Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3

« on: July 15, 2009, 12:14:00 AM »

Thanks Jim, got my CNC working this weekend, on the new and the old version of Mach 3, just wanted to make sure that it works on all versions, including an air cut, which work flawlessly, I love this hobby, can't wait to cut some interesting patterns, next is getting some cutting bits for my router.

I am thinking of remaking this same setup but with 4 axis or with the gantry that will rotate 180 degrees, Hobby CNC 4 axis Pro board and a table that could be tilted which would allow me to cut 360 degrees, I have an idea we shell see if it is doable.

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General Mach Discussion / Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3

« on: July 13, 2009, 01:04:49 AM »

I got a chance and installed new Mach 3 and LazyCam, and the motor tuning screen pop right up, need to do some calculations and finish up the fine tuning. I did have an issue, I tried to uninstall the older version of Mach 3 but no uninstall, and could not use add remove programs, so I had to just delete the old directory, but if you use regedit you will find remnants of old version of Mach 3...

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3

« on: July 10, 2009, 12:30:45 PM »

Thanks for the information Jeff, once I get my CNC router working like I expected to work then I will have time to contribute in a constructive way, and add more value to the product and the hobby CNC community,I was already looking at macros and plug-ins, but no documentation on either.

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3

« on: July 10, 2009, 01:09:55 AM »

Thanks Chip for all the information, I really appreciate it...I am also looking forward to the new version.

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3

« on: July 09, 2009, 10:47:39 PM »

Thanks Chip, thanks Jeff I will install the new version ASAP.  

But idea that you have to install Mach 3 in default directory in order for all the software to work properly is disturbing and perhaps a oversight, sounds like a software engineering mistake that a beginner would make by hard coding the Mach 3 directory to C:\Mach3, absolute path is never used and that is coming from a software engineer with over 30 years experience in software development. I just hope that little oversight has been fixed in the latest version. Do either of you know what language Mach 3 was developed in, C, C++, visual basic, etc.?

 

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General Mach Discussion / Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3

« on: July 08, 2009, 10:52:12 PM »

Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3 The motor tuning screen does not pop up when trying to access from menu bar config, motor tuning, what is the problem, does anyone know?

I am using the following stepping motors for my 3 axis CNC machine:

#23-305-DS8A 425oz-in bipolar rating, 305oz-unipolar rating,
4.2v, 3A, 200 S/R, 3.2mH, Size #23, Dual Shaft.

I need to calculate few things for the Mach 3 on the motor tunning screen:

The number of steps per revolution, which if correct is 200
*The step resolution of the motor drive, full step, half step, 5, 10, etc., micro
steps

*The reduction ration between the motor shaft and lead screw.
The thread pitch of the screw which is 18TPI.