Machsupport Forum
G-Code, CAD, and CAM => G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions => Topic started by: iparr on July 31, 2017, 11:11:21 AM
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Hi, I recently found a Mach3 script by Allen Massey for an edge finding plate.
I downloaded the script to the hidden Auto zero file and wired up the breakout board as described. I activated the probe in ports and pins and began the testing. On the diagnosis page the digitise LED failed to light when I touched the probe to ground. As far as I understand I take a wire from my port (port 13, the only port free) to the probe and a second wire from the ground pin on the same pin 13 to the edge finder. Touching the two together should cause the LED to light. Any ideas?
Secondly I note that the script I have received is in inches whereas my machine is set to millimetres. I presume that all inch references will have to be converted to metric. I am not familiar with Mach 3 code and I wondered if there is anyone out there who is familiar with the Allen Massey script who could advise me which parts of the script need to be altered.
regards Ian
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Hi Ian,
Check that you have Enabled and set Probe to Active Low and also the Port and Pin (13) correctly.
Tweakie.
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Yes done that already. thanks
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Hi Ian,
Assuming you have set / configured Pin13 correctly then temporarily connecting it to GND should activate the Digitize LED on the Diagnostics (Alt-7) page. Does it do this ?
Tweakie.
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No, nothing happens when I ground the pin.
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If you attach your .xml file ( <your profile> .xml from your Mach3 folder) I will check your configuration. Copy it and rename the copy to iparr.xml then use the Additional Options to attach.
Connect a voltmeter between Pin 13 and GND. What is the voltage reading ?
Connect the voltmeter between Pin 13 and +5 Volts. What is the reading ?
Tweakie.
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Hi thanks for your patience,
Pin 13 to GND = 4.8v
Pin 13 to +5v = 0.25v
Hope this helps, Ive attached what I hope is the profile folder.
Thanks again.
Ian
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Hi Ian,
Unfortunately your .xml file did not attach.
The following pic shows how you should be configuring pin 13 for operation with your touch plate.
Tweakie.
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Thans for the reply
Yes that is exactly how I have enabled pin 13. I've checked it several times.
How did the voltage readings check out? Could it be a faulty board? I had a previous board with a faulty Estop input.
I've tried to send the file again, but I get an error message. Can I email the file directly to you?
regards
Ian
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Hi Ian,
The voltage readings are correct.
A question I should have perhaps asked before - What make and model of breakout board are you using (a picture may be good) ?
(e-mail me your .xml file, my mail box address is under my avatar)
Tweakie.
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Hi Ian,
Your .xml file is in your Mach3 folder and it is called Mach3Mill.xml
On the attached image I have marked pin 13. Is this the pin you are using ?
By changing the Mach3 Probe configuration (different pin) do any of the other inputs (pins 10,11,12) work ?
Tweakie.
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Hi,
Yes that is the pin I am using Pin 13.
All the other pins are in use. Pins 10,11 and 12 are connected to my limit switches for x axis, y axis, and z axis and all work fine.
I am struggling with the .xml file, but i've sent it directly to your website again.
Thanks
Ian
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I think we have now covered all the possibilities and my conclusion is (as you suspected) the breakout board Pin 13 is bad.
Limit switches do not need separate inputs (except for slaved axes) so they can share just one Input pin. This could free up a working Input for use with your Probe. Alternately, a new (perhaps better quality) breakout board is required ?
Tweakie.
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Thanks once again for your reply.
I think we have both come to the same conclusion- time for a new board replacement.!!!
Can't thank you enough.
ian
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Hi Ian,
Thank you for your kind words.
Tweakie.
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Hi Tweakie,
Well one week on and i'm pleased to report that I have replaced the board with a more recent model and all is working fine.
As you will remember the problem arose when I found the script from Allen Massey to use a triple edge finder. Well that is working fine too after much head scratching altering the script from imperial measurements to millimetres to suit my machine.
You offer a great service, much appreciated.
Ian
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Hi Ian,
I am pleased to hear that all is now working well and congrats on converting that script from Imperial to Metric ;)
Tweakie.