Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Fred_evans on May 03, 2019, 07:03:18 AM

Title: motor direction changes after power outage
Post by: Fred_evans on May 03, 2019, 07:03:18 AM
Hello Chaps,
Mach3
this has happened to me at least twice in the last few months
when I switch the system on i find that one or both steppers have changed direction.
I dont know - maybe someone can throw some light on the subject.
We have been experiencing a lot of mains power outages.
In order to alleviate the situation I have installed a 60KW 3 phase  generator set .
could this have something to do with it? maybe phases mixed up?
any discussion will be welcomed
regards fred
Title: Re: motor direction changes after power outage
Post by: reuelt on May 03, 2019, 04:42:31 PM
Please install power EMI filter for your machine controller box.

If single phase something like
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Single-Phase-AC-Power-Line-EMI-Filter-AC-115-250V-50-60Hz-20A-Suppressor-/123684313976

If three phase
google..
Title: Re: motor direction changes after power outage
Post by: Fred_evans on May 04, 2019, 11:23:06 AM
thanksfor the tip
what does this actually do?
regards

fred
Title: Re: motor direction changes after power outage
Post by: ger21 on May 04, 2019, 01:51:11 PM
this has happened to me at least twice in the last few months
when I switch the system on i find that one or both steppers have changed direction.

I can't think of anything that could cause this, except maybe a bad .xml file, or a pirated Mach3 license file?

A power loss can't change any Mach3 settings.
I can't see how an EMI filter would do anything.
Title: Re: motor direction changes after power outage
Post by: BR549 on May 04, 2019, 03:40:59 PM
Mch 3 currupts teh XML when the PC looses power and cannot fully create /Save the XML. You SHOULD have saved off a copy of a good XML so you can restore it on power up after a power loss. You can create a Batch file to auto transfer teh backup file to the mach3 folder.

(;-) TP
Title: Re: motor direction changes after power outage
Post by: reuelt on May 05, 2019, 01:18:09 AM
thanksfor the tip
what does this actually do?
regards

fred



Here is a good read:-
https://product.tdk.com/en/products/emc/emc/power-line/technote/pdf/generaltec_power-line_en.pdf

I suspected that motor direction change is a malfunction cause by CONDUCTED NOISE along the power cable(s). Hence I proposed Mains Input EMI filter.
Motor direction is just a signal change at at dir pins of the BOB and not necessarily will corrupt  the MACH3  XML file.

I had a electronically controlled Centralized gas heater that blew 3 times and ALWAYS in WINTER just because I did not have Filters and/or Surge protectors installed. After I put in a filter, I have had over 10 years FREE of problem.