Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: DirtyBird on April 12, 2007, 07:06:45 PM
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Hi.
So I just downloaded the Mach3 VersionR2.00.061.exe and bought the license file. I've hooked up a stepper and stepper driver, but it seems that I am getting nothing out of the Mach3. I've issued a simple G1 X1 command, but when I go to the diagnotstics page, none of the Port 1 pins light up. Its like I'm in permanent dry run mode. I went through the config of ports and pins and set the port address to 0x378 and enabled port #1. I only have the X axis enabled with Step Pin# 3 and Dir Pin#2. Step Port and Dir Port are both set at 1.
Does anyone know what the problem would be? I'm using Microsoft Windows XP Profesional Version 2002 Service Pack 1.
Thanks,
Drew
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Have you made sure your Parallel port is actually 378?
Hood
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Oh also if it is then post your xml file and someone can take a look and see if they can find a prob
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Hi, Drew
Under Config, Ports & Pins, Motor Tuning, change the state of "Dir / Step Low Active" to Check mark if X now, some stepper controls are sensitive to this.
If this doesn't help post more info on your stepper control and setup.
Hope this Helps, Chip
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What happens if you type G00 X1. ?
Graham.
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Have you got the X axis motor turned on in 'motor outputs'?
Graham.
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I've got the X axis motor tuned on in 'motor outputs'. But the on screen "Port 1 Pins current state" LEDs are still not turning on and off like I think they should during a move command. I've attached a screen shot of my printer config. 0x378 is the address in the Port Setup and Axis selection Port #1 Port Address.
I'm using a Mechatronics Bi-Polar 2 axis Micro Step Motor Driver. It is powered up fine and is holding the stepper in position; It is just not recieving step and direction inputs.
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Recheck all of your connections are in the correct places, its easy to mess this up, dont ask ;)
Also check your parallel port cable is a straight through pin to pin as some are crossover.
Post your xml file and we can have a look at the settings you have in Mach and maybe find somthing wrong.
Hood
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I checked the cable and it is straight through. I've attached my Mach3Mill.xml file which is under C://Mach3 on my computer.
Thanks for your help.
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Look on the main page, you will see a button called Jog On/Offl, click on it to enable it and see if your motors now move with the jog keys (Left/right arrows for X)
Hood
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The motor will not jog. The X axis on screen position does change, but the motor is not responding.
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I also notice you have Enable 1 set for port 1 and Pin 0, do you need the enable for your drives if so then you will have to set the correct pin.
Also did you try changing the Dir/step active state like chip suggested earlier?
Hood
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Hi, DirtyBird
Give this XML a try, Turned on Jog On/Off, (Hood), Changed Dir/step LowActive state to "Checked".
Hope this gets It, Chip
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Well. I figured out what the problem was. The pulse lengths for the Step and Directions were too low. The stepper driver board is opto-isolated, so I guess that the pulses need to be longer to get the signals to the motors. Everything is working fine now!! Is there a way to make the pulses longer than 25 us??
Thanks for everyone's help and suggestions on this sticky situation!! GO MACH3!
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Have you tried Sherline mode? I am sure this is meant for drives that need increased pulse time.
Hood