Messages

101

PoKeys / Re: Pokeys, MPG, and MachTurn

« on: October 09, 2009, 06:31:18 AM »

Make sure you got the latest plugin.  You may also have a configuration problem with the MPG,l  Maybe this configuration instructions for our pendants can help: http://cnc4pc.com/Tech_Docs/guide_for_MPG2_On_PoKeys.htm.

I have found that the easiest way to map discrete I/Os into mach3 is to treat them LEDs.

I agree with you, the matrix keypads work great, please check out the keypads we are coming out with: http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?cPath=54&products_id=238.  You can combine them for up to 8x8, using 16 pins and getting 64 inputs.

Arturo Duncan
http://cnc4pc.com

102

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Simple spindle setup Mach3 + BOB CNC4PC C11 (R6.1)

« on: September 01, 2009, 12:07:32 PM »

Risto,

I think we could be having a communications problem.  When you say SCHP on/off, it may not be clear if you refer to the software or the hardware.  I will try to briefly summarize how this is supposed to work:

If using the SCHP, enable it in the software (enable SHCP on pin 17, port1) and set the jumper on the board to SCHP on. When the SCHP is enabled in the software (Mach3 out of reset) on the terminal for pin 17, you should measure +5vdc, when the signal goes off (reset), it should go to 0.  This is setup this way, so you can use the output of this pin to enable other external devices.

If not using the SHCP, make sure it is disabled in the software; otherwise it will continue sending a pulse stream (that would explain the voltages you are measuring).   If the jumper is set to off, terminal will behave like any other pin, it will send whatever is mach3 is sending.

If this still does not explain what is going on, please let me know, and I will send a wiring diagram for you to test a couple of voltages to see if the microcontroller is working ok and the test the signals as they pass through the buffers and optos.

My only explanation for you getting voltages between 1.6 and 2.8 is that the SCHP is on in the software and the jumper is set to have the SCHP on in the hardware. Those signals come straight out from a buffer.

Please also check that in the configuration window, the option for having the SCHP enabled during reset is off.

Thanks,

Arturo Duncan
http://cnc4pc.com

103

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Blowing driver fuse

« on: February 24, 2009, 06:20:24 PM »

Tom,

So you are killing the AC power when you hit e-stop.  If you are using the C23 and have enabled the Safety Charge Pump, you can use pin 17 for that. This should not blow the fuse.  Have you talked to Larry?  I am sure he can suggest something.  This sounds like a problem with the power supply.

On large machines I always recommend users to not leave the limits and e-stop at software control.  Our boards come with an external enable terminal marked EN.  You can use that to connect e-stop and limits to have these disable the outputs and stop the machine at hardware level.

Arturo Duncan
http://cnc4pc.com

104

General Mach Discussion / Re: Alarm/buzzer when cutting is finished

« on: October 10, 2008, 10:34:32 AM »

Steven,

I see you have received already all the ideas of possible ways to do it that I can think off. If I remember your setup, you still have an electromechanical relay available on the C11.  Te fastest way of doing this, could be to configure an output like was described on previous posts.

If you want to get fancy, you can edit the M30 macro to activate signal.  Keep in mind you may have to create a button to disable the alarm once you get to the machine.

Arturo Duncan
http://cnc4pc.com

105

General Mach Discussion / Re: Output Pin Problem

« on: July 15, 2008, 09:18:35 AM »

Dear Sir,

Someone brought this message to my attention (thanks).  You mentioned you were waiting for an answer from me, sorry, but I am not aware of this, when and how you tried to contact me?
So it is just outputs 1 and 16 and the Safety Charge Pump  that are not working? Please check the following:

-   Are the LEDs for pins 1, 16, and 17 on the board lighting?
-   What about the LEDs in the diagnostics screen in mach3?
-   Have you tried a different cable?
-   Could you measure those output pins with a multimeter? In the port itself, the cable, and terminals on the board?

If you are positive the board is receiving the signals, then it must be that one of the buffers or optoisolators could have gotten damaged.  I know how frustrating this is, but keep in mind that it is better to have to replace this than to have to deal with a problem with the PC.  These chips are easy to replace, inexpensive, and readily available: http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/index.php?cPath=38_43.

Please let me know how it goes.

Thanks,

Arturo Duncan
http://cnc4pc.com

106

SmoothStepper USB / Re: SmoothStepper & CNC4PC Cards

« on: May 28, 2008, 07:06:47 PM »

Simon,

Please send me a copy of your xml file, I will test it on my SS.

Arturo Duncan
http://cnc4pc.com

107

SmoothStepper USB / Re: SmoothStepper & CNC4PC Cards

« on: May 28, 2008, 04:35:44 PM »

Simon,

Sorry, I do not get it, it should work exactly the same way.  Is the C11G receiving the signals? What is the status of the LEDs?

Arturo Duncan
http://cnc4pc.com

108

SmoothStepper USB / Re: SmoothStepper & CNC4PC Cards

« on: May 28, 2008, 04:02:25 PM »

Simon,

There are two ways of implementing the spindle direction, and it depends on the speed controller you are using:

1. If you have a VFD, you could use the electromechanical relay to change between the CW and CCW of the VFD. You would activate this with the spindle direction pin.
2. If you had a C23, C11, or C6, which come with two independent relays; one could be used for CW and the other one for CCW. You would activate this with by assigning the two relays under config/Ports&Pins/Spindle/ Relays.
3. If your speed controller did not have a direction input, and was DC based, you could use the two relays to reverse the winding of the motor.  You have to be careful to allow for a delay before changing directions and watching not to exceed the rated amperage of the relays.

Arturo Duncan
http://cnc4pc.com

109

SmoothStepper USB / Re: SmoothStepper & CNC4PC Cards

« on: May 28, 2008, 08:38:32 AM »

Simon,

We apreciate if you can test the new plug-in.

Thanks,

Arturo Duncan

110

General Mach Discussion / Re: Lathe spindle index quit working

« on: May 13, 2008, 06:07:37 PM »

Derek,

I am sorry you are having this problem.  You never contacted me with inquiry about this.

What is the part number of the sensor you are using?  I believe it could have an open collector connection, so it requires a pull-up resistor to work with the inputs of the C11.  Are you using a pull-up resistor?

If the sensor has +5vdc output, then the value of the pull-up should be something around 100 to 150 ohms.

Please let me know how it goes.

Arturo Duncan
http://cnc4pc.com