Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Kristin D on May 16, 2008, 06:33:15 PM

Title: Brand new problem
Post by: Kristin D on May 16, 2008, 06:33:15 PM
OK I finally decided to set up the spindle index, booted up the PC and apparently it had restarted due to a windows security upgrade, now when I opened Mach I got as far as selecting pin 10 as an input for the spindle and as soon as I click OK my mouse & keyboard freeze up! Tried it first in Turn, then went to Mill and the same thing happened! I don't even have the port connected, strange! Suggestions? reload all the software, not a big problem since I am still in the test phase and would only need to re map the outputs and inputs?

Accck!

Kristin
Title: Re: Brand new problem
Post by: Hood on May 16, 2008, 06:53:20 PM
Try reinstalling Mach, no need to uninstall first.
Hood
Title: Re: Brand new problem
Post by: Kristin D on May 16, 2008, 07:24:20 PM
Hood,

I reinstalled, same thing, seems if I even open the inputs config screen after a few seconds it locks up without clicking anything! all the outputs are checked active low (I think with a red X) but just scrolling it locks up, could be it's ungodly hot right now and the PC and I are both showing the effects, however unless I fire up Mach everything else is fine. I am going to totally unload and remove the program and re-install as soon as I cools down it's probably over 90 deg F in the shop and I don't even want to know, soon the sun will go down and cool off.

Kristin
Title: Re: Brand new problem (fixed)
Post by: Kristin D on May 16, 2008, 08:16:33 PM
Well I did a full uninstall, removed the folders even on the hard drive and re-installed, no more lockups and for now at least I was able to auto configure the port for that input by touching the wires together but I see no action when I block/unblock the slot, nothing is indicating though as far as RPM or ?? I don't know do I need to do a calibration on the spindle? It's still hot and I am taking this slow so I don't release any magic smoke. I suppose the next move is to drag out the scope and look at the output of the photo transistor...


Just went back and played with it again not it's working, showing rpm when I drag a comb through the switch! Sucess at last!

Thanks,
Kristin
Title: Re: Brand new problem
Post by: Hood on May 16, 2008, 08:22:48 PM
No calibration needed, have a look at the Index LED on the diagnostics page and see if it lights/goes out when you block/unblock the switch.
Hood
Title: Re: Brand new problem
Post by: Kristin D on May 16, 2008, 08:29:20 PM
Hood,

It works, yes the diag indicator goes on and off, and it displays rpm, what I don't understand is if I had more than one slot would I need to let Mach know or does it just figure it out somehow?

Thanks again

Kristin
Title: Re: Brand new problem
Post by: jimpinder on May 17, 2008, 03:29:51 AM
I'll leave Hood to talk about slots!

In a general vein - is your computer connected to the internet - I assume it must be if you are getting downloads. The trouble with Windows, it downloads all sorts of ****** into your computer - most of which you don't need in a workshop. I would consider disconnecting it from the internet and using another computer for your downloading.

I leave my Laptop in the workshop running the machine. I have stripped everything off it apart frpm Mach. If you have Mach running succesfully, you don't need any upgrades - and anything I need to put on it I do with a memory stick - then at least I know what's on there.
Title: Re: Brand new problem
Post by: Hood on May 17, 2008, 04:15:07 AM
If you have more than 1 slot then you need one of them a good bit wider than the others and you then use the timing Input rather than the Index.

Hood
Title: Re: Brand new problem
Post by: Kristin D on May 17, 2008, 06:33:59 AM
Jim,

Yes it is connected to the net, well I kind of like that as I can keep up on things and do downloads that way, your correct in most of the crrap you do not need but as long as I am connected via wireless to my main PC I can pick and chose to install updates. D

Hood,

Right now I only have one slot, it's about 3/8" wide and is giving a fair to poor readout of the RPM, at 690 or so it wavers +/- 10 and at 3600 it's about the same perhaps +/- 20 rpm, I am running a AC motor so I know it's not wavering around. Would a second slot or multiple holes add to the thing? I am probably nit picking but it would be nice to see a steady number with a steady drive under no load. Darn, now I have to go looking for the timing input?


HA, and I thought this would be easy!

Kristin

Title: Re: Brand new problem
Post by: Hood on May 17, 2008, 06:54:10 AM
My RPM reading sits rock steady on both the mill and the Lathe so thats what I would be aiming for if I were you.
A few things that might help, setting the Index debounce, dont go too high on it, I wouldnt go above 5 or so. I actually have mine at 0 on both Lathe and mill.
 Make your slot wider, dont know a great deal about electronics but it could be possible that your opto needs more time for switching.
 Having shielded cable with the shielding properly grounded at the control end only is a good idea, all of my 5V signal wires have shielding, just wouldnt consider not doing that.
Timing may or may not  help, dont know as I have never used it as my results with the Index have always been perfect, even threading on the Lathe. If you do decide to try then make sure one slot is a lot wider than the others.

Hood
 
Title: Re: Brand new problem
Post by: Kristin D on May 17, 2008, 02:39:29 PM
Hood,

Think I found the cause of the tach signal hunting, I went to spindle setup and checked "spindle speed averaging" now it stays within one digit, yikes lots of settings to discover yet.

Kristin
Title: Re: Brand new problem
Post by: Hood on May 17, 2008, 05:32:47 PM
Yes there sure are a lot of settings, I have been using Mach for maybe 4 or more years now and I dont know half of the things it can do :)

Hood