Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: cliveastro on December 13, 2007, 03:40:30 PM
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Hi
This is my first CNC project and I want to use mach 3 to run my x 2 mill, I have built my own controller box keling stepper motors and drivers.
My problem is I cant get the motors to run.
I switch on, the motors energise as I cant turn them.
I have set up the motors correctly as per the video tutorial for setup and trouble shooting.
I had a charge safety pump (cnc4pc) but I have disconnected it.
I have no e stop/limit signals on the diagnostics page.
I have checked my wiring about ten times.
My thoughts are that either the breakout board is not working (cnc4pc - C10) or my laptop controlling it is not working properly.
Another thought is the breakout board is too close to the psu.
Can anyone help please.
Clive
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Is your port enabled under ports and pins? Is the port address correct?
To test the port go to config - ports & pins - Input signals - automated setup of inputs and trigger the inputs
KTM
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Port is enabled and the port address is correct.
I understand the automated port setup but how do you mean trigger the inputs,
I really am a complete novice.
Thanks so far.
Clive
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All you have to do is select the input you would like to set up from the drop down box eg: x limit switch ++ click on autoset and then press the limit.
KTM
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I have done that the limits work, but the motors dont.
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Do you have power on the step and direction terminals and is the polarity correct?
If so check the pulse train from Mach with an oscilloscope
KTM
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I have 5v power on step and direction and the polarity is correct.
Am I meant to see anything in the "Output signals current state" in the diagnostics window because I dont.
Also I only see 2 green leds (5 7)in the port current state.
clive
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Post your xml (mill.xml in the Mach3 folder)
KTM
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I dont seem to be able to send it as an attachment. Is there another way?
Clive
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I have sent you my e-mail address
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Hey Clive
Any luck on activating the output?
KTM
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Hi Steve
Just about ready to start trying things.
I will need to go and buy a relay to test with or could I use an led?
I am going to try another computer first I never really trust laptops plus they cost more to fix.
I'll let you know.
Apart from one motor to test with, I finished assembling my mill this morning, only one mod to make, but its useable.
So its not all gloom and doom.
Clive
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You could just use a LED in series with a 220 ohm resistor for 5V
KTM
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I have swapped computers with new software and I now get 8 leds lit in port1 pin state.
I will see if I can find a resistor and led.
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I dont seem to be able to send it as an attachment. Is there another way?
Clive
The forum will only accept an attachment once so if a file by that name has already been posted it wont let you attach it again. The way round this is to rename your xml before you attach it.
Hood
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Steve
I have got hold of an oscilloscope (im not a good driver) however I get square waves out of pins 2,3,4,5,6 and 7.
Where to next?
Thanks Hood, noted.
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Thats great ! your break out board is working.
Now check your power supply - maybe the stepper drives are pulling more current than it can supply.
Connect only one motor with no load.
KTM
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I have 2 x 280oz in and 1 x 425oz in motors with a 24volt 8.3 amp psu.
My tests were with only motor however I have just remembered I have loaded new software and I havent set the motors up.
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I have set the motors to 262.5 mm/min and 0.5 seconds.
I have not changed the psu settings but the stepper drivers are getting 24.2volts.
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I have cnc4pc c10 breakout board and I have 5v on the enable line does anyone know if I need to set up anything in mach3? There does not appear to be a pin number to set it to?
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The 5V usually goes via the charge pump relay to the enable signal. This is to prevent the outputs from activating when Mach is not open.
KTM
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But I still cant get the motor to turn!
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Regarding the square waves - What is the amplitude and frequency - are they only active when you run the g-code.
you can also run the motors from the manual screen - press "tab" on your keyboard.
Try adjusting your feedrate - maybe it is far too slow(unlikely)
KTM
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Not having measured the amplitude and frequency I dont know, they are only there when I run G code and do start and stop. I did notice that it looked like 3 traces running in parallel, but I am not an accomplished oscilloscope driver.
I have gone back to basics, I have stripped a stepper driver out of the box, I have stripped the cable off of a motor, I have stripped the breakout board out of the box, completely rewired them and I will try it on a bench power supply tommorow.
Now I am going to have nice meal and a glass of wine.
Thanks very much for your help. I am sure we will turn over the correct stone in the morning.
My wife thinks I am a bit grumpy at the moment cant think why.
Clive