Messages

1

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: PoppaBear here just saying hi, been a while, been poking around with 3d printing

« on: October 27, 2021, 09:10:53 PM »

Craig, Bill,

thank you my brothers!

Good to also see you two chuck-holders are still slinging chips also!

2

Mach4 General Discussion / PoppaBear here just saying hi, been a while, been poking around with 3d printing

« on: October 26, 2021, 07:05:28 PM »

PoppaBear here just saying hi, been a while, been poking around with 3d printing.
Been gone to the dark side for a while, considering running a 3D printer (industrial grade),
with a Mach4 head. Been a lot of changes since been gone.
Hope you guys are all doing well.

Scott

3

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Does anyone have a "Firmware" (post processor) file for Simplify3D to Mach4?

« on: September 07, 2019, 03:34:20 PM »

Hi Joe,
Thanks, but not really what I am asking/looking for, I need a "Simplify3D" Post processor (firmware file),
for the CAM software for out put to Mach4. I am very familiar with both mach3 & 4 as far as
what and how they run. I was/am hoping some one has the post so I do not have to recreate it,
since it is a PIA.

4

Mach4 General Discussion / Does anyone have a "Firmware" (post processor) file for Simplify3D to Mach4?

« on: September 06, 2019, 08:53:16 AM »

Does anyone have a "Firmware" (post processor) file for Simplify3D to Mach4?

Thanks in advance.

5

General Mach Discussion / Anybody got a lead on where I can get a table top size CNC router no control?

« on: December 04, 2016, 09:02:14 AM »

Anybody got a lead on where I can get a table top size CNC router no control?

I have a NEMA 23, 3 axis stepper system already.

I am looking for a Small "Table Top" (perhaps max of 2'x4') CNC ready router (not the flimsy ones).
that would already have the ball screws. It can or cannot (I could take or leave the fact that it does
not have a spindle motor) have a VFD spindle motor.

I basically want to get the mechanical CNC ready router, and just hand my control on it for my son for Christmas.
I have seen a few CNC routers on Ebay (mostly the Chinese OEMs), but they all have control systems.

Anyone got a link or advice it would be appreciated.

Scott

6

Mach4 General Discussion / LOVING the PMC!! Thanks Steve!!!

« on: July 03, 2016, 09:54:29 AM »

LOVING the PMC!! Thanks Steve!!!

Scott

7

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: M4 plugins + SDK - Tutorials, walkthroughs, videos??

« on: February 06, 2016, 06:26:16 AM »

Hi Rob,

If there are, I am not aware of them.
But, take that with a grain of salt, since there is a BUNCH of crap that I am
un-aware of.......... 

I have done a few M4 plugs, and (for me at least), here are the hurtles to jump:
1.  You must set up your VS2008, or VS2013 with the environmental's set, and lib links, and post build event macros. As per the plugin documentation.
2.  You have to download and install, the WX 3.0 SDK, and build the debug first then the runtime on your dev comp. (this is a HUGE pain in the A$$ to do.........)
3.  (don't forget to put in the correct, stuff in your post build for your developer key, and that needs to reflect
in your plugin source as well).
4.  Once you have done all that, Then try and build the OEM issued, SIM plugin but change the developer name code to your key-name.
5.  Build it, as a debug first, and see if SIM "Runs" like it did from the factory so to speak. If it works and does NOT crash your M4, Then you are ready to do your own tweaking.

IF there was some video "How To's" on this, I would be all over them just like you would be.
It would be AWESOME for Brian or Steve to do a: How to make a plugin for M4 (for dummies...), step by step.
I would easily see: 
Video 1 "Setting up your environment",
V2 "How to compile Widgets",
V3 "Anatomy of a plugin" (detailed explanation of each part/section of the Sim plugin and what you need to know to modify it for your purposes).
V4 Trouble shooting, common gotcha's

Unfortunately, both Brian, Steve, Bob, Greg and other current OEM or 3rd party vendors are very bizzy with their product lines and time is expensive to cater to the small percent that would do plugs.......
But...... I would pay for those vids if they existed.

scott

8

Mach4 Toolbox / Lua scripting manual has been removed, use the Mach4 API help file

« on: January 27, 2016, 09:43:46 AM »

Lua scripting manual has been removed, use the Mach4 API help file.

The "Mach4CoreAPI.chm" is located here in your Mach4 install folder:

YourDriveLetter:\Mach4Hobby\Docs\Mach4CoreAPI.chm

The help file is UP TO DATE per release of Mach4, there have been many, many changes since the scripting manual was done, and it is now been depreciated and its thread removed to not cause confusion to new (or existing) users.

Scott

9

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: PMDX expansion I/O survey

« on: January 27, 2016, 08:54:04 AM »

Thoughts embedded:

If we set the number of I/O points as 24, how many should
be inputs and how many should be outputs? These would be
fully conditioned signals, so doing both on the same pin
is not practical cost wise.
>>>I guess do a 1/3, 2/3 split, i.e. 8 outputs and 16 inputs
>>>But, since you dealing with a processor, can't you do a native 32 I/O?

We are expecting to have inputs that are more or less universal.
They would work with contact closures, 5 volt logic signals,
and sinking (NPN) or sourcing (PNP) sensors.
>>>Can you make the inputs volt range from 5-30 or so, to cover a 24v system?
>>>It is kind of a PIA to do a split DC system, i.e. a 5v side and a 24v side.

The output signals will be more dedicated in nature. The types
under consideration are:

5) Relay outputs with SPDT contacts rated at 5 amperes.
>>>I personally like this one the best, it give the MOST flexibility.
>>>The user does NOT have to understand sinking/sourcing concepts,
>>>You can control AC or DC, in a N/O, N/C (or both) per Output point.
>>>IF you need to switch MORE than 5a, then you can go to a secondary
>>>relay for that point

The output styles above are listed more or less in order of increasing
cost to implement. In general, outputs are more expensive than inputs.

How important are signals that are isolated from each other as well
as from the controller? This will require two terminals per signal and
will therefore increase costs. Are signals that are isolated from each
other more important for outputs than for inputs?
>>>Can't you just run a an opto-isolator IC chip for each block of 8,
>>>and have those IC's in a IC socket so if you blow one, you can just
>>>order a replacement chip that the user can just swap it out.
>>>I think you should have isolation on both the input and output side.
>>>Really an Iso chip is what, less than a dollar, and to put it into your
>>>board your not really adding that much board size/cost,
>>>and other opto conditioning circuits would not add that much.

Would it be better to keep this I/O expander simple and offer a different one
that is an adapter to connect to Opto22 style module racks to accommodate
more diverse needs?
>>>Offer BOTH, the above native board, and an optional Opto22 style adapter board.
>>>Opto22 is EXPENSIVE and not a lot of bang for the buck.
>>>The person that wants to use Opto22, is in reality getting away for "Hobby" level pricing.

Comments on other considerations not mentioned above are also welcome.
>>>PLEASE offer an "Adapter" or "Mounting" system in where we can mount
>>>Your smart bob, and your other products on to a DIN rail system!

Your feedback and the reasoning for it will be appreciated.
>>>No.......... THANK YOU for your fantastic products and community involvement!

Steve Stallings
www.PMDX.com

10

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4 GUI Handle

« on: October 14, 2015, 09:28:24 PM »

Don't know if this works but try:

wx.wxGetParent();

or

wx.wxGetGrandParent();

Scott