Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: johnv on January 13, 2009, 12:58:51 PM
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I built a cnc router. The Control console uses (3) KL-4030 Drivers to drive (3) KL23H286-20-8B motors, a CNC4PC C10 Parallel Port Interface card and using Mach3 software. I built a 555 square wave generator to test out the wiring. I insert the square wave (800Hz @ 5v p-p) onto pin 2; 4; and 6 and all motors run fine in both directions. My problem is getting Mach3 to do the same. I watched the configuration video, followed all instructions, and all seems to be in order. When I go to Motor Tuning, I choose axis, insert proper step value ( even improper step value) play with Accel & Velocity, save axis settings then press up or down keyboard key. Sometimes I get motion sometimes I don't. I can't get continuous running. Same on all axis'. Tried using Mach3 from 2 different computers to no avail. Scope shows input to x-step (pin 2) about 6us pulse 5vp-p (555 is much longer pulse). I know it must be a setup fluke but I can't find it. I took some pics of my setup. I'll try to post them if I can. If not, you can PM me, I'll be happy to forward you a copy. It could help to clarify things. Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks gentlemen.
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What are you using for step value?
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Have you run the Drive Test to see if your pulse is clean? Have you tried with a pulse width of 5?
Hood
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What are you using for step value?
I'm using 1/2 microsteps and 2.7A
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Have you run the Drive Test to see if your pulse is clean? Have you tried with a pulse width of 5?
Hood
Tried both. Pulse is clean and I'm presently set to 5uSecond increase.
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Have you put the scope direct to the PP?
Hood
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Have you put the scope direct to the PP?
Hood
I don't know what you mean by the PP.
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PP is Parallel Port, ie seeing what the pulse out the port is before it gets to the breakout.
Hood
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PP is Parallel Port, ie seeing what the pulse out the port is before it gets to the breakout.
Hood
Good thought! Checked it out. Exact same pulse with no distortion. Thanks for hanging in there with me.
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Ok dont think your drives should need it but might we worth trying Sherline mode.
Hood
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Ok dont think your drives should need it but might we worth trying Sherline mode.
Hood
OK went to Ports & Pins window and checked Sherline. Reset and still no luck.
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Maybe change the Step and Dir active state, have all the same (whether High or Low) and see if that helps, some drives are finicky about that.
Hood
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Maybe change the Step and Dir active state, have all the same (whether High or Low) and see if that helps, some drives are finicky about that.
Hood
Tried it both ways, still no rotation.
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I dont think it can be your settings as you seem to be saying you can scope a nice pulse but will have a look anyway if you attach your xml. You will have to rename it before the forum will accept, suggest you rename it to johnv.xml
Hood
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I dont think it can be your settings as you seem to be saying you can scope a nice pulse but will have a look anyway if you attach your xml. You will have to rename it before the forum will accept, suggest you rename it to johnv.xml
Hood
If you mean my website, I don't have one. I will however send the pics of my setup by email or I will figure a way to get them on flickr and give you the address.
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I am meaning the xml for Mach, it is a file that stores all of the Mach settings. It will be in the Mach 3 folder on your drive. If you use the standard mill profile it will be called Mach3Mill.xml, if you have a custom profile it will be named after your profile.
Hood
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I am meaning the xml for Mach, it is a file that stores all of the Mach settings. It will be in the Mach 3 folder on your drive. If you use the standard mill profile it will be called Mach3Mill.xml, if you have a custom profile it will be named after your profile.
Hood
[/quote}]OK Found it and renamed it. How do I insert it in the post?
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John,
You mentioned earlier that sometimes you were getting motion and sometimes you were not. Almost sounds like an intermittent connection somewhere, maybe something to do with the enable line?
Another place to check (I got bit by this once) signal commons.
I converted an old machine once for the local high school that bought this machine 10 years earlier, used it for 1 week, and it died and the mfg was no longer in business. I didn't use a breakout board just wired the parallel port directly to drivers and switches using pullups and current limiters, but forgot to bring the parallel port ground over to the 5v signal common. It would run fine sometimes depending on what outlets it was plugged into, then other times only half the machine would work.
Arnie
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zarzul, thank you for your worthwhile suggestions, and Hood, thank you for your patience in sticking in there with me. This morning I went into the startup folder of xp and moved out all unnecessary start-up programs. Tried running Mach3 and the same results. Just a click (single step) here and there. Went back and clicked on the Sherline extended pulse and all three motors are running fine. My only problem now is I don't know what corrected the issue. Thanks again. I hope I can count on you in the future.
John
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Good you are going now, its annoying when you dont actually know what cured it but at least its sorted and thats the main thing :)
Hood
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Good you are going now, its annoying when you dont actually know what cured it but at least its sorted and thats the main thing :)
Hood
I agree! Thanks again Hood