Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: spindextools on January 17, 2017, 05:42:22 AM
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Hi, I'm new to this.. We use Mach 3 in our workshop to run our little CNC router. Since Christmas, it's not been talking to the cnc for some reason? We are running Mach 3 on Windows 7. The program is talking to the box, the lights all work.. If you manually push the end switch on each axis, the light goes out, as usual. The problem is there seems to be something stopping the power into each axis. It just wont run the program. I noticed when I switched off the power, they moved slightly... where can I go to get an answer? I've attached some pictures to help... Thanks!!
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Check in Windows Device Manager that the LPT Parallel Port address is the one that is entered into Mach3 Ports & Pins. It is typically 0x378 but some parallel port cards operate a dynamic port address which can change.
Tweakie.
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Thanks for that. Checked that and it is the same.Still not working. It's a real struggle now! Our work is backing up and we have nowhere else to turn to!! Someone please help!!
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Can you attach your .xml file please - this will show us your Mach3 settings in detail.
It is the one from your Mach3 folder titled <your profile>.xml (your profile name is shown on the bottom right of the Mach3 screen).
Copy this file and rename the copy to spindex.xml and attach it to your reply.
Tweakie.
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Thank you so much, here it is.. hope it helps!!
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I have sent you a PM.
Tweakie.
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Hi, I have now logged into the original pc with the original version on. I've attached the VR1414 for that so hopefully you'll be able to see what you need here.
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I have checked through your .xml settings and it all seems OK. It certainly runs without issue here.
In the Mach3 folder there is a xmlbackups folder - select a <your profile> backup (xb#) from a date before you had problems - change the file extension to .xml and copy the file into the Mach3 folder replacing the existing .xml file.
If that does not resolve the problem then...
Check your LPT parallel port cable is OK (with a multimeter) to make sure it has pin1 connected to pin1, pin2 to pin2 etc. , etc.
With a voltmeter connected between pin 3 and pin 25 then jog the X axis in each direction and confirm that the voltage changes between 0Volts and 5Volts (approx.).
Check the voltage between pin 17 and pin 25 when Mach3 is running (charge pump).
Let me know how you get on.
Tweakie.
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Thank you very much, I will try this in the morning and let you know. Thanks again!!
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You said in the first post, when you manually push the switch at the end of the axis, the light goes OUT. This is backwards. The led in mach3 should only come on when the limit switch is activated. Mac3 thinks all the limits are active!
Nothing is going to move if any limit is ON.
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It's always been like that though.. Strange...
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Another thing to try…
In
Config. / Ports and Pins / Input Signals
Disable the Signal X++
Tweakie.
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Thanks so much for all these options. There is power to all the ports on the cable, I have changed the .xml to an old backup file, and I have disabled the X++ too. Still not working. I understand what you mean with the lights going on. You are right, under diagnostics, the lights turn on when activated. Its the control box lights that are on and turn off when activated. (picture 2 on my original post.) So all seems well there too. What can I do next? would it be a case of getting a new control box component? if so, I have no idea what to get! I looked on ebay and found a company selling these// any idea if they may help?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ECO-High-Quality-Mach3-USB-3-Axis-CNC-Motion-Control-Card-Breakout-Board-400KHz-/401047389146?hash=item5d604983da:g:2lIAAOSwoudW6MrQ
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cnc-Kit-4-Axis-Tb6560AHQ-Stepper-Motor-Driver-Board-Controller-With-Box-Mach3-/361863101695?hash=item5440b8bcff:g:oy8AAOSwa~BYYOlr
What do you think? Thanks once again for helping me!!
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Also, I have just worked out that when I switch the actual control box off, whilst mach 3 is running a program, the vertical axis moves 1/4" then stops. thats the only way I can get any axis to move.
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Do you have a manual (with circuit diagrams) for your existing control box ?
The first product you have linked is a USB driven motion controller and would require extra parts.
The second product you have linked may be a good replacement for your existing controller (using your existing power supply, etc.) and the wiring-up is documented by the supplier. However, please bear in mind that the cheap Chinese products sometimes work OK and sometimes they do not – there is often no backup or technical support from the supplier and you are pretty much on your own.
It costs considerably more but the Gecko G540 (http://www.geckodrive.com/geckodrive-step-motor-drives/g540.html) is probably the best product you could buy – it comes with all the technical support and backup you would ever need. Again the wiring-up is all well documented and there are plenty of people here who could help if you run into difficulties.
Tweakie.
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Also, I have just worked out that when I switch the actual control box off, whilst mach 3 is running a program, the vertical axis moves 1/4" then stops. thats the only way I can get any axis to move.
I take it that Mach3 runs OK when you hit Cycle Start (assuming Gcode file loaded etc.) it is just the machine that does not move.
Tweakie.
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That's wonderful, thanks for that, I just didn't know where to start to look for what I might need. And, yes, everything works, it's just the machine which does not move.
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One more thing to try...
Run DriverTest.exe (Mach3 folder) this will ensure that the parallel port drivers are installed and working OK.
Tweakie.
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Thanks for that. With that Gecko module, how would we wire in the axis? It looks like the old Joystick plugs, where at the moment we have the following in the picture attached
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You would purchase the G540 together with 4 of the 9 pin D type connectors. Your existing connectors would be replaced. It requires some delicate soldering but the stepper motor Phase A and Phase B connections (together with the current controlling resistor connections) are clearly identified (on the unit and in the documentation).
Tweakie.