Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach control computer & integrated video

« on: December 29, 2008, 05:01:28 PM »

Hmm I wonder if there is something to a motherboard using integrated graphics via AGP -- as advertised for the board you mentioned here:

I think there are a few guys using these http://www.itx-warehouse.co.uk/Product.aspx?ProductID=598

Hood

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach control computer & integrated video

« on: December 29, 2008, 04:54:58 PM »

Right, Of course. My bad.

I dont have timing issues because the pulsing is done externally in the SmoothStepper. Heres my mobo http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=11693
 

I think there are a few guys using these http://www.itx-warehouse.co.uk/Product.aspx?ProductID=598

Hood

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach control computer & integrated video

« on: December 29, 2008, 03:56:34 PM »

Just to be sure, your Pico ITX has integrated video and you don't have timing issues? Do you know the system or motherboard model #l?

-Ted

4

General Mach Discussion / Mach control computer & integrated video

« on: December 29, 2008, 01:19:34 PM »

What's the smallest computer form factor reasonable for use as a Mach controller?

I've got a couple of ongoing Mach projects (don't we all?). For each I'd like to piece together an inexpensive embedded PC. The selection is a balance of cost, size and performance. The affect of integrated video has been the hardest for me to gather info on so far.  I've read rumors of success and tales of caution with few details.

Evidently, there are issues with Mach if the motherboard uses shared system memory for integrated video.

The MicroATX based computers are most appealing to me. I've pieced together a BOM for a more-than-decent system for ~ $200. Playing it safe and assuming a separate video card increased expense and size. Expense increased by about ~$50 for the video card (and 90° riser card). Size and hassle of dealing with a whole additional card is a big deal for an embedded system.   

There are some very attractive deals for “bare bones” DIY microATX systems that could be a great resource to all of us -- if only there were a way to definitively know the compatibility of a motherboards integrated video.

Some questions and issues that came up during my component selection:
- Is a less-expensive PCI video card sufficient or should these be avoided in favor of AGP?
- Is it possible to identify the video memory sharing strategy employed by a motherboard?
  (does knowing the motherboard’s chipset help?)
 
 I'll compile and summarize any results if the response and interest is sufficient.

- Ted

PS.   ... trying to figure out how to cleanly attach my current working BOM

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: G43 BREAKING TOOLS

« on: January 27, 2008, 05:25:24 PM »

Sending the macro off-list.

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: G43 BREAKING TOOLS

« on: January 27, 2008, 04:07:19 PM »

Hmm...

Actually, I've got cryptic "compile error" at the tool change a couple times now.
It doesn't appear to affect much. As upon acknowledging the error dialog the code continues to run without any apparent ill effect.

Erich

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: G43 BREAKING TOOLS

« on: January 27, 2008, 04:03:49 PM »

Thanks Guys,

The modified M6end macro appears to work great. No Z axis movement at all on tool changes.

I'm curious, what is the default M6end macro that comes with the install?

Erich

8

General Mach Discussion / Re: G43 BREAKING TOOLS

« on: January 24, 2008, 12:12:33 PM »

Thanks I haven't had a chance yet to test the modified macro...

I didn't write my M6 macro. I don't know what it does or how it works. I got it from someone in the forums about 4-5 years ago(?) back then when Mach 2 did, in fact, move the tool when a hight offset was applied. I was trying to make mill behavior more safe.

I remember my lament of crashing and broken tools appeared to inspire Art to modify Mach's behavior overnight. The new build worked great and I forgot about what was in the macro. His prompt response made me an advocate.

Now if I could just get over this new hitch...

What are the standard M6 Macros?

How do I do a totally clean uninstall - reinstall?
 

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: G43 BREAKING TOOLS

« on: January 22, 2008, 11:20:03 PM »

M6 Start
  tool = GetSelectedTool()
  SetCurrentTool( tool )

M6end
REM The default script here moves the tool back to m6start if any movement has occured during the tool change..

x = GetToolChangeStart( 0 )
y = GetToolChangeStart( 1 )
z = GetToolChangeStart( 2 )
a = GetToolChangeStart( 3 )
b = GetToolChangeStart( 4 )
c = GetToolChangeStart( 5 )
SafeZ = GetSafeZ()
if  SafeZ  > z then StraightTraverse x, y,SafeZ, a, b, c
 StraightFeed  x, y,  z  , a, b, c

10

General Mach Discussion / Re: G43 BREAKING TOOLS

« on: January 22, 2008, 11:56:48 AM »

Thanks,

Sure, again, You'll have to wait for later tonight.
I do remember customizing the M6 macros...
Now if I could just remember where they are... (been a while)

Erich