Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: alloy on September 12, 2015, 10:44:41 AM

Title: TLO lengths and Z axis readout
Post by: alloy on September 12, 2015, 10:44:41 AM
I'm working on getting my mill running under mach 3 and am having problems getting the Z axis to read correctly.

I can set my different tool lengths and the mill picks up the lengths and runs the tool down to where it's supposed to be. 

 The problem I'm having is the Z axis readout is displaying the tool length offset, and not the Z depth of the work.

I run machining centers all day at work, and you can set the tool lengths and when the tool comes down into the work you can display the the machine position or the what the programmed Z depth is, not the tool length offset.

Is there a way to change what the DRO reads to the programmed depth of cut instead of the TLO?  I've tried changing this but no luck yet.





Title: Re: TLO lengths and Z axis readout
Post by: mc on September 14, 2015, 06:16:31 AM
You're using a Hi-con controller aren't you?

I'm surprised nobody has come up with any suggestions. I only use Mach3 mill on my probing machine, so have never used TLOs in mill, and Mach Turn uses quite different screens, although I've never had any issues with tool offsets there.

It could be something controller related, as I'm sure the controller plugin has some control over what gets displayed within the DROs. I think it's up to any external controller plugin to update the DROs, so I'd check for any settings within the plugin config that may affect things.
Title: Re: TLO lengths and Z axis readout
Post by: alloy on September 14, 2015, 08:13:13 AM
I'm using a Galil 4080.  

The controller seems to be working fine. I'm using Renishaw reader heads and magnetic scale tape for positioning.
Title: Re: TLO lengths and Z axis readout
Post by: mc on September 14, 2015, 07:38:54 PM
 I just checked and when using external motion controllers, it is up to the controller to update the DROs, although I'm not sure how displaying different offsets is applied.

It's probably worth posting in the Galil forum, as you'll get more specific help there, as smurph (Steve) is one of the guys behind the Galil plugin and is more likely to see your post there.
I noticed you also posted on the yahoo group, so it's maybe also worth mentioning there that you're using a Galil, as it's more likely to be a Galil specific issue rather than a general Mach3 issue.
Title: Re: TLO lengths and Z axis readout
Post by: alloy on September 14, 2015, 09:23:23 PM
I've spoken with Steve and he's tied up with Mach4 and can't help.   I'm trying to find someone with Galil experience and possibly pay for one on one phone support.

It may be the plugin, not sure.  My friend has worked with Galil controllers for years now but mach is new to the both of us.  He is still trying to figure out how mach sends messages to the Galil, then how it receives them back.

Steve said the Galil plugin was a user thing and not written by artsoft.    Somewhere in the docs for the plugin I'm told is the authors email address.  I'll have to try and find that and possibly get the source code so Jim can make changes to the plugin.

Title: Re: TLO lengths and Z axis readout
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on September 15, 2015, 07:43:30 AM
Quote
Steve said the Galil plugin was a user thing and not written by artsoft.    Somewhere in the docs for the plugin I'm told is the authors email address.  I'll have to try and find that and possibly get the source code so Jim can make changes to the plugin.

Check out the credits at the end of the Galil document http://www.machsupport.com/software/plugins/

Tweakie.
Title: Re: TLO lengths and Z axis readout
Post by: alloy on September 15, 2015, 09:16:36 PM
I found Kenny's email.  I just sent him a message.

We have other questions about using the Galil also.  Specifically how does Mach send a message to the Galil, and the receive and act on a message back.

I'm been trying to get an example of a macro for the Galil, but no luck yet.  I believe Steve has a Galil like mine, but he's pretty busy.

All Jim needs is an example. He has the tool changer working from the Galil, but we just need to get it under Mach control.

If I don't hear from Kenny I'll post in the Galil forum.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHRFHeFeNcY&feature=youtu.be