Messages

1

Mach4 General Discussion / Base PC for Mach 4 query

« on: February 13, 2023, 09:01:08 AM »

Hi all,

I have been plodding on with earlier version of Mach4 on an XP PC but would like to update the software to latest version.  I was looking at something like the attached PC, has anyone tried these units?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B7WNRYZ8/ref=sw_img_1?smid=A1KL28GI0X8E83&psc=1

Regards

Steven

2

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4, ESS smoothstepper and PMDX126 - spindle starts but then stops

« on: March 01, 2018, 08:01:09 AM »

Hi,

Yes I am using a PMDX-107 for spindle.  I had it running before the transformer on the spindle drive packed up.

3

Mach4 General Discussion / Mach4, ESS smoothstepper and PMDX126 - spindle starts but then stops

« on: March 01, 2018, 05:26:40 AM »

Hi all,

I had problems with my spindle drive which ended up being the transformer for the drive which has now been replaced. Prior to this I was trying all kinds within Mach4 in the hope that it was a software setting and not the drive.  Now when I start the spindle it instantly stops again.  Can anyone give me any pointers on what to look for to resolve this?




Regards

Steven

4

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4 query with pmdx 126 and ESS

« on: December 18, 2017, 07:02:35 AM »

Thanks for response.  I shall have a look later, maybe im missing something.  Although I have been using mach4 for over a year now. It was just me uninstalling my redundant mach3 which seems to have caused the problem .

I also noticed the utility program seems to give me an error on start up although it does find my ESS smoothstepper board when it's powered up. 

Steven

5

Mach4 General Discussion / Mach4 query with pmdx 126 and ESS

« on: December 18, 2017, 06:36:17 AM »

Hi all,

I recently uninstalled mach3 demo software from my desktop as I have bought full version of mach4. The problem is mach4 no longer seem to be seeing my ESS board when it's powered up but nothing works. 

Can anyone give any guidance on this?  I noticed when I start up the software the green lights come on on-board the ESS.  One continuous and one flashing very quickly.

Regards

Steven

6

SmoothStepper USB / PMDX-126 and SS K1 relay for spindle in mach4

« on: December 14, 2016, 07:56:36 AM »

Hi all,

I currently have my mill working for direction and also spindle PWM.  However I am struggling to understand how I get the spindle to reverse.  I have a PMDX-126 breakout board which has a large relay on it (known as K1), I was hoping to use this relay for reverse and understand the K1 relay can be activated by port #1, pin #1 on the PMDX-126 BoB.  Can anyone direct me as to what settings I need to change in mach4 to implement this please?  I would assume this should be an output but I cannot see what I am doing wrong. 



Regards

Steven

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 or 4 with PMDX 126 & ESS

« on: December 15, 2015, 04:15:38 AM »

I have a Lenze spindle driver but I have wired into the board just before the Lenze (see photo).  I only have basic wiring (2 wires), at the moment, I need to work out what wire goes where for spindle direction.

Photo showing two blue wires going into Lenze spindle
http://s995.photobucket.com/user/sw-horology/media/Boxford%20VMC190/P1080522_zps2st6mhke.jpg.html

Photo showing original wiring to Lenze spindle
http://s995.photobucket.com/user/sw-horology/media/Boxford%20VMC190/P1080384_zpssfcyirvy.jpg.html

Photo showing ESS & PMDX126, 107 boards and connections
http://s995.photobucket.com/user/sw-horology/media/Boxford%20VMC190/P1080521_zpszd3b6u2h.jpg.html

Photo showing Stepper driver board (which I am continuing to use), but with all other connections for X,Y, Z axis and spindle.  The spindle connections are the only ones I didnt manage to use on this board.
http://s995.photobucket.com/user/sw-horology/media/Boxford%20VMC190/P1080521_zpszd3b6u2h.jpg.html

8

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 or 4 with PMDX 126 & ESS

« on: December 14, 2015, 01:14:25 PM »

Hi Royce,

I have a Boxford VMC190 I have been trying to convert to run on Mach.  I have wired the 126 board straight into the stepper driver control board.   But this didnt work on the spindle control so I bypassed the stepper driver board and went straight to the VFD board.  I believe it needs more time as I also have a auto tool changer on the machine but I dont know where to start on that althought the PLC is still in place and powers up etc.  I shall try to get some photos tonight if I get in the workshop (I'm still at work).

Where about's are you based?



Regards

Steven (Worcester).

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 or 4 with PMDX 126 & ESS

« on: December 14, 2015, 11:48:35 AM »

Thanks.

I also have the 107 board for spindle control although I havent got it all quite setup properly yet as I cannot reverse the spindle.  At the moment I havent connected up the relays.



Regards

Steve

10

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 or 4 with PMDX 126 & ESS

« on: December 14, 2015, 11:32:46 AM »

I'm using Mach4, PMDX126 & ESS just fine. Sure there are a few bugs and "less features" but over the past year there has been incredible progress made with Mach4. One day Mach 3 will no longer be supported. My preference, Mach 4.

Hi Royce, can you confirm do I need anymore hardware if I go straight to Mach4 or is it just a case of buying the software/licence?  As already stated I have an ESS and PMDX126 BoB.


Regards

Steven