Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: petlaw on July 31, 2018, 05:38:34 AM

Title: help with mach3
Post by: petlaw on July 31, 2018, 05:38:34 AM
hello
i need help but not sure to explain it so here goes
i have mach3 on a xp computer but my key board arrow wont move the number it use to but it just stoped
even the on screen jog tab wont work i cant get it to work. I can load a g code and all the button work all the setting are right can any one help
I am thinking it might be my computer when i go to the diagnostic tab the pause freguance is only 100. i think this is wrong.

sorry if it didn't explain this right but if you need more please ask
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on July 31, 2018, 06:55:14 AM
Hi Petlaw,

Check that you have not accidentally clicked the Jog ON/OFF button (main screen).
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: petlaw on July 31, 2018, 03:24:50 PM
thanks  but done that  still  nothing
done every thing i can think of.
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: petlaw on August 05, 2018, 03:50:43 AM
look like no one can help me with this problem
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 05, 2018, 03:53:26 AM
Have you tried another keyboard ?

Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: petlaw on August 05, 2018, 03:55:15 AM
yes i have thanks
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 05, 2018, 04:17:34 AM
Make a backup copy of your Mach3 folder.
Download and re-install Mach3   http://www.machsupport.com/software/downloads-updates/

(If that does not resolve the problem then, as you suspect, it may be time to replace your PC).
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: petlaw on August 05, 2018, 04:33:49 AM
thanks i give  it ago. i have another computer but it doesn't have a parallel  port it just has usb and my break out board is not usb.
the computer is window 10  i have a use adapter but now sure how to get it working .    "my other problem"
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 05, 2018, 04:44:56 AM
A number of members are currently having issues with updates and Win7 / Win10 so my advice would be to stick with WinXP.
The only way you could use Win10 would be with an external motion controller (the usb/pp adapter's don't work).
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: petlaw on August 05, 2018, 04:48:08 AM
OK so can u i use usb and the adapter with xp and mach3 and if so how?
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: joeaverage on August 05, 2018, 04:52:22 AM
Hi,
Windows 10 (64 bit) does not support Mach's parallel port driver. Nor will any conventional USB-to-parallel converter work.

If you wish to continue to use a parallel port then the PC will have to be Windows 7 or earlier, like XP, and 32 bit.

If you want to use Windows 10 then you will need an external motion controller like a SmoothStepper or a UC300.
A UC100 is another popular choice. It plugs in to your PC USB port and has a DB25 parallel port plug on the other end.
You might say its a USB to parallel adapter, its not. It has an FPGA IC inside it and it generates the pulse streams, a job
that used to be done by Machs parallel port driver right inside the PC's CPU. That makes it way too clever to be called an adapter.
Genuine UC100's cost $120US Don't get ripped by the Chinese look-a-likes on EBay or Amazon. Go Direct to CNCDrive or
their nominated distributor. If you try to buy cheap you will get ripped every time.

Craig
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: petlaw on August 05, 2018, 05:02:02 AM
thank for the advise  i am in New Zealand  so have to find out the excase rate . i might have to change my computer back to window 7 and then buy a uc100 i hope.
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: joeaverage on August 05, 2018, 05:16:21 AM
Hi,
I'm Kiwi....I live in Akaroa....the aerial view of my home is part of my signature.

The UC100 is good but it is limited to one 'ports worth' of IO, that is 12 outputs and 5 inputs. That's enough for a really simple
machine but you will run out of inputs if you want any extra features like probes and separate home switches.

The Ethernet SmoothStepper has three ports for 51 inputs and outputs, the PoKeys 57CNC has 57 inputs and outputs and the UC300
has 5 ports for 85 input and outputs. These devices cost a bit more, about $150 to $200US. I personally think they are worthwhile
because of the extra things you can do with your machine.

Currently $1NZ buy 77cents US.
$120US=$156NZ
$150US=$195NZ
$200US=$260NZ

Craig
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: petlaw on August 05, 2018, 05:19:54 AM
i am in christchurch
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: joeaverage on August 05, 2018, 05:26:55 AM
Hi,
well that makes near neighbors.

Craig
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: petlaw on August 24, 2018, 06:53:48 PM
hi all
Good news i have my cnc router working great not .
With a good friend we working it out and found out it was my computor have to update the system.
All working great now  thanks


Peter
Title: Re: help with mach3
Post by: joeaverage on August 24, 2018, 08:33:59 PM
Hi Peter,
gotta luv it when a plan comes together!

But 'Don't worry there is still plenty of time....for it to all crap out yet!'  ;D

Craig