Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: olf20 on August 18, 2007, 06:35:53 PM

Title: Tool Change Output
Post by: olf20 on August 18, 2007, 06:35:53 PM
When my machine comes to a tool change it will stop and wait till I change the tooling.
Is there a way to trigger one of the extra outputs (maybe spindle on / off)  so I can also stop and start my router motor and
vaccum system?
I know I can enter the code at every tool change in the program but I was wondering if when Mach3 came
to a tool change it could be configured to turn on / off one of the outputs on my breakout board.
We run the machine during store hours and sometimes we are waiting on customers when
its time to change to the next tool.
I have solid state relays with 3 - 15 volt input and 25 amp rating.

Thanks for any help!!
olf20
Title: Re: Tool Change Output
Post by: vmax549 on August 18, 2007, 07:04:11 PM
Using  the M6stop, M6start macros you can program whatever sequence you need during a tool change. The hardware side has to be hooked up though to work.

(;-) TP
Title: Re: Tool Change Output
Post by: olf20 on August 18, 2007, 07:59:21 PM
Thanks vmax549!!
How do I access the Macro, I have never delved into this part.
Thanks again!
olf20
Title: Re: Tool Change Output
Post by: Chaoticone on August 18, 2007, 08:13:18 PM
Olf,
   Open Mach. look at the tabs at the top, operator, vb script editor, browse to mach 3 folder, macros, the profile you are using. Should find M6 start and M6 end there.

Brett
Title: Re: Tool Change Output
Post by: olf20 on August 18, 2007, 09:48:27 PM
Thanks Chaoticone!
I found exactly what you described. Now I have to learn about VB Scripting.
I know that there are some examples on the forum. I'll do some searching.
Thanks Again!
Title: Re: Tool Change Output
Post by: Hood on August 19, 2007, 01:51:08 AM
Not very good at VB myself but if you have your vacuum and spindle working from code already it should work by just putting the code in the macro, the example below should switch off the spindle and stop coolant (I am presuming you have your vacuum connected via the coolant on/off).

code "m5"
code "m9"

As I said I am not good at VB but pretty sure that will work.
Hood