Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Chris b on August 10, 2016, 05:10:38 PM

Title: scale of geode file?
Post by: Chris b on August 10, 2016, 05:10:38 PM

I am using mesh cam to create files for Mach3. When I import the files in inches the gcode files are very small (not in inches but only a couple of millimeters in size ). I've tried importing the files in millimeters but they come out only marginally bigger (20-30 millimeters in size) they should be ~4"x4". How do I change the scale in Mach3? Thank you for your help.

Title: Re: scale of geode file?
Post by: Highspeed1964 on August 10, 2016, 05:29:04 PM

It sounds like your machine/Mach3 is set to default to MM (G21).  You can either change this manually on the "Settings" screen (do NOT use "Select Native Units" on the Config menu) in the lower right or more preferably, make sure your G-Code file has the appropriate G20 (inches) or G21 (MM) as standard practice.  This will ensure the correct sizes are used regardless of the default settings on your Mach3 setup.

Stephen "Highspeed" Kruse

Title: Re: scale of geode file?
Post by: Chris b on August 13, 2016, 06:44:17 PM

Thanks Stephen,
I went to the settings screen and made sure it was in inches g20, I also checked to see that the CAM file was being done in inches (the file is 4.68"x4.68"). The gcode file that is going into the Mach3 reads a total distance 4.68  on the DRO for X and Y. This would be great except the DRO for the actual distance should be 46.80x46.80. Any help would be greatly appreciated

Title: Re: scale of geode file?
Post by: ger21 on August 13, 2016, 08:44:56 PM

Does the g-code have a G20 in it?

What are your native units set to in Mach3?

Title: Re: scale of geode file?
Post by: Chris b on August 14, 2016, 10:14:51 AM

The gcode starts out g20g64g17. The native units are set in inches.

Title: Re: scale of geode file?
Post by: ger21 on August 14, 2016, 10:32:18 AM

Does your machine move the correct distance if you use MDI?
Zero the X axis, and then type:
G0 X4 in the MDI.
Does it move 4"?

Also, In MeshCAM, is your model the correct size?
What is the stock size?

Title: Re: scale of geode file?
Post by: Chris b on August 14, 2016, 12:51:34 PM

When I do G0 x4 in the MDI the machine moves approximately 3/8". The stock size in Meshcam is 4.6"x4.6"

Title: Re: scale of geode file?
Post by: ger21 on August 14, 2016, 09:09:37 PM

Then your steps/unit are very wrong.
Try using the Calibrate function to set up your steps/unit properly.

Title: Re: scale of geode file?
Post by: Ford Prefect on August 15, 2016, 05:33:41 AM

the calibration window is a drop down menu.

Config/motor tuning

look on utube for help, i found this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRagjLewSJg

Title: Re: scale of geode file?
Post by: Chris b on August 15, 2016, 03:56:12 PM

Calibration did the trick. Thank you!