Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Homing rotary axis issue

« on: May 02, 2013, 11:17:30 AM »

I have a rotary axis A and an optical homing switch. The A-axis motor is setup with low acceleration so it takes ~1 second to get up to full speed.
My problem is that when I use 80% homing speed and G28.1 A0.0 the machine runs well past the optical slit.
I'm guessing that it starts slowing down once it passes the mark but that is not really zeroing....
If I reduce the homing speed it is closer but it still makes me nervous knowing that homing position depends on homing speed....?
Am I doing something wrong?

2

General Mach Discussion / Homing / Limit switch problem

« on: April 24, 2013, 01:38:39 PM »

I have a simple normally open push button switch for HOME on the X axis. I have wired it up and it does read correctly in the "DIAGNOSTICS" screen.
But: I can't get Mach3 to actually zero out on the switch. Try jogging it manually and pressing the switch, it doesn't react.
If I setup the switch as limit also, the machine does stop but still doesn't zero out the X axis.

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: Parallel port break out board & isolators ?

« on: April 18, 2013, 05:03:33 PM »

Nope, no spindle speed. Mechanical or optical limit switches - maybe, but I can wire those in myself. The primary function now is just to control the PULSE and DIR for 3 of those SS2000 controllers, thus 3 axis.

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: Parallel port break out board & isolators ?

« on: April 18, 2013, 04:43:51 PM »

Which additional info should I provide?
Here are the specs from the SS2000 datasheet on the input signals
4.7.3 Level Requirements
OPTO
Voltage ....................4.5 to 6.0 VDC
Current.....................16 mA per signal used

Other Signals
Voltage
Low................... <=0.8 VDC
                         >=0.0 VDC
High.................. <=OPTO
                          >=OPTO - 1 volt
Current
Low................... <=16 mA
High.................. <=0.2 mA

5

General Mach Discussion / Parallel port break out board & isolators ?

« on: April 18, 2013, 03:55:05 PM »

I'm looking for a parallel port break out board to be used with Mach 3 and the Slo-Syn ss2000 motor controllers.
The SS2000 requires 5V control signals for STEP and DIR lines.
http://www.sal.wisc.edu/PFIS/docs/rss-vis/archive/public/Product%20Manuals/slo-syn/ss2000-md4.pdf

Suggestions?

6

General Mach Discussion / M/G code to enable outputs

« on: March 26, 2013, 02:30:10 PM »

I have defined and connected 6 outputs for specialized functions on my machine.
Enable1,2...6 or Output#1,#2...#6
What G or M code commands do I use to enable disable these outputs?

7

General Mach Discussion / Input pin issues...?

« on: March 22, 2013, 09:14:53 AM »

I have an e-stop switch wired to PIN10 as shown in the image:
Switch connected to +5V source, 3.9K pulldown to GND and 220ohm resistor on the input pin for current limiting.
This setup is not working because when the switch is closed I am reading proper 5V on the input, but when it is open the voltage stays at ~2v instead of 0.
Is there a strong pullup on the serial port?
How should this be setup?

8

General Mach Discussion / Re: Parallel Port output pins ?

« on: March 20, 2013, 03:19:52 PM »

Cable is straight through, I checked it pin-to-pin before connecting it to the PC. Its a parallel port printer so DB25 to 36pin, but the pin out matches one in the link above.

9

General Mach Discussion / Parallel Port output pins ?

« on: March 20, 2013, 02:52:10 PM »

I'm in the process of making wiring up my 3axis CNC machine and trying to figure out which pins are suitable for output. I have found plenty of data online (http://www.lammertbies.nl/comm/cable/parallel.html) but not everything is matching up.
I need 6 outputs for the motors and another 4-5 for additional functions. Problem is that when connected to the PC, the following pins on the DB25 all ring out to GND (14,16-25). According to the info I found, pins 14,16,17 should be outputs.
Am I doing something wrong?

10

General Mach Discussion / Re: Pulse width > 15uS?

« on: March 14, 2013, 12:48:30 PM »

Awesome! Thanks. That did the trick.