Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: cliveastro on February 11, 2010, 12:40:01 PM
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Hi
I am just finishing off modifying my lathe for Mach3 based CNC.
Although it runs, the Z motor runs fine in one direction when I reverse the direction it slows and nearly stalls then runs fine. Each jog in that direction is fine.
When I reverse direction again it stalls then runs fine.
I swapped the motors and they are both fine the fault follows the stepper driver.
Any clues please
Clive
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Can you swap a driver ?
Phil
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Hi
I dont have another driver that size.
Its a Motion Control Products MSD325 they are quite small.
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The only thing i can think of to try is make sure in the motors section of ports and pins that Dir LowActive & Step Low Active are all unticked.
Motor reverse is best done in Config, Homing limits
Phil
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I must admit I havent looked at the config lately as it all worked.
Its almost like it runs out of power in the other direction.
I initally thought the motor was underpowered.
Clive
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Clive they work best when the power supply is up to 25 times the motors rated voltage.
What is your rated voltage ?
I would take off the motor and turn the screw by hand so you can feel if one way is stiffer over the other.
Phil
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It does with the motor on the bench.
Its definately the stepper driver because when I swap motors it does it on the other motor.
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Clive sorry, you already said that.
Have you checked the config ?
Phil
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I think I will have another bash tomorrow or the weekend I dont fancy trudging through the snow again tonight.
Clive
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Stiill having problems
1. Have checked the config
2. Have tried sherline
3. Have buzzed out all wires
4. Removed 5v ground
5. swapped motors
6. Moved wires on breakout board from 4 and 5 to 6 and 7
7. Swapped stepper driver - this was interesting both stepper drivers work in the X axis both drivers didnt work in the Z axis
Have now run out of ideas
Clive
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Clive if the X is OK with both drivers but the problem is with the Z then that is where the problem lies.
If there is some intermittent binding at certain points, or lower the motor top speed in motor tuning that also might tell you if it is a lack of power
While i was building my lathe i used a cordless drill to move the Z axis you may have some "Crabbing" when you make a reverse move
Phil
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Hi Phil
Its not binding, the motors on the bench!
It does it with both motors.
I am starting to think its breakout board, cable or parallel port as it works on pin 2 and 3 but not on pins 4 and 5, 6 and 7, 8 and 9.
I think I will swap computers next.
Clive
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Hi Phil
The problem appears to be computer/software related I swapped the computer and put in the same settings as I have been using and it worked.
So the problem is either the port drivers or the software. Any suggestions?
Clive
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Clive glad you are getting there.
Start each computer into the BIOS check what the printer port mode is if they are different try the working computer settings on the non working computer.
Phil
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Hi Phil
Fixed it.
I reloaded Mach3 and removed the wireless network card.
Dont know which one fixed it but both motors run very much better.
Thanks for your help.
Clive
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Was it a Netgear wireless card? a few people seem to have issues and all I think have been with Netgear wireless.
Hood
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Yes it was a netgear wireless router card.
I have used a buffalo usb wireless stick with no problems.
Clive