Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: TuckeGD on November 09, 2015, 10:57:45 AM
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I know this is probably not the correct place for this post but I've been dealing with this for several months. Not that mach support couldn't correct/identify problem. We just have not been able to get a good time for the both of us to be free.
I cut a lot of Baltic birch letters and that normally requires 2 different passes. I run a spiral down cut for the first pass and a spiral uncut for the second pass.
I can run the first pass with no problem. When I load the second pass and hit start Mach freezes and I have to restart Mach. Then it will run the second code with not problem.
It's like I'm only allowed to run one code. I have been on this purchased licenses for almost 1.5 years with no problem. This just started all of the sudden a couple months ago. I just learned
to deal with it for that long.
IF anyone knows of something please let me know..
Thanks
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When you hit Start and Mach freezes do you get any error message in the Status window ??
Tweakie.
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No errors at all. It's very strange. Like I said, it's been working with no problems for over year.
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I would be inclined to re-install Mach3 (save a copy of your existing Mach3 folder first) but not the latest 066 version - perhaps version 062.
Tweakie.
The official info...
When available, updates for Mach3 and the Add-ons are posted on the Downloads & Update page. To update to the newest version, follow the procedure below:
1) Backup the following to the desktop, or even better, a USB drive:
XML(Profile) – This stores you’re settings for Mach3, if you lose it you will need to re-setup you’re ports and pins, motor tuning, etc.
Screensets/Macros/Brains
2) Download the current version of Mach3 from the Downloads & Update page.
3) Install the downloaded version; allow the install path to default to where Mach3 is installed.
WARNING: If you do not backup the files in Step 1, you will lose ALL settings and configurations.
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I've tried reinstalling Mach with no success.
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.... long shot here.... temporary files .... suggest downloading a copy of ccleaner and running it to do a purge of all your temporary files and folders as it may be a memory related issue. https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download
The other thing may be the lookahead setting on the general configuration page (is it set to 200?).
http://www.machsupport.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Mach3_CVSettings_v2.pdf
Do you want to post your profile *.XML file and we can have a look and provide some comments maybe (you will need to rename it to *.txt for it to upload).
Are you running much RAM on the PC?
Rob
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Something is locking mach3 out requiring a restart. It will not even raise to rapid height after a pressing run. It remains at the zero position
Until you restart.
I have tried reinstalling Mach.
I have not tried the cdrive cleaner.
As for the Ram question. I have a dedicated PC for Mach 3 and pro engineer. Pro engineer requires a lot more ram and it runs flawless.
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Can you provide a screenshot of your configuration page?
Rob
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What Ram would be considered sufficient? I'm not in front of the PC at the moment. But just curious.
Yes, I will post soon as I'm in front of the PC... Thanks for your help trying to resolve this issue.
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I'm not in front of PC at the moment..Typing skills are starting to suck...
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No problem.
You don't need much... But if it's being hogged by temporary files it won't help
Extract from m3 / artsoft website
Software Requirements
Mach3 Minimum Recommended Requirements:
Requirements if using the parallel port for machine control:
Desktop PC (Laptops are not supported) with at least one parallel port
32-bit version of Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 (64-bit versions will not work)
1Ghz CPU
512MB RAM
Non-integrated Video Card with 32MB RAM(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)
Requirements if using an external motion device for machine control:
An appropriate external motion controller (options can be found on the Plugins page)
Desktop or Laptop with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
1Ghz CPU
512MB RAM
Video Card with 32MB RAM(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)
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Can you post the Gcode files for testing ? Does it do it every time you try them ??
(;-) TP
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What operating system are you using?
What version of mach 3 are you using?
Version 0.62 is the recommended version...
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I do use a UC100 motion controller. In the past I have seen where the Mach will not detect the motion controller and require restart. However, I will see an error when that happens. Here is something else that was strange. I upgraded the lights in my shop several months back and caused me all kinds of damn issues. It was so bad I had to take the lights down. Lol. But this problem has kinda stuck around since the lights removed.
It does this on every second code if that makes sense. Meaning from every restart it will be the second pass always.
Question, if I run my first pass and let gantry come back to zero. Should I be able to move z position up and down for bit change? My thinking is yes I should be able to. This is when it goes to crap. Let's just say I'm using a compression bit. I can do both passes and will not have a problem. It's only when I manually move z up to change bit for second pass. If I use same bit like a compression it's fine.
I know that is confusing. Just really trying to explain problem. Tired of dealing with it.
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Using Windows 8 but I would have to check to be sure on the version of Mach.
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Are you running the latest uc100 plugin?
http://cncdrive.com/UC100.html
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Don't forget the uc100 is a USB device and usb does not like noise or electrical interference.
Check your cable routing.
Check your earthing and any ground loops....
I have not had a uc100 but I have had a USB smooth stepper and that was a right royal pain in the rear until you realise what you have to do to get it to run...
Basically it needed a stand alone electrically isolated 5v supply, and you needed to make sure any bob you used was isolated from the casing and PC.
This may be part of your problem if it was part of your lighting replacement (don't know for certain, just a guess and something to consider... May be worth a read of the uc100 manual)
Do you use a breakout board for the uc100... If so what does it look like (photo?) Or do you know what it is. May need some photos of your cabinet setup too.
Someone else may know the uc100 well and have ideas
Rob
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Hey Rob,
I use the C35 board from CNC4PC. I just feel that it's something simple Because it's been working for so long.
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Simple...
I'd run ccleaner.
I'd post your XML file
I'd post the gcode file
I'd check the USB cable routing
I'd check you are using mach3 version 062
I'd check what version of the plugin you are using
But the last two are sort of housekeeping as it worked fine before.
Rob
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AHHH and outside controller AND you have probably created a giant Ground loop problem with your lighting rewiring. It seems the problems started with the relighting project ??
I sounds if though you are having COM LOSS issues over the USB.
(;-) TP
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Who did your lighting, an electrician?
Did he do equipotential bonding (grounding or earthing) at the same time?
Did he bond your table, or controller to the earth?
This is a bit of a long shot in that I know earthing is very controversial and can be different in different parts of the world.
(I'd still start off with the easy things itemised above first)
Rob