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Third party software and hardware support forums. => Third party software and hardware support forums. => Topic started by: WayTags1 on January 25, 2007, 07:55:28 PM

Title: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: WayTags1 on January 25, 2007, 07:55:28 PM

I have Mach3 running a Taig Mill.

I am using a Xylotex 4 axis driver setup.

I have 5 NC Micro Switches that I need to wire to the driver board.  I have seen a bunch of information on doing this in series, but cannot find how to do this correctly with each individual switch setting off the X++, X--, Y++, Y--, and Z++ in Mach3.  I need to use the board inputs for pins 10-14 (right?) but how do I wire these up specifically?

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but I cannot find the answer anywhere in these forums, and there is no applicable diagram at the xylotex site.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: HillBilly on January 26, 2007, 07:17:40 AM

When running them in series you make a loop from ground threw all the switches to one input. You will only see that a limit has been hit. To know which one you have to look at the machine.

Darek

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: WayTags1 on January 27, 2007, 10:00:18 AM

But I would like to duplicate a limit switch as a home switch and in order to do that Mach3 needs to know which switch is hit.

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: HillBilly on January 27, 2007, 10:21:59 AM

I believe this can be done. You make sure no axis are at home first. When you home a axis it moves to the switch, breaks the loop, then backs off the switch ready to home another axis

Darek.

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: ger21 on January 27, 2007, 03:44:45 PM

Wire each Home switch individually to it's own pin. Then wire the opposite end limits in series and connect them to a 4th pin. Then, in Mach3, you tell it to use the home switches as limits.

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: WayTags1 on January 27, 2007, 09:24:17 PM

OK, here's where I am...

I've wired five limits switches to five pins (x+ to 10, x- to 11, y+ to 12, y1 to 13, z+ to 14)
This is the schematic:

Commmon V+       
       |              
       |              
10k Resistor            
       |
       |----- pin
       |
       o
NC Limit Switch
       o
       |
Common Gnd

The above is done five times, once for each limit switch and pin.

Here are the results:
x+ (pin 10) Works Great
x-  (pin11) Works Great (doubles as home)
y+ (pin12) Works Intermittently (more below)
y-  (pin13) Works Great
z+ (pin14) Will not work at all (more below)


y+ limit switch will only work when the power to the controller board is on; but if it is closed the board will not power the motors.  Once you hit the switch (open) then the board will grab control of the motors.

z+ limit switch doesn't show anything.  I've tested the switch -OK, I've tested all of my wiring it is all OK.  I switched around inputs to verify that my wiring is good and it is.  I suppose something is messed up with pin14 somewhere on the board or in the computer but I have no idea whatsoever of where to start looking for a problem.


My temporary solution will be to use the three working pins as limit/home switches and use soft limits in Mach3 for the unwired ends. (If I can do this).

Any suggestions regarding my pin12 and pin14 problems would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks again!

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: Chaoticone on January 27, 2007, 09:29:32 PM

Pins 12 and 14 can not be used as inputs.

Brett

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: Chaoticone on January 27, 2007, 09:35:34 PM

I take that back, 12 can be used. Seee pic.


Brett

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: WayTags1 on January 27, 2007, 09:37:53 PM

OK I'll switch 14 and 15 and see what happens...

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: Chaoticone on January 27, 2007, 09:46:59 PM

Post your XML. It will be Monday before I can have a look but some of the other guys may get to before then.

Brett

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: WayTags1 on January 27, 2007, 09:57:52 PM

Alright! switching 14 to 15 ("obviously," he said sheepishly) solved that problem...

any thoughts on the pin 12 issue?

Thank you! Thank you!

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: WayTags1 on January 27, 2007, 10:19:21 PM

Nevermind, I solved the the pin12 issue.

There was a drop of solder that was shorting the resistor out of the circuit.

Thank you to everyone for their help!

 - Jeff Rahmlow
www.waytags.com

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: JohnBlock123 on September 22, 2009, 04:47:39 AM

Hi all, 

I am considering buying the boxed xylotec set with 269 stepper motors.

I keep on stumbling accross threads on various forums complaining about xylotec and mach3 working together.

I want to buy a complete kit and dont have an incling of  electronic knowledge in me,  i know people who do though.  I know alot about PCs and software and dont want to make a mistake.

if not xylotex.. which other complete kit do you guys are artsoft suggest?

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: RICH on September 22, 2009, 08:06:52 AM

You should think hard about what you are going to do today and what you may do in the future.
I quess it comes down to your budget. I personaly like individual / or replaceable drives.
Take a look at Camtronics Inc as they sell kits. Would recomend Gecko drives. Think hard about what kind of motors you want,servos or steppers.
 I have a flexible controller such that it could be used with any of my machines and is portable.
RICH

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: JohnBlock123 on September 22, 2009, 03:05:20 PM

I want to build something i can test/train myself on.  I want to use mach3 and a testing machine to mill out some wood or plastic or even foam.

I will have a look later on more commercial type machines, once i understand the process and the pitfalls.

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: ger21 on September 22, 2009, 11:36:13 PM

The Xylotex works fine with mach3. Having said that, the best bang for the buck in the low priced range is a Gecko G540. A little more money, but easily capable of at least double the performance of the Xylotex. Also, much more resistant to miswiring. You can get complete kits at www.kelinginc.net

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: JohnBlock123 on September 23, 2009, 02:37:40 AM

Thank you Ge21

http://www.kelinginc.net/CNCNEMA23G540Package.html

I understand that i need to have an objective and buy according to my needs.... but regardless if I knew exactly what i wanted to do, i would not be able to rate these machines

Say i got a plan like this one http://solsylva.com/cnc/25x25.shtml,  and i plan to do hard wood what would you guys suggest? perhaps also the routers.

now,  just to gage my understanding.. say i went with a smaller table http://solsylva.com/cnc/13x13x5.shtml ,  and i was going to do mdf at most,  and mostly waxy type stuff for molds.. which kit would you suggest?

I feel like a kid in a candy shop,  except each one of these candies will taste different depending on the candy i eat it with and what my plans are for future candy purchases... but my feeling is i just want to get one that works and not set me back a huge amount because this is in the learning phase.


I THANK each one who has helped me so far... and some of the stuff i have seen online make me want to change careers... but i bet everyone else's stuff seem fun,  until it becomes a job.  Currently this is a hobby/learning experience

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: RICH on September 23, 2009, 07:04:31 AM

Hmm,
One of the 10th grade boys on the robotics team built a little router table out of wood ( 12" x 12" table ). Just used reqular threaded rod and bought a controller board for about $60. He is using a dremel for the router. Somebody gave him a power supply, and he bought three small steppers for around  $ 40. So he has maybe $100
into this thing from his paper route money. He uses a free Cad program and Mach demo. He is having a blast. He said if he takes a liking to it maybe he will save up and do a beefed up version.
Point is, that this kid will have learned so much on most about the major components of the system and software and will be very prepared to make decisions on his owne. He knew nothing about electronics, Mach, CAD, and his dad cut up the junk wood to make the router.
Now it's not fancy, but he sure is learning and having fun. Dad is stsrting to ask about higher end stuff and we are on the look out for that lab machine for peanuts so he can have some good parts for the next nachine.
Now i don't think that $100 is going to waste by any means.
So, why not go supper economy,learn a heck of a lot, have a lot of fun, and then build or buy what you really may want.
If a 10th grader can do all with some help, so can you.
RICH

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: JohnBlock123 on September 23, 2009, 08:50:35 AM

Rich,  if you say it like that... i just dont have a choice now.

I mean, i have to be some special kind of loser if i cant pull this off.... nothing like a bit of pressure to get my stuff together.

Thanx rich,  that is exactly the kind of push i needed to get started.

I saw this a while back
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6drMZqmyXQc

if you look at hte PC board he made.. I priced the components to be about 30dollars, then i need stepper motors and power supply.

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: RICH on September 23, 2009, 09:48:20 AM

Nice link and as you can see you can have some fun without anything fancy.
Go for it....... ;)
RICH

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: Ray on September 23, 2009, 09:53:57 AM

I have the Xylotex 3 Axis bundle with 269 oz. steppers, about 6 months later I bought a Xylotex single board for my 4th axis, hooked it in with the other and ,bingo I had 4 Axis system.  Used Mach2 and now Mach 3...Had no problems with any of thatnow for 5 years.  All on a HF 47158 Micro Mill.  Ray

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: ger21 on September 23, 2009, 11:35:16 AM

I'm not a big fan of the Solsylva machines. There are a lot of build threads for it at CNc Zone, but it seems like most people that build it, go on to build a better second machine. Not sure what your budget is, but the Joes 2006 machine is a much sturdier design. www.joescnc.com

I actually have a Xylotex on my 30"x45" travel router with 250 oz PacSci steppers. With 1/2-8 2start acme screws, I can get ~175ipm rapids, and have taken shallow cuts at up to 150ipm. Still fine tuning and setting it up, so haven't tried heavier cuts yet. With the Gecko G540 and 1/2-10 5 start screws, I've seen people at CNC Zone get 300-400ipm rapid speeds. I bought the Xylotex 5 years ago, when it was pretty much the only low cost option available. It works remarkably well, with one exception. On my router, I got resonance that was so bad the machine was nearly unuseable. I solved it by making dampers for the steppers. The Gecko has resonance compensation built in, so probably wouldn't suffer from the issues I had with the Xylotex.

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: JohnBlock123 on September 23, 2009, 03:19:33 PM

will mach3 work with that ?

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: ger21 on September 23, 2009, 06:38:18 PM

Quote from: TadMadLad on September 23, 2009, 03:19:33 PM

will mach3 work with that ?

With what? mach can run just about any machine.

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: JohnBlock123 on September 23, 2009, 06:52:05 PM

Quote from: ger21 on September 23, 2009, 06:38:18 PM

Quote from: TadMadLad on September 23, 2009, 03:19:33 PM

will mach3 work with that ?

With what? mach can run just about any machine.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-build-CNC-Mill-Stepper-Motor-and-Driver-ci/
sorry, my post scrolled up a bit.

would mach3 work with this guys' driver?

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: silver1 on February 17, 2010, 08:20:34 PM

I have a Xylotex 4 axis board,  when I go to the motor tuning page in Mach 3 and use the arrows to jog the motors
all they do is make a buzzing/whining noise and depending on how I have the speed and acceleration set might move 1 or 2 degrees;  -- barley enough to be seen  -- .   The correct axis makes noise so I assume the pins are set correctly.  When I reverse the step and direction pins the motors make no noise or movement so I assume that is correct.  The voltage at  Vref is within parameters according to Xylotex.  Any ideas?
silver1 

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: Overloaded on February 17, 2010, 09:13:53 PM

What are your actual settings ?
Here are a few tips.
 Start slow, use the recommended pulse width and use the proper active state.
Russ :)

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: silver1 on February 18, 2010, 07:15:34 PM

The pulse per inch setting is  22400  I tried down to 8000 and up to 22400  its a 14 tpi screw 200 step motors 1/8 step setting.  They are 4 wire motors and the board takes 4 wires with the wires on the instuctions and the motors color coded. the voltage on the board is 3.85 which is within parameters according to xylotex
the speed  25k
the inches per minute  I varied between 1 and 50  I wanted 20
the acceleration was 2  however I varied this to nearly  0 up to about half way in the middle of the scale
I hooked one of the motors just sitting on the bench  -- no  load.
Thanks silver1

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: ger21 on February 18, 2010, 07:27:20 PM

A lot of times unloaded motors on a bench may not run due to resonance. And the Xylotex is already known to suffer from resonance pretty badly. My Xylotex poered router was almost unusable due to resonance, until I added dampers.

According to the Xylotex website, if you're board is version 4.02 or lower, the VREF should NEVER exceed 3.6V. If it's 4.03 or newer, the VREF should NEVER exceed 2.0V. You also need a cooling fan when running near the board's max current ratings. But your VREF is set too high. Set it to deliver 2.0 amps to the motors and see if it works better? Also, try putting a load on the motor.

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: Overloaded on February 18, 2010, 08:24:20 PM

Check the active state of the step and dir signals. Probably should be LOW.
And try the pulse widths at 4.
Vary the jog speed to get away from range of resonance.
Keep in touch,
Russ

Title: Re: Mach3 plus xylotex wiring
Post by: Overloaded on February 18, 2010, 09:16:04 PM

Here are a couple more tid-bits from Zylotex.

Check the voltage on the X DIR line. A logic 1 must be at .7 * VCC to be recognized at a 1 . Thus if you measure 5V on VCC then a logic 1 would be .7 * 5 = 3.5V for a logic 1. Some motherbaord parallel ports do not reach this voltage level. Almost all PCI add-in parallel port will. The minimum pulse width for the STEP signal is 1 uS (one microsecond). The DIR line must be stable at least 200 ns (nanosecond before the rising edge of the STEP signals, and remain stable for at least 200 ns after the rising esge of the STEP signal. A logic 0 voltage should be .9V or less. The easiest way to test this is with your voltage meter probing the X DIR line. Have software jog the X axis one direction, note the voltage, and jog the other direction, and again note the voltage.

Russ
 :)