Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Len-Tikular on October 10, 2012, 05:16:53 PM
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I've been using Mach3 for a few years now. I have a 3 axis router. I decided to make myself a 4th Axis (A) (rotational) got a nice 4 inch 3 jaw chuck on it.
I have done the basic configuration by selecting ports and pins (I us the CNC4PC board)
It runs fine (CW & CCW) on my jog keys that I have set up but I don't know how to set it up yet. It has a 6:1 step down. Need some basic help please.
I do not have any limit or home switches on this new axis (not sure if I need them)
Thanks in advance....
George
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Are you meaning the steps per unit you need to know?
Hood
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Yes please, any help at all would be great.
George
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Well how you would work it out is
Steps per rev of motor (probably 200) multiplied by the microsteps of the drive (maybe 10?) multiplied by 6 (the gearing) then divide that by 360 and you will have your steps per unit (degree for a rotary)
Hood
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Thanks Hood, works out at 200x10x6/360 =33.33333 steps per degree
George
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Sounds right :) Presume its working fine with that setting?
Hood
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Yep, its fine, I did a quick test using the 'cut spline wizard' ;D
Now is there a requirement to put a 'home' switch on a rotary axis ? I could possibly use a mag sensor or an opto ?
George
ps. Played Carnoustie a wee while back... Greeeaat!
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No need for one if you dont want, may be good in some situations but probably for most work it wouldnt be required.
I last played Golf probably 35 years ago, when its on your doorstep its not so much fun :D
Hood
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Thanks for the help Hood.
Having built my 4th axis I now have to find something to do with it :-\
The whole exercise has led me to revisit my setup. X,Y and Z are all set at 400 steps/per. No mistake it works fine and I have produced a lot of good work with it.
I'm confused because I see mention of setups with 1000 or 2000 in the Mach3 book, this is leading me to think I'm not getting the best from my machine.
I need to go back and check all my settings so I may have one or two more questions for you.
Cheers
George
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Axis settings are worked out the same way
Motor steps per rev x microstepping x by gearing (if any) then divide by the pitch of the screw.
Hood