Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: swood1 on December 09, 2015, 07:09:18 AM
-
Hi all,
I have spent quite a bit of time playing with the Mach3 demo software, but was just about to come online to purchase the full license so I can start machining some more intricate shapes to find out that we now have Mach4. I notice that Mach4 is only a little more than Mach3, I also notice that my ESS is compatible with Mach4. So I suppose my question is can I/should I go straight to Mach4?
Regards
Steven
-
Mach4 has a lot!!! more problems, and a lot less 'features'. Meaning user provided scripts etc.
I'm regretting moving to Mach4 but I'm hoping they get their act together on it.
-
I'm using Mach4, PMDX126 & ESS just fine. Sure there are a few bugs and "less features" but over the past year there has been incredible progress made with Mach4. One day Mach 3 will no longer be supported. My preference, Mach 4.
-
One day Mach 3 will no longer be supported.
That day came and went about 5 years ago.
-
Mach 4 seems to be coming along fine. What is lacking is my ability to understand what to do to get the same performance/settings and features set up. They are 2 different approaches.
If you are just beginning now, I would suggest 4 if it appears to meet your needs. It will evolve. At the same time 3 works well too.
-
Does anyone know if I purchase Mach 3 and pay a little extra later on and move over to Mach 4?
Steve
-
They are 2 different licenses. The pricing is beyond fair.
-
Does anyone know if I purchase Mach 3 and pay a little extra later on and move over to Mach 4?
Steve
Currently, there is no option for a Mach4 discount purchase price to existing Mach3 license holders (there is no upgrade at a discount price offered).
Tweakie.
-
I'm using Mach4, PMDX126 & ESS just fine. Sure there are a few bugs and "less features" but over the past year there has been incredible progress made with Mach4. One day Mach 3 will no longer be supported. My preference, Mach 4.
Hi Royce, can you confirm do I need anymore hardware if I go straight to Mach4 or is it just a case of buying the software/licence? As already stated I have an ESS and PMDX126 BoB.
Regards
Steven
-
No other hardware is required except spindle control if you need it. I have no idea what type of machine you have. Mine is a retrofitted Bridgeport CNC Mill. I'm using the PMDX-107 spindle controller (PWM signals to my VFD) mounted to my PMDX-126 as well. Note, the 126 can supply 5v power to ONE, either the ESS or the 107 but not both. In that case you would need an extra power supply, which can be a simple AC-DC adapter.
The only issue I had with Mach 4 & ESS was the homing offset, which Daz has created a work around for. My X and Y +/-/home limits are all on the same switch and was having troubles sometimes when I hit the switch, limit over ride wouldn't work backing off them. I had to manually disassemble some things and turn my ball screws off them. Since the new version of Mach 4, I haven't had any more problems.
Royce
-
Thanks.
I also have the 107 board for spindle control although I havent got it all quite setup properly yet as I cannot reverse the spindle. At the moment I havent connected up the relays.
Regards
Steve
-
My bridgeport had 24v air motor solenoids that controlled the spindle brake, and varispeed for the spindle. I found a 24v & 5v power supply from automation direct that allowed me to power the solenoids and the ESS off one power supply. What type of machine do you have, type of spindle, etc.? My spindle is a 3 phase, using a single phase to 3 phase VFD without the need for relays for spindle reverse.
-
Hi Royce,
I have a Boxford VMC190 I have been trying to convert to run on Mach. I have wired the 126 board straight into the stepper driver control board. But this didnt work on the spindle control so I bypassed the stepper driver board and went straight to the VFD board. I believe it needs more time as I also have a auto tool changer on the machine but I dont know where to start on that althought the PLC is still in place and powers up etc. I shall try to get some photos tonight if I get in the workshop (I'm still at work).
Where about's are you based?
Regards
Steven (Worcester).
-
I have a Lenze spindle driver but I have wired into the board just before the Lenze (see photo). I only have basic wiring (2 wires), at the moment, I need to work out what wire goes where for spindle direction.
Photo showing two blue wires going into Lenze spindle
http://s995.photobucket.com/user/sw-horology/media/Boxford%20VMC190/P1080522_zps2st6mhke.jpg.html
Photo showing original wiring to Lenze spindle
http://s995.photobucket.com/user/sw-horology/media/Boxford%20VMC190/P1080384_zpssfcyirvy.jpg.html
Photo showing ESS & PMDX126, 107 boards and connections
http://s995.photobucket.com/user/sw-horology/media/Boxford%20VMC190/P1080521_zpszd3b6u2h.jpg.html
Photo showing Stepper driver board (which I am continuing to use), but with all other connections for X,Y, Z axis and spindle. The spindle connections are the only ones I didnt manage to use on this board.
http://s995.photobucket.com/user/sw-horology/media/Boxford%20VMC190/P1080521_zpszd3b6u2h.jpg.html
-
I'm located just outside of Washington, DC. I'm not sure I can help you on the spindle pr tool changer, I did see your thread over at PMDX. This one might help https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,20227.0.html . Maybe Tweaky can chime in as it appears he's done a retrofit on the same machine.