Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: New A axis motor creeps when it should be stopped

« on: November 30, 2014, 04:09:22 PM »

Thanks, No the DRO is not counting. HOWEVER you are on to something. Today I was trouble shooting other issues when I noticed the motor definitely turns unpredictably when the X axis gets either a JOG or g-code signal.
Only the X axis. So I definitely have a signal problem.
I intend to install new signal wires from the breakout board using different pin outs for this controller. Hopefully this will eliminate the cross talk.
Thanks again.

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: New A axis motor creeps when it should be stopped

« on: November 29, 2014, 08:53:40 PM »

I am using the machine for a different purpose. The old A axis is still installed. just unplugged. When the plugs are reinserted and the new axis unconnected, everything works just like it should. This is required to easily return the machine back into its main use.
NOW, that 12vdc computer power supply could be my problem.
Got any low budget suggestions to replace it? or modify its output?
Thanks.
Oh, My new NEMA 17 is max rated at 1.75 amps and winding voltage at something else that is lower than the rated output from the original DM860 stepper controller, the lowest setting on the DM860 is something over 2amps. I was afraid of smoking my NEMA 17 and my DM860 if I hooked them together. (Smoking the DM860 would cripple the machine when I tried to reuse it for its normal operation.)
It looked to me like I was about to plug a 120v motor into a 220v outlet.
That NEVER goes well.

3

General Mach Discussion / New A axis motor creeps when it should be stopped

« on: November 29, 2014, 04:58:19 PM »

My problem- My new A axis motor creeps in ONE direction when it should be stopped.
I haven't been here for a couple of years. My machine has been reliable and behaving
However, I just replaced my A axis motor NEMA 34 with a NEMA 17 motor'
I replaced the big stepper controller (DM860A) with a HY-DIV168N-3.5
I am using a computer power supply for the 12vdc input to the stepper controller.
This was a straight change over. No pin outs or other wiring changes.
The motor runs fine in one direction BUT in the other direction it continues to creep until direction is changed.
This happens from both a jog command or a g-code command.
Motor signals come from an optical isolated breakout board connected to the printer port.
Things I have checked. Wiring is identical to the old controller. have tried almost all dip switch settings on the controller.
I have tried mach3 motor tuning parameters from 1-5ms on the signals.
I even tried to reverse the pin out signal logic in mach3 (that did not go well.)
Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: Setup for homing X and Z but not Y

« on: December 06, 2012, 10:04:22 PM »

OK, here is a DUMB ASS cobblers way around this. My machine homes in Z first. it looks for the switch to set the backs off until switch is unset.
The switch set and then unset is IMPORTANT. Mach3 is expecting the change.
My machine then homes Y axis, IF you don't care where Y axis home is then assign a switch to it and when it is trying to find home, trip the switch, after it reverses to untrip the switch manually untrip the switch. (let go!)
It will think Y is homed and proceed to home Z axis.
Any switch that can be easily reached by the operator can be used. I suggest to use the x-axis switch again.
Mach 3 allows ALL LIMIT switches and homing switches to be the same input. And that is what I do. so, if I trip any limit switch when it is homing in any axis, Mach3 thinks it has reached home and reverses the axis drive until the switch unsets.
Is this the BEST SOLUTION. I'm sure NOT. but it will work for now. Just make sure you config a home switch for Y. like you nhave foe X and Z.
so Mach 3 has something to look for and find when you trip it manually.

5

General Mach Discussion / I need an external switch/input to cause a FEEDHOLD condition in Mach3

« on: December 06, 2012, 09:28:19 PM »

I need an external switch/input to cause a FEEDHOLD condition in Mach3.
Specifically, I intend to physically pass by a mechanical switch to check that my tool holder is EMPTY before I try to reload a new tool.
There is plenty of time to let a FEEDHOLD command stop motion without using E-Stop.
If FEEDHOLD is not the best solution, then how can I pause the machine from an external signal (switch)
that will not lose step counts and can easily be restarted.
You guys are great. How you put up with and respond to ALL of these NEWBIE questions is AWESOME.
THANKS

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: how do you copy a custom profile from one computer to another

« on: December 06, 2012, 08:58:38 PM »

Thanks, will  try this tomorrow.
( This is basic STUFF, I use Windows 7 at home now and did a search for the custom profile name loaded at home.
Windows 7 stinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.  all it found was the file in the Mach3/Macros/ -directory.
It found that so I know the search included the Mach3 directory in c:/mach3  drive.
so, why do I need you to tell me where it is? - because Windows 7 STINKS.... Sorry, just venting about windows 7. I just CAN'T WAIT to get my hands on WINDOWS 8. that will solve everything for me. I'll just go POSTAL, and then everything will be fine.)
(btw. Going POSTAL in the  USA means going CRAZY, getting a gun, going back to work(the post office), shooting anyone you see, and getting shot by the police or commiting suiside.)

7

General Mach Discussion / how do you copy a custom profile from one computer to another

« on: December 06, 2012, 07:52:34 PM »

At work I load a custom profile "Mach3plasma-cnc-clw"
It contains all the custom motor tuning, input and output pins ETC.
I would like to COPY all of that to my work desktop copy of Mach 3 and my home copy of Mach3 so when I write and test programs  etc, I am working on the same system.
So, specifically, what files and where they are located that need to be copied from my "work cnc computer"  and pasted to "desktop computers".
(btw, Thanks Tweakie, (Output6) works perfectly as you instructed.)

8

General Mach Discussion / Re: How do I Activate and later Deactivate an unused output

« on: December 06, 2012, 07:13:13 PM »

Thanks Tweakie, Finally had a chance to test  this important info and it works perfectly.
This small set forward is HUGE to me. Thanks again.

9

General Mach Discussion / How do I Activate and later Deactivate an unused output

« on: December 01, 2012, 10:32:44 PM »

I would like to turn on an unused output (such as OUTPUT 6) after a g-code line comand such as GO X3 Y6
Then several lines later Turn OFF that output and continue running the g-code.
I think I have already used all of the built in outputs such as spindle cw/ccw , mist on, flood on /off.
So, now I think I must finally graduate to the next plateau, and actually learn and understand basic VB Script editing.

Now I will display my acute ignorance, feel free to correct me as you see fit.
I plan to open the script editor in Mach3.
Then open an existing file.
Then SAVE AS that file as , say M123
Then write the suggested text to turn on Output 6
Save again
Add M123 as a line in my g-code
---
After you have finished laughing and shaking your head side to side at my plan, help would be appreciated.
Specifically what should the most basic VB script commands be for output 6 ON and then a later  script for OFF be.
And of course I want to include ALL of the outputs available in Mach3.