Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Dallassignco on November 25, 2013, 04:53:47 PM

Title: I Need one more pin in Mach3 for zero touch plate - how?
Post by: Dallassignco on November 25, 2013, 04:53:47 PM
 Hi; I am attempting to get my zero touch plate going. I do have a 5V on my BOB available, but no input pins available in my ports/pins mach3. I have X Y Z and A (which is a separate stepper on 'Y' axis) Then with the last Input pin used by the E-stop; five allowable, right? Is there any way to open a pin with no added BOB? I've searched and searched for this answer. Seems someone would ask the same question. Maybe I'm not using the right key words..! Thanks
Title: Re: I Need one more pin in Mach3 for zero touch plate - how?
Post by: Picengraver on November 25, 2013, 05:13:17 PM
Input pins on Port 1 are: 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15.  Any of these that are unused will work for a touch plate input.   The pins used for X,Y,Z, and A are all outputs.

John Champlain 
Title: Re: I Need one more pin in Mach3 for zero touch plate - how?
Post by: Dallassignco on November 25, 2013, 05:19:45 PM
Sorry, I wasn't clear, "home switches" on X, Y, Z, A, are occupying those pins. Can those pins be shared? Thanks
Title: Re: I Need one more pin in Mach3 for zero touch plate - how?
Post by: Picengraver on November 25, 2013, 05:23:22 PM
Many of Mach3 users use only 1 pin for home and limits, leaving the other pins free for other inputs.  You also have the option of adding a 2nd parallel port.
John Champlain
Title: Re: I Need one more pin in Mach3 for zero touch plate - how?
Post by: ger21 on November 25, 2013, 05:32:32 PM
I'd share the Z home switch with another home switch, then you 'd just home Z first followed by the rest. That frees up the one pin you need,
Title: Re: I Need one more pin in Mach3 for zero touch plate - how?
Post by: Dallassignco on November 25, 2013, 05:34:54 PM
I failed to mention I use a ESS smoothstepper. But if it works to share pins in Mach, I guess that will make no difference. Thanks, I'll give that a try. Thanks to all.
Title: Re: I Need one more pin in Mach3 for zero touch plate - how?
Post by: ger21 on November 25, 2013, 05:56:41 PM
I'd probably get one of these. http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=482
Title: Re: I Need one more pin in Mach3 for zero touch plate - how?
Post by: Dallassignco on November 25, 2013, 06:53:11 PM
Ger21, you do know, there are those that get confused with more than three wires coming out of a machine? I really admire these guys, even when their machines look like Frankenstein's monster, they still make sense of it. But I will take your advice if Ports/Pins drive me to drink. Thanks