Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Hass on December 06, 2017, 10:26:15 AM

Title: Mach3 Demo Not running as expected
Post by: Hass on December 06, 2017, 10:26:15 AM

When I run an example gcode demo (i.e roadrunner), the gcode display cycles quickly thru the 1st four lines and hangs at line 5 (G43H5). For the next 20 seconds or so, there is no visible activity. After that, the next to last line of gcode (M5) highlights. It's as though the code may have been executing without the control panel updating.

In single Block mode, I am able to step thru the program, but all of the Axis  (X,Y,Z and 4) display remain as +0.0000.

I have installed Mach3 Demo Version R3.043.066 on two different Windows 7 machines and it behaves the same on both. One is 64 bit and the other is a 32 bitter.

It must be a cockpit error, but it's got me stumped. I have a Haas TM1 in my shop and run it regularly, so am very familiar with commercial CNC machines.

Where might I be going astray ?

Thanks

Title: Re: Mach3 Demo Not running as expected
Post by: ger21 on December 06, 2017, 10:41:50 AM

The demo is limited to 500 lines of g-code.

Title: Re: Mach3 Demo Not running as expected
Post by: Hass on December 06, 2017, 04:05:16 PM

Fair enough; I realize the demo is limited, but that is only part of the problem. I see now that "roadrunner.tap" in Mach3\G-code folder is much longer. I wouldn't have chosen it except that I watched a youtube example of roadrunner operating on a demo copy of Mach3.
It runs if I single step it, but the axis displays are stuck at the same values as those in the upper right corner of the offsets page. Obviously, I am missing something here.

Might you point me to a sample mill  G code file that will run properly on a freshly installed copy of the Mach3 Demo software;  using the default mill profile ? I understand machine coords, work coords etc.



Thank you

Title: Re: Mach3 Demo Not running as expected
Post by: joeaverage on December 06, 2017, 04:25:09 PM

Hi,
if you don't have either the parallel port driver or external motion controller installed, ie unable to control motors
then the 500 line limit does not apply. If your installation is capable of running a machine then you need a licence
to get through the 500 line limit.

Mach4 Demo run for about 6 minutes before it needs to be reset and a licence is required beyond that. The exception
is if the Sim(ulator) plugin is used, ie unable to control a machine then the time limit does not apply.

Craig

Title: Re: Mach3 Demo Not running as expected
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on December 07, 2017, 01:35:02 AM

Quote

Might you point me to a sample mill  G code file that will run properly on a freshly installed copy of the Mach3 Demo software;  using the default mill profile ? I understand machine coords, work coords etc.

There are many here to choose from; http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,18345.0.html

Title: Re: Mach3 Demo Not running as expected
Post by: Hass on December 13, 2017, 09:41:06 AM

Thanks to all for your tips. Things are looking up now.