Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Drew Pearce on July 20, 2013, 06:57:05 AM
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Hi All,
I have recently got my DIY Router working, and have been gradually adding extra features to the machine.
The machine has already done a few jobs, and seems to be working well.
Currenltly running a trial version of Mach3 R3.043.066, but have hit a snag.
I have set up X, Y, Z home switch (in series, NC, set on Port 1, Pin 10).
On the Diag page, the M1, M2 & M3 Home "LEDs" light up when you press any limit switch (used the Auto Setup feature)
My X axis has a slave "B" axis, so I have also checked the "Home Slave with Master Axis" under General Config (only 1 limit switch on the X).
However, then I click the "Ref All Home" button, nothing happens, except that the DRO's reset.
Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Drew
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Do the LEDs round the Zero buttons turn green? If so then Mach has thought it had homed.
Now you seem to have the switches set properly from the description you gave of the LEDs lighting when you activate any switch so the only explanation I can give is that you have noise or a loose connection that is somehow making Mach believe the signal is being seen to say the switch is triggered.
You could try setting a debounce interval of 2000 and see if that helps, its from Config menu then General Config and is to the right hand side at the top.
Now an interesting test to do would be just to set up any limit switch in Ports and Pins, Inputs page to the same port and pin number as you have the Homes set to. If the above is your problem then your limits would be constantly tripping and you would be forever putting Mach into E-Stop/Reset due to that.
If you can not get the better of it with the debounce then post your xml and I will see if I can find a problem in it.
There are known issues with 066 version and one of them is homing but it is different than the issue you are seeing so it is unlikely that it is a version related issue, but you never know.
Personally I would have had 066 pulled as it has more issues than any other version recently but seems there is no appetite for doing that so it remains the lockdown.
Hood
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At the moment, when I hit "Ref All Home" button, the only thing it does IS reset the DRO's (and goes green)
There is no movement on the motors
Will try the debounce, and trial limit swich options shortly.
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The debounce worked, Was set to Zero (default?).
Tried 2000, changed down to 1000, all good.
What is the recommended debounce setting?
Many thanks :)
Drew
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The ideal is Zero but 1000 should not cause any issues.
Hood
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If you are referencing in the window program run, do it in the MDI window, I think vb script does not work in the window program run.
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If you are referencing in the window program run, do it in the MDI window, I think vb script does not work in the window program run.
???
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The debounce worked, Was set to Zero (default?).
Tried 2000, changed down to 1000, all good.
What is the recommended debounce setting?
Many thanks :)
Drew
The smallest number you can get away with. The longer the debounce, the farther the axis travels til the signal is seen.
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Thanks Guy's
Going to replace my Switch wiring with Screened wires over the weekend, and see if there is any improvement (Stepper motors already on screened wire).
At the moment, the debounce is set to 1000, any lower gets un-reliable results :(
But at least its working !
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Chasing noise is very challenging. Just keep reviewing and improving your wiring practices.
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Hood,
I added my "home" switches as X-- & Y--, and Yes, it keeps tripping, even when the Debounce is set to 2000 !
Trips even if the motors are not being used.
Also wont let the Tool Heigh script work, detects tool straight away
However, I have NOT added screened cable just yet, but hope to in the next few days
Please find attached my XML file as suggested
Many thanks for everyone help
Drew
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Ok in that xml the limits are not enabled but presume that is just the xml before you actually enabled them or after you disabled them.
REgarding the probe, it may have been a problem if you had the X++ enabled as you have that set as the same pin.
Anyway it does sound like you have some serious noise there, hopefully screening will cure it but if not you may even have to go as far as adding caps to the inputs to suppress the noise.
The very first BOB and Drives I used were really bad and no matter what I tried I could not make them 100% reliable, after a lot of trying, even with caps and ferrites I gave up and went with Geckos and PMDX Bob and never had an issue again.
Hopefully you will get it with the screened and properly grounded cables though :)
Hood
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Yes, I tried to enable the limits, they didnt work, so turned it off so I could use the machine.
Then tried the tool height, it didn't work
THEN copied the XML :)
Machine uses Gecko G203V for the motor drives, and Homann Designs MB-02 breakout board
Its of 2009 design, so perhaps could be better?
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I have never used any of Peters BOBs but from what I have seen/heard he makes decent stuff.
The drives and BOB I was referring to was rubbish I bought from eBay when I was first starting out about 7 or so years ago. I fell into the same trap that many do when first deciding to try DIY CNC, i.e. buy as cheap as possible. In the end it works out more expensive as often you just have to throw away what you initially bought and buy better.
Hood