Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: jamesm on June 05, 2007, 06:44:36 AM

Title: Initial Setup
Post by: jamesm on June 05, 2007, 06:44:36 AM

Good day everyone!

I have just built my first CNC machine and need a little help with configuration to Mach 3.

I have installed the program and can get the machine moving using the manual input of G-Code such as "x10" etc so I know my machine actually works.  ;D

My problem:
How do I let mach 3 know what size spindle I am using and what pitch? so when I type "x10" for example, it actually moves 10mm or whatever? Basically I need to know how to calibrate the machine to the Mach 3 programme.

I am mainly using Mach 3 Mill by the way.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Many thanks
James

Title: Re: Initial Setup
Post by: W.Jansen on June 05, 2007, 08:36:29 AM

Hi James

Go to "config"in the upper left corner "motor tuning" that will make a lot clear , do not forget to enter after every changes.

Greetings:
Willem

Title: Re: Initial Setup
Post by: Jeff_Birt on June 05, 2007, 09:14:24 AM

There is also a weath of information available in the documentation and videos.  Look in the 'tutorials' and 'downloads' sections at the top of the page.  I've read over some of this stuff 2-3 times and still learn somethign each time...

Title: Re: Initial Setup
Post by: jamesm on June 05, 2007, 09:30:00 AM

Excellent, thanks very much for the replies.

Will have a look at the documentation. Did not realise there would be much documentation available over the interent however like you say, I have found a fair bit which all looks good!

Thanks again
James

Title: Re: Initial Setup
Post by: Chaoticone on June 05, 2007, 10:28:34 AM

Hey James,
Here is how you do the math. I will give you mine as an example. What we need to know is, How many pulses from Mach will it take to move the machine 1 of your units? (inch,mm) Mine is in inches. 1 inch = 10,000 pulses on mine. This is how I came up with the number.
My steppers have 200 pulses per revolution. ( 360 degrees divided by 1.8 degrees = 200 )
Micro stepping = 10. So 200 X 10=2,000
Motor to screw gearing is 1-1. So 2,000 X 1=2,000
Screw lead is .200 of an inch. My screw will have to turn 5 rounds to move the nut 1". 1.0 divided by 0.200=5. So 2,000 X 5=10,000.

You can also loook on the settings page just above the reset button and click on the set steps per button. It is an automated helper for this.

Brett