Messages

1

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: XHC Pendant WHB04B-4

« on: December 31, 2019, 09:12:22 AM »

Troops,
I am by no means an expert on MACH3, but I've been using it since about 2009. I do not use one of the newer versions, but an older version (Version R3.043.066), since there were some issues with some of the newer versions back then. Perhaps they have been corrected, but for me, if it ain't broke, I ain't messing with it. There also was an issue a while back (2 years or so?), where Microsoft, issued an update, that 'broke' MACH3. Once that got corrected (think that was by MS), the CNC PC's that were connected to the net were disconnected, and will never be reconnected. All app updates, Aspire, etc., are only done via CD of USB.

It's a shame that the WHB04B seems to have some really solvable issues. The concept is great, the packaging is great, but more attention needs to be directed at improving the interface between itself and the cnc machine.  As for pendants, you might consider the ShuttlePro. I have been using them since 2011, and they have never hiccuped nor has MACH3 or the SmoothStepper. I'd love to have a wireless one, but am not willing to spring at the price of the other ones that are out there.

Henri Monnier - cnc@themonniers.com

2

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: XHC Pendant WHB04B-4

« on: December 31, 2019, 06:38:25 AM »

I thank you both for your comments. I found that it also interfered with my SmoothStepper, causing the stepper to alarm. Once that happened, in order to reset the stepper, you had to shut MACH3 down, then restart it from scratch. Not a big deal if you are not in the middle of a carve, but a potential pain if you are. I also noticed that there were also some impacts to buttons on the 2010 Screenset that I use; the buttons no longer worked if you selected them with the mouse. Also the inadequate manual and no support (they ignored messages sent, I had return notifications set, so I know they received them; multiple published contact addresses) from the manufacturer, lead me to abandon my use of the pendant.

I had wished this pendant would have been an asset to operation, but after spending almost 5 or 6
days of frustration trying to get the pendant working satisfactorily, I flat gave up and returned it to Amazon.

I have returned to using my old wired ShuttlePro, which functions fine with no impacts to screen buttons, or the stepper. Hopefully it will not crap out, since it will be difficult to find another....

3

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: XHC Pendant WHB04B-4

« on: December 27, 2019, 03:19:00 PM »

After a lot of playing around and trying things, I've discovered that if in the config, if i set a button macro to one in the list, it seems to function fine. However if I select a custom macro, and put that number in the macro box for that macro, it does not work. So my suspicion is that i have no idea what code number I should be putting in that custom oem code box. In the manual, it shows a code of 1001, but I have no idea if that is a good number or not. Can one of you out there that have and are using this pendant, could you help me out a bit solving this little issue?
Thanks, Henri Monnier - cnc@themonniers.com for faster response.....

4

Third party software and hardware support forums. / XHC Pendant WHB04B-4

« on: December 26, 2019, 09:32:05 AM »

Good Morning.
I received a new pendant as a Christmas present, and have a couple of setup questions.  I have gone thru the manual, and have set up all the buttons as shown on page 13. However I do not understand what is supposed to go in all the button windows for "Custom OEM Code #1" (also #2), including what is supposed to go into all the associated Macro # fields. Assistance will be welcomed as I'm currently stumped. I have attached a snapshot to show how far I've gotten (not far LOL). Forgot to add, I'm on MACH3.....
Thanks, Henri Monnier - cnc@themonniers.com

5

Finished Screens / Re: Mach3 2010 Screenset - Now available

« on: January 26, 2019, 09:47:54 AM »

Ger,
I am in the middle of building a pendant with Arduino to use with Screenset 2010, but I seem unable to find where a description of the keystrokes that are used to control the 'button' functions.  For example what keystrokes are sent to mach3 when 'home' is clicked on the screen sending the carriage to the home position. I'm sure they are documented somewhere, but I am unable to locate them. Thanks..... Still loving 2010!!!!! Will be willing to share project to anyone interested.....
Thanks......
Henri Monnier - cnc@themonniers.com

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: 540 error light

« on: March 11, 2018, 08:56:09 AM »

After chatting with the gecko folks, it finally was suggested that I send the unit in, since the error light comes on the moment power is applied with no cable present. I believe the error was caused since I had added a cable extender (purchased, I did not make it) on my 4th axis. I have since removed that cable, went back to the original cabling.

While waiting for the controller return, I plan to ohm out all the motor wires, checking the resistors, winding continuity, and looking for shorts. I'm presuming if all 4 axies read the same on all connections, then there is not a motor failure, but a cockpit error with the new cable somehow.....

If anyone has any additional checks, please let me have'em.....
Thanks...... Henri

7

General Mach Discussion / 540 error light

« on: March 05, 2018, 11:00:48 AM »

i believe my trusted 540 has given up the ghost after 5+ years. used the machine yesterday, no issues. shut down last night, and powered up this morning. cannot get out of fault.

diagnostics show emergency. 540 has emergency led lit constantly. shut everything down, mach3 off, and as soon as I apply power to the controller, the 540 emergency light comes on.

checked all connectors, switches, all looks normal.... disconnected all motor cables, light stays on......

ideas welcomed, but this looks like an aw$hit  day....
 
thanks, henri

8

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 vs Mach4

« on: August 31, 2012, 02:52:12 PM »

thanks "Hood"....
Yup I know about programmer estimates - I was one, then managed several while at GE.. ...
My interest would be in the 'hi-test' version...
Thanks,
Henri

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 vs Mach4

« on: August 31, 2012, 01:01:44 PM »

Anybody got a 'guess' when '4' will become available
henri