Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Len-Tikular on February 02, 2021, 05:10:25 PM

Title: License question
Post by: Len-Tikular on February 02, 2021, 05:10:25 PM

I have MAch4 on my workshop PC for use with my CNC Router. (Running with an Ess Smoothstepper)
I also have an Eleksmaker and Lightburn to generate the Gcode for my 60Watt Co2 laser machine.

I want to remove the Laser Diode from the Eleksmaker and install it on my Router Z Axis.
Mach 4 I understand does not control the laser but Mach3 will. (I believe thereare PWM issues)
Can I install both Mach3 and Mach4 on my PCc.

Many thanks.

Title: Re: License question
Post by: Peter Homann on February 02, 2021, 06:53:31 PM

Hi,
Yes, you can install Mach3 and Mach4 on the same machine.
Note that you will need a licence for Mach3 and a separate licence for Mach4.
Cheers,

Peter

Title: Re: License question
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on February 03, 2021, 02:13:57 AM

If it's any help...
The ESS Mach3 laser support only extends to vector working whereas the ESS and Mach4 support both vector and raster laser working.
Warp9 still have a way to go on improving their poor user interface for raster working but their laser support and actual ESS laser control is excellent.

Tweakie.

Title: Re: License question
Post by: Len-Tikular on February 03, 2021, 06:13:09 AM

Thanks Tweekie,

I understand what you ar saying, however Mach4 will not handle my files unless modified which is quite a pain.

Mach4 and Lightburn GRBL3 Gcode.
After a bit of changes to the GRBL3 Gcode produced by Lightburn I finally achieved some result.

GRBL sends 'S' to to turn laser on and of.
Any 'S' followed by a number' I.e S57 means turn laser on at 57%. This needs replacing with M62P20
An 'S' number followed by a 0 means laser off. And needs replacing with M63P20

Here is a small part of the code I used.
; LightBurn 0.9.16 George's WIFICARD
; GRBL-M3 (1.1e or earlier) device profile, current position
; Bounds: X0 Y0 to X71.17 Y43
G00 G17 G40 G21 G54
G91
; Image @ 6000 mm/min, 70% power
m2003 (LASER_VECTOR_PWM_PERCENTAGE=75)
m2003 (LASER_VECTOR_FREQUENCY=20000)
m2003 (LASER_VECTOR_GATE_DELAY=0.5)
m2003 (LASER_VECTOR_GATE_DURATION=0.5)
M2004
M62P20 F100.0
T1M06
S200M03 F100
G94 M63P20
M8
M5
G0X4.98Y4.52
; Layer C00
M3
G1X6.1F100M62P20
G1X2.03M63P20
G1X3.56M62P20
G1X5.59M63P20
G1X1.01M62P20
G1X2.03M63P20

Title: Re: License question
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on February 03, 2021, 09:51:41 AM

Looks like you have Mach4 under control so why would you need to use Mach3 ?

Tweakie.