Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Omega_Sam on January 10, 2008, 06:20:07 AM
-
Ok, here is my situation; I purchased a used Taig mini mill that was converted to CNC by Super-tech.com. It is a servo system that has gecko drivers but used the old Supercam software to control it. By old I mean it took a windows98 box to control it.
The Supercam software was ok, but it is really dated and it had problems if I tried taking any g-code into it crashed the mill and I can forget about doing 3d surfacing.
My machine is similar to this http://www.super-tech.com/root/grp.asp?p1=PN_TAIG-3000-LBGS-C.
I got hold of a different computer and installed Mach3 but am having some problems setting it up.
Old system:
Pentium 2 desktop
Win 98
Running original Supercam
Jogged accurately but difficult to get g-code into it.
New system:
P4 - 1.2ghz desktop
Win XP
Running mach3
Can take G-code no problem.
Will accurately jog on X and Z but not Y axis.
I was able to get the XML file from Dennis at Super-tech and it only needed a little adjustment for my particular machine. Dennis and the file hes sent have been a big help.
My problem is that the Y-axis is not tracking properly. It is spinning normal one second then continues to spin but not turn the screw. When running a program it tracks but it is not consistent one pass a one inch line will be 1”, then 5/8”, and then ¾”.
I checked the cable with a multimeter and it is reading 5v on several pins. So, I’m not sure if it is a glitch there.
When I hooked it back up to the old win98 box and old software, it still runs fine.
Please help. I have spent several days trying to get this working and I will have no time when school starts back up next week.
I just don’t know what to try next.
Thanks Omega_sam
-
It sounds like your motor is needing tuned, try lowering the acceleration a bit.
Hood
-
Thanks for the reply hood.
so everyone is on the same page:
The Servos that came with the system are DYNETIC SYSTEMS model 230188A
Settings are at 16000 steps with Accel at 2.5, Steps at 4 and Dir at 4
Most of this is going off of the XML file that I got.
I'll play with the acceleration a bit and see what happens.
Any other advice welcome. Omega_Sam
-
Mach3 motor settings are at 16000 steps with Max speed at 90 ipm, Accel at 2.5, Steps at 4 and Dir at 4.
Tried a range of Acceleration from 0.5 to 6.0 with no luck.
Also tried changing the signal to 35,000 since the CPU is over 1ghz.
No luck on either front.
-
Hi, Omega_Sam
If this is what's happening, "It is spinning normal one second then continues to spin but not turn the screw."
Probably a lose "set screw" in the Y axis drive train, Are you sure it's servos and not steppers. ?
What's the PN on the Gecko's
If it's steppers, Then reduce your Velocity in motor tuning.
Hope this Helps, Chip.
-
Ok looks like the original motor setup has pin out for “step” and “direction” but in the Motor Tuning dialog there are fields for “step pulse” (milliseconds) and a redundant “Dir #” for the direction pin?
I think I’m gonna be sick.
-
They are G320 dc servo drivers, at least I think that is correct.
I've been beating my head against a wall trying to sort this out. I hooked it back to the original control system, the win98 box, and it started acting like it the y-Azis was slipping. When drawing a square it doesn't come back to the same position, it looks like a flag on a pole.
After Turing to adjust the motors the x axis stated sounding like it had gravel inside it.
I got the feeling that I had a hardware failure (cable, contoll er, or motor), both systems were having problems with the Y-axis.
As a last ditch effort I tried calling Dennis at Super_tech one more time, and got brushed off.
I decided to just start from scratch with a fresh copy of the XML file. The motors sound awful unless the "step pulse" is set to 4.
now I can get it to draw a square, and I got it to follow a pocketing toolpath but it still cant handle polyline to cut consistently.
Thanks. Omega_Sam
-
Hi, Omega_Sam
What size nails are you driving into the wall, OUCH ! ! !. Been there Before.
Have you tried both EX Stop and CV mode's in General Config, Reduced Acceleration a little more, So many short line segments can be a pain.
What kernel speed are you using in Ports & pins first page, Try 35 or 45 k-speed, You'll need to re-start Mach and Re-Tune.
Thanks, Chip
-
Hi chip and thanks again for all advice,
I also changed to the demo of Mach3 v3.01, I had been running v2.62. I am waiting to pay until I can get it runnning.
Mach3 motor settings are at 16000 steps with Max speed at 90 ipm, Accel at 2.5, Step pulse at 4 and Dir at 4. What does the "Dir" box mean in in the motor tuning page? Does that match the Dir pin in general setup?
Never even saw the EX or CV modes, so not sure.
I was told that the step pulese should be at 1 Milisecond, but the motors sound horible with current config.
Currently i'm set up at the recomended 25K but I am running a P4 1.3 ghz processor so I should up it.
What is a good method for Re-tuning? I'd like to try and keep it simple and systematic.
I ran the port diagnostic tool and it seems pretty clean signal wise, mostly steady fuzzy line. I have a new parallel port card on the way as well.
-
Hi, Omega_Sam
If your in demo mode 25 k speed is all that's available, So no re-tuning for faster k speed.
Did you get any setup info for Vel and Accl from the Mfg. ?
With your Max speed at 90 ipm (thought you sead it was 4 earlier), Accel at 2.5, Set your Acceleration up to 20 or higher and see if that helps.
The F settings in your G-code G1, 2, 3, moves will override your Acceleration setting, If your servos don't lose position and fault with G0 moves is really the
only speed limiting factor.
Step pulse at 4 and Dir at 4, (Both of these are the time Mach gives your control to see the pulse's it's sending out.
You can find the Ex-CV mode in Config, General Config setup box/page, CV mode blends/Looks Ahead for faster smother cut's.
Sent you a PM, Top left near your user Info.
Give it a Try, Chip
-
The Development Update is currently a full install.
That’s the 3.01 version I’m using, so I’ll give the speed adjustment a shot maybe the 35k or higher. It maybe disabled still but the buttons aren’t grayed out.
Will give the higher Acceleration a try too.
responded to PM, thanks.
-
The only real help I got from the manufacturer was the XML file that was setup for a machine with different motors and limits but basically wired the same. He did tell me that the motor should be set to one millisecond.
I tried setting it up for 45k. it still ran. two of the axis sounded crisp and healthy.
I tried setting the Pulse speed to one Millisecond. It ran fine.
My X axis ran great for about 10 min then started sounding like a rock tumbler filled with chain. It has been hot to the touch a couple of times so I think it has a short.
OK now for the good news: the two small programs that I have been using benchmark with both ran spot on and beautiful. So Something is definitely right.
-
Have you tried swapping hardware round between the good axis and the bad one? might find its a bad motor or drive.
Hood
-
during the last day or so I got some great help from Chip and have taken all the other advice I could and put it to use.
As it tuns out there were a couple of things to fix:
1. the kernel speed was wrong for the speed of machine I was running and I couldn't change that until I installed the unlocked demo of v.3.01.
Now it's set to 45k and sounds much better.
2. The Step pulse was off. Going from the manufacturer specs I set it to 1 millisecond and that was causing the X-axis to skip badly. It had become hot at one point that I noticed but I haven't noticed it since.
After talking to Chip I understand it's more of the delay time the computer waits for the machine to react. The Step Pulse and Dir are both at 4 and the machine sounds great! Movement is crisp and sounds healthy.
I also re-adjusted a servo that was not mounted well, to much gap between couplers. and checked the others to make sure they were not loose or over tight. deepgroove1.com had a good video on setting up motors with the same adaptors and that was really helpfull.
Testing with a pencil in a drill chuck the Taig tracked great and repeated a drawing including splines and lines so well that they were just barely darker.
I'm going to test it more over the next day or two and then start working on tooling and maybe a quick change collet system.
Oh and cutting a check to Artsoft so I can thank them and be able to code more than 500 lines.
Thanks for all of your help so far guys, really. Omega_Sam
-
Hey guys,
I'm having another problem. The post processor for GibbsCam I got from here is not working properly. It has a real problem with circles and arcs for some reason. it makes them really big and just kind of does it's own thing. I have access to several different programs to work from thanks to school but I need a good working Post for MACH3.
Thanks again!
Omega_Sam
-
Try going to the General config tab and changing the IJ mode
Hood
-
Yup! I did some digging in the forums and found that someone else had the same problem.
Switching the IL buttons fixed that.
Now that big thing is to get posting 3D files. Not sure how to use Gibbs for that.
Is there a preferred Post to uses as a base? I'd like to get a Post for CAMWORKS, preferably 2007.
Another step in the right direction today, thanks to this forum.
Omega_Sam
-
Hey guys I'm back yet again. I fixed the problem of the motors not sounding well and it is moving around OK BUT there is still a problem.
I have been having a problem with repeatability. When I ask it repeat drawing or cutting something it is drifting over from where it starts from up to 1/16" in X+. the whole drawing is shifted over like that for the second run. then it will drift a little more for a third pass.
Any help on this one? I really don't know what to do.
Could this be an issue with motor tuning? that is still something I'm not sure about.
-
Sounds like a mechanical slip to me. Like where the motor hooks to the screw, pulley, rack, etc. Can you post a pic of the cuts it is messing up on?
Brett
-
I tried settign up my old doss box with the supercam software and it drew perfect circles and repeated them.
I tried re running the drawings in mach and still offsetting on each pass to X+.
Current Motor settings are 90 IPM max, 45 ACC, and 4 for pulse
Have tried different kernel speeds, with no difference.
-
Is it possible that windows is a fault for this? I didn't do the install that was recommended on a check list I found. I had only done a basic WinXP install and SP2 updates. and there are no other programs installed and no internet connection.
Has the strict install really helped fix problems?
Thanks,
Omega_Sam
-
Sam,
Ive have some of the same problems ,then had a computer crash and just now getting back to setting my machine back up.
This time I set up a dedicated computer , took off ALL security settings no fire wall ,updates or anything because that computer is
not going to be connected to the internet unless I have to update something then will be direct to my net work.
I found that getting rid of all of the security and games and AOL and crap that comes with a computer can really create issues with MACH that are hard
to locate..
I think you found your problems with getting a dedicated computer , just make sure you shut down all security suites and keep it off of the internet and you will
be better off in the long run..
Just my 2cents and glad to see you have it up and running.. ;D
Gary
-
I think I may have fixed the problem.
I had tried using the guide for installing for XP and that made no difference in the movement or helped to fix the drifting or repeatability. It just kept drifting off to the side each time it was run.
I decided to try a different approach, Hardware. I thought that maybe there was a fault in the onboard controller for the ports.
So, I went to Newegg.com and found one of the add-on cards for parallel ports and installed it. After changing the general settings, the mill was acting very different.
Right now it is repeating perfectly, even after shutting off and on, there are no problems. Now all I have to do is getting it cutting.