Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Bertho on September 22, 2009, 03:16:44 AM

Title: MachTurn problems and questions
Post by: Bertho on September 22, 2009, 03:16:44 AM
After using Mach3 Mill and switching to MachTurn, I am still very much in a learner stage; I have a few comments and questions. I realize the program is work in progress.

1: Is there a problem list so I do not have to carefully document known problems?

2: I miss the tabs or screen selection style of Mach Mill; I can instantly jump to the screen I want. Here I often have to take a detour to the front screen.

3: Why no jogging option in Diagnostic? It is useful if testing limit switches.

4: There is an Edit, Cycle start and Rewind button in the diagnostic page.
Why run a program from there?

5: The Single step button works but there is no LED indicator so I do not know what mode it is in.

6: On "Auto page", the "cycle start" is not a cycle start button, it goes to another screen. I was "scared" to push it since the G-code program was not shown in the "Auto page" screen.

7: There is no indication in the upper left Axis display if it is machine, program, or part coordinates

8: "Set Home" moves at selected homing speed so that is good. "Home" returns to the home positions extremely slowly, maybe just 1% of max. How can I change it?  This also magically started to work.  See #10 below.

9: I get an error message "Simulating feeds, no spindle feedback" I have a spindle sensor and it correctly displays the RPM

10: Ref/Home LEDs never change, even though I have switches and homing works.  Actually this started to work.  The following day after restarting the program it looks OK.  Maybe it wakes up and works after the program has been restarted if the home functions have been changed

11: What is the "Feedback" LED on the "Auto" - "Run" screen?

12: I select metric mode but the "Run" screen still displays feed in Inches/minute

13: I select Diameter mode, it displays “Diameter” but the DROs are in radius mode

Bertho

Title: Re: MachTurn problems and questions
Post by: Hood on September 22, 2009, 03:34:33 AM
I certainly don't find the lathe screen very user friendly and to be honest I found it very awkward. When I first did my lathe I loaded the Turn screen then quickly decided it was not what I wanted so I loaded my mill screen and modified it to suit. I am one day going to do it properly but just never seem to have time. Something that one person likes may be hated by another but Mach allows you to change that :)
Hood
Title: Re: MachTurn problems and questions
Post by: M250cnc on September 22, 2009, 04:19:36 AM
I am with Hood after using the Mill screen for some time going to the Lathe screen was a shock.

I think it was designed by a talented graphic artist with no lathe experience  ;D

Anyway i have used the excellent MachScreen software to modify the lathe screen to my liking.

I have fixed lots of errors and taken away some unneeded functions that are not implemented.

So with bated breath i am posting it here maybe you would like to check it out.

Phil
Title: Re: MachTurn problems and questions
Post by: RICH on September 22, 2009, 07:14:04 AM
Thanks for the posting Phil. I took a quick look and it is an improvement.

Bertho,
There are a few other screens which you may want to try.

Scott did a nice screen set for the lathe. It has a nice large graphics area on one of the screens.
You may want to read through the thread as there are  a few different versions.
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,3653.msg27354.html#msg27354

Just remember, that if you are using a different screen set than what Mach provides, and you have

questions, most folks may not be able to realate to what your posting.

I have seen few out there that you can purchase.

Maybe I'll even get into the screen designer and do one some day. That would be a learning trip
not taken yet!

RICH
Title: Re: MachTurn problems and questions
Post by: Bertho on September 22, 2009, 07:49:54 PM
Thanks for the suggestions.  It looks like I have good company being dissatisfied with the screens.

I have not edited a screen for a very long item.  What is the current recommended screen editor?
TIA
Bertho
Title: Re: MachTurn problems and questions
Post by: M250cnc on September 23, 2009, 04:59:51 AM
Thanks for the suggestions.  It looks like I have good company being dissatisfied with the screens.

I have not edited a screen for a very long item.  What is the current recommended screen editor?
TIA
Bertho

Did you not notice i mentioned MachScreen

I have started a new thread in the screens section about  the lathe screen and a newer version

Phil
Title: Re: MachTurn problems and questions
Post by: Hood on September 23, 2009, 05:52:01 AM
I use Screen4 but have heard good things about MachScreen. Screen4 has some quirks but I find it works well and is easy to use, others dont like it at all.
Hood
Title: Re: MachTurn problems and questions
Post by: M250cnc on September 23, 2009, 08:48:31 AM
Hood if you like screen 4 do not try MachScreen  ;D ;D ;D

If you have tried neither use MachScreen

Auto file backup

Built in help file

Multiple undo's

That's before you even try the program  ;D

Phil