Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => FAQs => Topic started by: stargeezer on February 27, 2015, 12:06:18 AM

Title: Can't get steppers to move - yeah, I'm new to Mach 3.......
Post by: stargeezer on February 27, 2015, 12:06:18 AM
Hello, I recently completed a shapeoko build and have spent a few days trying to get Mach 3 to move the steppers.

So far I have - checked my wiring, three times. I've reloaded the Mach 3 software twice and used the configuration steps outlined in the startup manual and watched the artsoft video's posted on youtube reproducing each step faithfully. The steppers will lock up but that is all they do and even that seems to happen without reason or rhyme. At no time have I been able to get the gantry to move under power.

Also, I'm a licensed owner of Mach 3, I'm convinced it's the best out there.

The computer is a 7 year old Dell I picked up and refurbed because it has the hard to find parallel port. It's loaded with Win 7 32 bit and nothing else at this point New 1 terabyte drive, 4 gig ram and a new CD drive. The port checks out as excellent, so I'm pretty certain the problem is not with the computer.

The Shapeoko is equiped with 4 425 in oz stepper motors I had on hand from another project. These are driven by 4 DQ542MA stepper drivers hooked to a breakout board I picked up on Ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/400860909457?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

If there's any more info you need to help me figure this out, feel free to ask, I'm running out of hair to pull out. ;D ;D