Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: N4NV on January 16, 2011, 08:39:19 PM
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I just updated Mach lathe to 42.040. Now my index pulse does not work. I copied my XML files prior to the update and then copied them back. Does anyone have a guess as to what setting might have changed? Last time I had this problem it was caused by the index debounce setting, but I checked that and it is still set at 0.
Thanks
Vince
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Do you have the Turn Diagnostics plugin enabled?
Are you definitely using the Index input as the old Timing input is no use now.
Hood
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Hi Vince,
Review the configuration info i put in the Threading on the Lathe write up in Members Docs ( page 42 to 46 ).
The turn diagnostics is no longer functional so disable it ( I need to update the write up )
Make sure your getting an index input from the sensor to begin with. Could be your Index Debounce setting ......
don't know what the default value is on a new install.
RICH
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I checked the index keybounce setting and that did not change. The RPM readout was working right up to my install of the latest version of Mach. I am back to the notion that something in the latest version of Mach is different and it affects the index pulse input.
Vince
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I use the latest versions but all are via the SmoothStepper so I am afraid I am unable to test with the parallel port, maybe someone else can.
Hood
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Vince, Don't know what to say as i am still using 042.033 and know you know about config using Mach.
Would be interesting if you went back one by one until it worked again...PITA..... but if it does start working then that would
pin point a version problem.
At a high level, index won't work until you turn on the spindle, if the index is sending a signal diagnostics will confirm.
Maybe post your xml and and strange pair of eyes may see something wrong.
I am using the PP.
RICH
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I have two different lathes, the first is a CHNC and the second is a Taig. The CHNC is using a Hall effect sensor and the Taig is using an optical sensor. They are set up different with different BOBs, input pins etc. The CHNC with the .040 version of Mach is running fine as far as the index signal is concerned. The Taig is not. The Taig sensor is connected to pin 15. I have attached my XML for that lathe.
Vince
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I think you need to have spindle relays enabled in recent versions, even if you dont control the spindle via relays. Just set them to some fictitious inputs and see if it works.
Hood
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Aso did you see what Rich said regards the spindle needing turned on in Mach before Index will show?
Hood
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Vince, i think the halls effect are nice sensors as that is what i am using.
With no power to the spindle, manualy turn the Taig spindle slowly and you should see the green light turn on and off in diagnostics.
Does it do that?
I will be in here for a while, can you quickly try it out?
I'll take a look at your xml, try what Hood posted.
What kind of optical sensor are you using? I had a bunch and could never get the output voltage high enough to change the state of the pin need at least .8 - 5??.
RICH
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Don't see anything wrong in the xml. Not aware of what Hood mentioned about recent versions and the spindle relays.
Triggering test is on page 9 of the wirte up.
RICH
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Rich, I am not sure if that is the case re relays, it could well have been with a test version I had that it was needed.
Hood
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When I slowly turn the spindle, the index LED in the diagnostics page lights. If I spin the spindle fast, the LED does not light. Turning on and off the spindle from Mach does not have any effect on the index (though I have to control the spindle motor manually). If I run the spindle at 500 rpm the index LED flashes about once per second.
Rich, here is a link that describes the hall effect switches I am using:
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/general_metal_working_machines/31601-yamazen_cnc_knee_mill-5.html
Vince
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Ding, Ding Ding, Ding.... Hood gets the prize. I had to enable the spindle relays AND turn on the spindle from MACH and now I have a correct RPM readout. This was changed from my previous version I was running.
Thanks again,
Vince
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Good to hear.
Out of interest what kind of stuff do you do on a Taig lathe?
Hood
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Great, will add that one to the write up.
RICH
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Taig is a micro lathe sold here in the USA. It is a similar but nicer and cheaper than a Sherline.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/vertical_mill_lathe_project_log/70772-cnc_taig_lathe.html
I make stuff that is too big for my CHNC. I am working on an even smaller CNC lathe for watchmaking.
Vince
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Oops, I meant too small for my CHNC.
Vince
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Ha ha, must have been a long day trying to get that index working.
I remember seeing that aquarium lathe a while back, looks like these small lathes are quite usable if you dont get greedy with the cuts :)
Hood