Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: allaces on November 13, 2014, 11:14:23 PM

Title: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: allaces on November 13, 2014, 11:14:23 PM
Hope someone can help!

I get an error message "Simulating feeds, no spindle feedback"

I have a spindle sensor and it correctly displays the RPM on the Mach Screen and I can simulate the thread travel (not accurately without feedback).

I read somewhere that I needed to enable the checkbox "Use Spindle Feedback in Sync Modes", but all that does is turn on "continuously" the green "Feedback" Light, and causes the tool to refuses moving from the thread position. What am I missing?

I'm using the latest Mach3 version .066

Ray
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: Hood on November 14, 2014, 03:20:59 AM
If you attach your xml I will ave a look through your settings and maybe find the problem.

Hood
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: allaces on November 14, 2014, 12:47:07 PM
Hood,

Thanks for the response... Here is the XML

Ray
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: Hood on November 14, 2014, 12:52:35 PM
You dont have the Index enabled and the Pin number for it set up.
You will also need Use Spindle Feedback in Sync Mode chosen.
Hood
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: allaces on November 14, 2014, 01:22:08 PM
Hood,

When I turn on the Use Spindle Feedback in Sync Mode the green light stay on continuously, and the tool refuses to move from the thread start position (obviously waiting for a signal). I'm using a USB RPM sensor which Mach3 reads... what port and pin would I enable for that?

Thanks,
Ray
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: Hood on November 14, 2014, 01:24:11 PM
I have never seen or heard of a USB speed sensor for Mach, have you got some info on it?
Hood
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: allaces on November 14, 2014, 01:29:32 PM
It's the one from Vista CNC.
http://vistacnc.com/manual_download/iMach3_Spindle_Tach.pdf

Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: Hood on November 14, 2014, 01:30:38 PM
Ok I looked in your xml and I see the plugin for the tach and looked at Vista CNC site.
What I am thinking is that may not work because the Index signal will most likely need to be via the ESS as it is that that does the threading.
Hood
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: allaces on November 14, 2014, 01:34:02 PM
Hood,

So what is my alternative? What simple alternative do I need to get it working?

Ray
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: Hood on November 14, 2014, 01:38:25 PM
A simple alternative is a slotted disc and an optical sensor, I used to use Optek OPB916B sensors and the only other thing required was the limiting resistor for the LED, think 220Ohm was what I used.
Another option is an encoder. The ESS can easily read the Index from an encoder and that can easily be hooked up to the ESS.
It may be possible to hook up your current sensor direct to the ESS but obviously that would require you hacking into the cable, so best check with Vista first to make sure it is possible.


Hood
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: allaces on November 14, 2014, 02:14:19 PM
Hood,

Thanks very much for your feedback. I am contacting Vista and hope that they can provide a modified version of this sensor so it could easily be hooked up to the index port and pin. Do you think I would need an external power supply or would the pin provide the power needed.

Ray
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: Hood on November 14, 2014, 02:18:51 PM
The ESS be able to  supply it if it is 5v, if I recall (been a while since I set up an ESS) but I think you can configure pin 26 on each of the ports to supply 5v.
Hood
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: allaces on November 14, 2014, 02:27:29 PM
Hood,

I've been watching your posts for a long time and I need to say that it's great to have someone with your knowledge taking time out for the ones that struggle (like myself). You have put me on the right track to get my problem fixed.

A special thanks to you!

Ray
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: Hood on November 14, 2014, 02:53:24 PM
I got some great help when I first started all these years ago from John Prentice, Brian Barker  and others, I am just repaying that kindness shown to me :)
There are many people on this forum who selflessly help out, it is a great resource.

Hood
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: allaces on November 14, 2014, 07:29:08 PM
Hood,

This is a bit of a shot in the dark for me, but I wonder what you think of this idea. I've got 2 of these speed sensors. One doesn't work (I think the USB connector is a problem). I'm thinking of cutting the USB end off and try to set up this sensor to the standard pin configuration required for Mach3 threading. I'm quite sure that it is a USB 2.0 plug which only has 4 wires.

1 VCC Red +5 VDC
2 D- White Data -
3 D+ Green Data +
4 GND Black Ground

Can you give me your thoughts on where I should connect the 4 wires? (I think you already solved the 5v wire with pin 26 :)

I'm willing to try even if it does not work.

Ray
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: Hood on November 15, 2014, 02:49:59 AM
I am not sure but I think there may be a circuit board somewhere in the sensor that is USB capable, if so then it wont be as simple as cutting off the plug and connecting the wires. :( Probably best just waiting for a reply from Vista, dont want you blowing up the ESS.

Hood
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: allaces on November 15, 2014, 02:55:14 AM

Good plan Hood. I already got a response from Lee (Vista) and he's looking into it.

Ray
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: Hood on November 15, 2014, 02:58:00 AM
I have heard they had good service :)
Fingers crossed it will be easy.

Hood
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: allaces on November 15, 2014, 09:45:08 PM
Hood,

Until I hear back from Vista...

Could you give me a sketch on how to hook up the Optek OPB916B sensor and the 220 Ohm limiting resistor for the LED?
I need to know where to connect all the 5 wires, and associated parts.
I'm "NOT" an electronics guy... so please hold my hand with the sketch you might provide.
I'm sure others like me will be grateful.

Ray
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: Hood on November 16, 2014, 03:18:34 AM
Blue wire will go to an input on the ESS.
Red wire will connect to the resistor and the other side of the resistor connects to 5v
White wire connects direct to 5v
Black and Green wires connect to the 0v.

Hood
Title: Re: Mach3 Turn won't give spindle feedback.
Post by: allaces on November 16, 2014, 12:31:09 PM
Thanks Hood ,

I'll give this a try.

Ray