attach your xml and macros and I will test it out, also what version of Mach are you suing so I can test with the same version.
Hood
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XML Attached.
Thanks!
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Theres seems to be some strange things happening here with your xml, not sure why.
Will try and look a bit more and see if I can work out whats wrong.
Hood
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Ok got the issue sorted that I was having with the VB editor, got Brett to open it on his dual screen and drag it back to the main screen and send me the new xml.
I have tried activating output 1 and then M3 and M5 and it is fine here, I dont have a ESS here so I am only testing with a SS.
I am wondering if it is something to do with the ESS, will see if I can test tomorrow on the big lathe as it has the ESS on it.
Hood
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Can you send me your "new" xml?
dh
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Here it is, be careful in case some other things have changed.
Can you attach the macros you are using for the outputs.
Hood
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Hi Hood,
Thanks for taking the time to help with this - I'm nearly at my wit's end...
I checked your xml and the same thing is happening: Activate outputs 1 & 2, start spindle. When m5 is entered, output 2 deactivates (but not #1).
I thought maybe the ESS was ignoring Port #, which would cause a problem with output 2, as it is on pin 1 of Port 2 (the spindle uses pin 1 of Port1). So I re-wired Output to Port2 Pin2. ....Same problem.... >:(
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ok... I "fixed" the problem.... Not sure why this works, but I changed my ActivateSignal (Output2) macro to ActivateSignal (Output3). Then I configured Output3 to be EXACTLY the same as Output2 and disabled Output2.
So, M5 seems to disable Output2 regardless of port/pin setting? I tried several different pins for output2 while stabbing in the dark and nothing seemed to protect it from M5.
?
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Ah ok, so its output 2 :)
Try this go to Ports and Pins, Spindle Setup, enable the spindle relays, change M4 output to 6 then disable them again and apply.
Hood
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Son of a.... Yep that's it.
Cheers, mate!!!
;D
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M3 was already using 6, so now it's m3=5, m4=6; does that seem OK?
Next time you're in Boston, the first round's on me.
dh
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That will be ok as long as you are not using outputs 5 or 6 for anything. M3 wasnt using 6 if I recall, the relays were set as 6 for M3 but they were disabled, think you have a step/dir spindle so no relays.
Hood
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Icing on the cake:
Psyched to have everything sorted, I started putting misc. BOB's back together and getting cables re-routed back to their proper locations. Unplugged the G540 and relay board, but somehow left the DC spindle motor plugged in. Pulling the cord around, touched a bare end to the computer chassis... "pop!" "flash!" Fried the Sherline Speed control board. Laughing to keep from crying. Will order another board tomorrow.
But cheers, anyway, Hood. I really think the finish line is in sight (despite myself!).
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Sorry to hear that but these things happen I suppose, if it hadnt happened now it likely would have at some point in the future.
Hood
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Ok, I've replaced the Sherline Speed Control Board, but I'm getting no motion. I REALLY hope I haven't fried the VFD output on the g540. I know it's opticoupled, so does that mean it's safe?
In Mach, when I start the spindle, the Dwell light flashes once, but then stops and the spindle RPM has no readout. I don't think I've changed any settings re: ports/pins....
:( ????
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LOL - I put the rocker switch in 180 degrees, so "On" was <<OFF>> sheesh......
Up & running. Still have a weird fluctuation in the spindle speed/sound, though....