Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: DanL on February 10, 2012, 12:08:09 PM

Title: Mach3 M3 voltage output
Post by: DanL on February 10, 2012, 12:08:09 PM

We are setting up a laser to the Mach3 CNC system, but it requires a 5V power source for the laser cutting. Our hope was to use the M3 code within the program to turn on and off power to the laser. However, the current to M3 electrical port is 120V. Is there a way through the software to change the voltage to the M3 electrical port? I know the stepper motors run off of a 5V input. Is there a way to incorporate this into our system somehow?

Thanks in advance for the help

Title: Re: Mach3 M3 voltage output
Post by: Jeff_Birt on February 10, 2012, 01:29:23 PM

There is no such thing as an 'M3 electrical port.' What you have is a 120v relay controlled output. Configured so that one of the output signals triggers the relay and the M3 command in Mach has been told to use that output when an M3 is seen in your code. The point I'm trying to explain is that Mach itself has nothing to do with what voltage your control box outputs, that is a function of how your control box is wired.

Without knowing what type of control box you have it will be hard for anyone to offer detailed advice. Have you contacted the manufacturer of your control box?

Title: Re: Mach3 M3 voltage output
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on February 11, 2012, 03:13:24 AM

DanL,

If you are wanting to switch a laser on / off then M3 /M5 is far too slow in it's operation and you will get a 'dot' at the start and finish of every line drawn.
Check this thread for more details of the M10 / M11 commands http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,20546.0.html

Tweakie.