Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Les Peterson on December 23, 2007, 11:35:48 PM
-
I recently had to change the computer out due to failure of the old one (boot disc failure) and the new one is using the same OS (WinnXP with SP2) as the old one. I am (or was) controlling a CNC router with Mach 3 ver 1.90. Yesterday I downloaded the latest version and am still having the same problems. I have also added an PCI011H-EP1 parallel port card with the latest drivers.
Attached is my xml file. Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction as I am lost at this time.
LP
-
Your new computer has different port addresses than the old one... as in, the old xml isnt just a copy and paste. Am I right?
-Nick
-
Hi, Les
I only have one port hear, maybe this will help.
Mach3 port 1 is set to 0x387 as default.
Go to win Start bottom left click on it, click on Control Panel, then System, Select Hardware, then Device Manager, click on + next to Ports (COM & LPT), then DBL click on ECP Printer Port( LPT1), then Resources.
I think the first address on the blue IO is your Lpt 1 port address, Enter that address in Mach3 Config, Ports & Pins, Port #1, Port Address window.
Hope this Gets It, Chip
-
Run the file SpecialDriver.bat in the Mach3 root directory.
Whacko
-
Thanks for all the helpfull information. I have the machine rolling now.
One other question, my X axis is dual steppers direct mount rack and pinion style. Is there any benefit to slaving the A axis in Mach rather than using the same step/direction pins?
Right now both controllers are wired to the same pin on the DB-25 plug and I have noticed a large error when cutting circles.
-
Hi Les,
According to the "Mach 2 mill set-up .pdf", 4.6.6, page 4-11.
Each motor receives the same step and dir. signals. But they both have their own home/ referencing switch which allows them to reference individually to correct for any "racking" from lost steps by either motor for whatever reason.
Check it out. It's a pdf that is protected... I'd copy and paste but it won't let me.
Seasons Greetings,
RC
-
Thanks for the pointers RC. I downloaded that manual you listed above and have found in very usefull.
Am I correct in the assumption that for my 4x8 foot router that I should have the homing switches located in the middle of X,Y axis travel? I would assume that this should give me the most accurate machine movement over its length of travel.
Also, since I will have to order some more proximity sensors and opto isolator relays is there a better place than Automation Direct?
-
From what I have gathered,( I'm relatively new at this), is that your home switches should be at the extreme end of the axis travel.
Two switches actually, one at each end of the travel as limits and one of them doubles as the home switch.
The home only comes into play when you reference the machine. No benefit by putting the home in the center of travel. Then you would need 3 switches per axis.
Auto. Direct is pretty good stuff for the money.
I'd use good quality snap action limit switches over inductive prox switches. They are more repeatable and not subject to variations like prox or photo sensors are.
Good luck to ya Les,
RC
-
It is often advantageous to have separate home switches if you have a large axis movement such as a router table as it means you will not have to move to an extreme to reference. The disadvantage is that it will take up an extra Input for every separate switch you have.
Hood
-
Excellent point Hood, I'll make a note of that.
Les did say 8', the long axis on my rig is only 8".
Have a good holiday and thanks for all of your help,
RC
-
The way I understand this is that I should be able to wire all the limit switches in parallel to one input on the computer. I would use indicator lights to let me know which limit has tripped the machine. Then I will use three inputs for the X/Y (dual X, one Y) home location. Since these are digital inputs and not anylog I should be able to use relays that the prox sensors will close and the common/NO pins on the relays for the input to the computer. Am I correct in my thinking?
-
The limits are in SERIES.
Here is an example with separate home switches.
-
As has been said if you want to use 1 pin for limits then wire in series. You also mention having relays and lights, that should work OK but is it really needed? you would be able to see which axis was on a limit just by looking at the router as easily as looking at lights.
Hood
-
Hey guys, I've found all of your discussions to be very informational. Still no matter what I do my comp is still saying "could not locate missng vectors". I've tried almost all of your suggestions from previous posts to no avail. Any other ideas? I greatly appreciate yur time!