Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Drill stuck at top of Z-axis

« on: October 20, 2018, 12:36:10 AM »

From the Mach 3 manual.  Did you enable Auto Limit Override?

In normal use, when Mach3 is moving an axis and sees its limit input become active, it will stop run-
ning (like an EStop) and display that a Limit switch has been tripped. You will be unable to move the
axis unless:
• Auto Limit override is switched on (by a toggle button on the Settings screen). In this case, you
can click Reset and jog off the Limit switch. You should then re-reference the machine position.
• You click Override Limits button. A red flashing LED warns you of the temporary override. This
will again allow you Reset and to jog off the switch and will then turn itself and the flashing LED
off. You should then re-reference the machine position. An input can also be defined to override
the Limit switches.

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: same switch for all 3 x axis requirements

« on: October 15, 2010, 06:36:13 PM »

If you use a series connection with the normally closed contact a switch that

fails open or a broken wire will cause the system to stop because it sees the
mill at a limit.  just a little bit of built in safety.

RWW

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: same switch for all 3 x axis requirements

« on: October 15, 2010, 10:47:39 AM »

You stated that the axis switches are in parallel.  I strongly recommend that
you change that configuration to a series configuration using the normally
closed contacts on the switches.  I think that will fix your problem. 

RWW

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: same switch for all 3 x axis requirements

« on: October 15, 2010, 01:58:54 AM »

You can use one switch if you want.  You just need to locate it so a trigger device at each end of the travel
will trip the switch at the right time.  You can use two or three switches each wired to an input if you want
 but that is wasteful of the inputs to Mach.

I set my system up so that one switch does X++, X- -, and X home.  Set   X++ to the same pin and port that you specify for
X - - and X home.  Then make sure that the system is setup so that the condition is the same for all three functions. 
That is all three must be looking for a high OR a low.

I would suggest that you set your system up so the contacts are normally "closed" and then open to say that
the limit is reached or that the axis is homed.

 You can use one switch to do both the limit function and the home function. 
When you tell Mach to Ref Home the system is looking for the switch to change state.   When it sees the state change
it will then reverse direction until the state change goes away.  You are then homed.   All other times the system
is looking at that switch as a limit switch and will act accordingly, stopping movement and requiring a reset.

RWW

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help with G-540 and xyz probe

« on: January 03, 2010, 08:27:15 PM »

To test the input you are using for your probe connect a wire from the terminal block to ground using a pushbutton switch.  Make sure the input is turned on by the config ports and pins page.  You might want to assign the input as one of the limit switches.  Go to the diagnostic page, activate the switch and you should see the LED toggle.  If the LED does toggle then you need to look at the XYZ probe and see how it is hooked up in relationship to the G540.  Is your G540 grounded to the machine?  IS the XYZ probe getting its logic voltage from the G540 input pin or are you trying to opto isolate the signal?

RWW

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: Home switches

« on: January 03, 2010, 08:01:57 PM »

I am also new to the Mach3 world.  It is my understanding of the switch logic is that you want all the switches closed  so they are presenting a ground or "LOW" to the input.  When the input goes true by "opening" the switch it presents an active "HIGH" signal to the software.  One reason to do it that way is if a wire breaks at the switch you now get an active "HIGH" at the input effective shutting you down.  E-Stop works the same way.  logic 0 or ground means it is OK to operate.  Logic 1 or high at the input means "SHUT DOWN NOW". 

That is how I am setting up my machine.  Those with more experience, correct me if I am wrong here.

You should be able to see the switch operate in by going to the diagnostic page.  Activate the switch manually and the LED should toggle.

RWW

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: Going back to Iraq, see ya fellas.......

« on: September 17, 2009, 10:33:26 PM »

When I was in the Army back in '69 we sat on our helmets!!!!   Keep your head down young man.  Our prayers are with you.

RWW