Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => FAQs => Topic started by: Larry O on May 31, 2021, 12:23:30 PM
-
Computer crashed and replaced with another using windows 7 / 32 bit. Parallel port seems to be working (checked voltages with help from UTube video). X, Y and Z Axis work fine on Mach3 dashboard but machine runs X axis in only one direction using right and left arrow keys, Y moves in only one direction using Page up and Page down keys and Z does not move.
CNC did work fine before and no wires were moved
Need some assistance, I am still new at this.
Thanks
-
have you checked voltage from dir pin with connected stepper Driver?
-
Thanks for the response....not sure how to check voltage, as suggested, after watching video which did not have the same boards. I attached pictures of the inside of my control unit, there 4 separate boards.
-
Looks like the connextors on right lower Corner are for step/dir
Step - 5V - Dir -5V if you look from the right to the left.
-
Looks like almost 5v on each board. I will recheck the parallel port again. The cable has continuity point to point
(up and down arrows still do not work and the Up and Down keys work the Y axis in only one direction and the right and left arrows control the X axis in only one direction. I).
The down key causes the red light to go out on the 1st board, up key make the light go on. The left arrow key causes the red light to go out on the 2nd board, right arrow make the light go on. The up and down arrows do nothing to any light.
Any other thoughts?
Thanks again
-
Computer crashed (while using) and replaced with another using windows 7 / 32 bit. X, Y and Z Axis work fine on Mach3 dashboard but machine runs X axis in only one direction using right and left arrow keys, Y moves in only one direction using Page up and Page down keys and Z does not move.
CNC did work fine before and no wires or switches were moved or changed
Parallel port seems to be working, checked for voltage after watching video. The cable has continuity point to point. Each controller boards have 5V.
(up and down arrows still do not work and the Up and Down keys work the Y axis in only one direction and the right and left arrows control the X axis in only one direction. I).
The down key causes the red light to go out on the 1st board, up key make the light go on. The left arrow key causes the red light to go out on the 2nd board, right arrow makes the light go on. The up and down arrows do nothing to any light.
Maybe a power surge took out the computer and something in the CNCEST Controller.
Any thoughts (I am still a new user and have tried following troubleshooting posts and videos) or is there a good beginner video on replacing the motor controllers while still using the original controller the control the spindle…Thanks
-
Can you please post a copy of your <your profile> .xml file which is in the Mach3 folder. You will need to rename it to to something like larry.xml before posting. We can then check your Mach3 settings and hopefully find an answer to the problem.
Tweakie.
-
Thanks for the reply....I'm not seeing anything in Mach3 folder that might be something with profile "<your profile> .xml file". There is an empty profile txt file
I was able to add license so I'm in the correct files. I have rebooted the computer and will reload Mach3 if needed.
-
Hi Larry,
Your profile is shown in the window bottom right (typically, Mach3Mill). In your Mach3 folder copy the .xml file with that name. Rename it then attach (using Attachments and other options).
Tweakie.
-
Found it...thanks.
It is attached and hopefully this is what is needed. I really appreciate your time and help.
-
Locate the output wiring from you breakout board and check that :
Pin 6 is connected to your X axis Driver Direction pin
Pin 2 is connected to your X axis Driver Step pin.
Pin 7 is connected to your Y axis Driver Direction pin
Pin 3 is connected to your Y axis Driver Step pin.
Pin 8 is connected to your Z axis Driver Direction pin.
Pin 4 is connected to your Z axis Driver Step pin.
(this is to test that you have the correct pins specified in Motor Outputs).
Using a multimeter check the output from you Parallel Port will toggle Pin 6 between 5 Volts and 0 Volts when using the Left and Right Arrow keys.
(this is to test that the output from your Parallel Port is to the 5 Volt TTL standard and not to the 3.3 Volt TTL standard).
Tweakie.
-
here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uglCm_qsojk&t=329s
is a good tutorial how to test.
-
Ok, watched the video again and retested to verify all pins were working. The voltage is 3.4 (not 5) on the pins that indicated voltage and 0 on the others.
-
Ok, watched the video again and retested to verify all pins were working. The voltage is 3.4 (not 5) on the pins that indicated voltage and 0 on the others.
Older equipment used the 5 Volt TTL standard and may not operate reliably at the 3.3 Volt TTL standard. This thread explains ; https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=34848.0
You could either fit a 5 Volt PCI Parallel Port card or a new Breakout board which accepts the 3.3 Volt TTL standard inputs and outputs 5 Volt TTL or use an External Motion controller which supports Mach3. There are other options but I think these are probably the easiest to implement.
Tweakie.
-
I will try to work on it as soon as possible (hope this weekend). If this is the only issue that would be great....Again Thanks
Larry
-
I would like to thank both of you for you help...I was able to hookup a UC100 and all axis are moving properly. Will load GCode and test mill a piece this week but confidence is high there will be no issues.
Again thanks for your time and expertise
Larry