Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: noboost4you on March 09, 2010, 09:05:15 AM
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Every once and awhile the computer freezes (mouse does not move, Mach3 stops, etc.) when running g-code through Mach3 to my CAMaster CNC machine. At first I thought it was a hardware issue, so I replaced the entire PC with a faster PC with more memory (2.66 GHz Intel with 1gb RAM) but am still experiencing problems. Yesterday while cutting, the computer/Mach3/CNC would freeze for 5 to 10 seconds and then unfreeze and resume normal operations. This happened 3-4 times in 5 minutes. With the old computer, it would freeze and never unfreeze which would require a hard boot.
I even had the computer freeze permanently when I double clicked the Mach3 icon and then flipped the ON switch for the CAMaster CNC machine. I remedied that problem by loading Mach3 first, then turning on the machine. But even then, that shouldn't happen?
When the CNC is running, the only program running on the computer is Mach3. During this time the computer is also wirelessly connected to the internet but no browser is loaded. I am running Windows XP Pro which was freshly installed not even one week ago.
Any ideas?
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try running the code cutting air but without your spindle running, it sounds like electrical noise is killing your computer.
Hood
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My CAMaster MC2840 uses a Porter Cable router.
It's tough to diagnose the problem because I cannot replicate it. I'd say 80% of the time it works flawlessly while the other 20% has a glitch here and there. I'm going to try http://www.machsupport.com/downloads/XP_Optimization.txt to see if any of those suggestions prevents future occurrences.
Also, like I mentioned in the first post, it froze on me when loading Mach3 and turning on the CNC machine. No g-code or the router itself was running.
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Still sounds like noise and/or possibly a power problem, when energising the machine the transformer may be causing a surge.
What
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Still sounds like noise and/or possibly a power problem, when energising the machine the transformer may be causing a surge.
What
What would be the remedy?
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If possible as a test try powering the computer from a different source.
If its noise then shielding and grounding properly is really the only cure.
Have a look at the CPU usage when using the machine and see how that looks.
Hood
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If possible as a test try powering the computer from a different source.
If its noise then shielding and grounding properly is really the only cure.
Have a look at the CPU usage when using the machine and see how that looks.
Hood
Unfortunately everything in the garage is run off of one breaker.
You're talking about grounding the CNC machine, correct? How would I ground it? The table is steel and rests on a concrete floor.
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I am meaning your machines control hardware, not sure what its like at the moment but if the cables are shielded they should only be grounded to one point in the cabinet and all other shields should also ground there.
Do you have any pics of your machines control cabinet that you could post?
Hood
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I am meaning your machines control hardware, not sure what its like at the moment but if the cables are shielded they should only be grounded to one point in the cabinet and all other shields should also ground there.
Do you have any pics of your machines control cabinet that you could post?
Hood
Yes, but I'll have to get those online later this evening.
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I like to recommend a line filter on spindle motors to keep the electrical noise they generate from getting back into the control and PC and causing problems. I carry a 10A unit here: http://soigeneris.com/cncparts2.aspx , if your spindle motor draws more than 10A you should be able to find a similar unit with a higher current rating. Also, if your switching you spindle with a relay you should install an arc suppressor across the relay contacts.
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I like to recommend a line filter on spindle motors to keep the electrical noise they generate from getting back into the control and PC and causing problems. I carry a 10A unit here: http://soigeneris.com/cncparts2.aspx , if your spindle motor draws more than 10A you should be able to find a similar unit with a higher current rating. Also, if your switching you spindle with a relay you should install an arc suppressor across the relay contacts.
I use a Porter Cable router that turns on when I flip the switch.
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Is there any way you can run a cable reel from your house to power the computer for a test?
Did you get a chance to look at the CPU usage? Ctrl Alt Del will get you the task manager and you can look at the performance tab.
Hood
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You can get an idea if it is spindle motor noise causing the problem by 'air cutting' something with the spindle off. If you can run without problems like that then it is likely a motor noise issue. If you still have problems then it is something else (could be both as well).
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You can get an idea if it is spindle motor noise causing the problem by 'air cutting' something with the spindle off. If you can run without problems like that then it is likely a motor noise issue. If you still have problems then it is something else (could be both as well).
I wish it was a problem that happened every day. However, it isn't and I have no idea of ever knowing when it could happen. Makes it very difficult to solve.
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Is there any way you can run a cable reel from your house to power the computer for a test?
Did you get a chance to look at the CPU usage? Ctrl Alt Del will get you the task manager and you can look at the performance tab.
Hood
jeff berd and hood,
you guys just nail it... it is true that this problem exists. right now i am having this problem where mach3 freeze (hang, jammed and the screen greys out and nothing could be pressed). i have been very stressed out for many many days because of this- the machine stops in the middle of acrylic cutting and causing it to get to waste many many times and it upsets me a lot, there are times i curse mach3 a lot for this, thinking this is coming solely from mach3.
i used to use the latest version of mach3 and switch to Version lockdown stable R3.042.040 due to recommendation. day 1 it works fine but after that same problem occurs again and again.
now i have tried again running the cnc with spindle ON and OFF. when i free run it with spindle on, same problems seem to come up 50% of the time (imagine getting your workpiece getting cut with a 50% bet). and then now i try, free run the cnc with spindle off, i have been running it straight 10 times with no problem at all. therefore i guess this is sure coming from the spindle or the spindle driver itself.
oya, my breakout board and axis drivers and the spindle driver seems to be enclosed in one medium sized box. i bought this 6040 cnc on ebay from china. and also i use stepper motor in between.
any idea whats exactly going on? is this the spindle motor itself or the spindle driver that is enclosed quite tightly with the other drivers and breakout board? is there anyway to fix this? i am worried that this problem may be rooted at the electronics level of the spindle driver that i cant do nothing about.
please help
thank you in advance.