Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: MPG implementation -- HOME Brew

« on: August 03, 2011, 03:15:06 PM »

Thanks HOOD
I found that my setup already had MPG1 on port1  13 15 settings.
IDK if I did that in the past (I come back to the project in cycles )or Mach3 was preset.

I'll go thru the rest Thanks.  Great Tips.

I'll report later.

AL


 

2

General Mach Discussion / MPG implementation -- HOME Brew

« on: August 03, 2011, 02:16:19 PM »

Hi Fellows
I just made myself an MPG utilizing parts from 2 medical machines and standard electronic components.
Photo attached. (AAA battery shown is only for scale ref)
it doesn't have any switches (not yet as encoder function is all I need) just the MPG.

However, I am not finding a lot of info on how to set it up in Mach3.  I found a bit of info that it must be set up in a LPT2 port.

Could it not be set up on the 4th Axis on LPT1??   since LPT is Bi-directional Could mach3 be set up to become  INPUT only on the 4th Channel?

I do have an LPT2 plug in (need find it) in case I must go with it if LPT1 4th Ch. is not possible.

and last: How to use it.  Where are the controls, (Axis selection, etc.)
Does anybody have any info or Ideas.

AL

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: Parallel port for PCI bus that works with Mach3 - just passing along info

« on: February 08, 2010, 01:59:21 PM »

or you can get faster to SYSTEM info   by simply typing     msinfo32   in the RUN window

but this is just SYS INFO nothing you change, modify, etc.
you still have to go thru the Control panel.

to also gain easier access to SYSTEM you can create a "shortcut" on the desktop by right clicking on the icon in Control panel.

you can even get closer to the Device manager by creating a shortcut on the desktop
but this time, If I remember right, you find the CPL files.  I don't remember the name of the one corresponding to Dvce manager but when you find it, or any other one you think is useful to you,  just create a shortcut to desktop.

Also,  Did you know that you can EDIT the CPLs with notepad??
I not only had quick access to Windows panels I need "NOW"  but I could customize them.
I changed some of the windows to replace Windows logo,  with my own logo(or any pic) or move components around inside the window.
for customized OS.
I haven't done that in a while since I did not save my modified CPLs to Storage (Trick bag) for use in other computers.
so TIME is the problem here.  

Anyway still trying to find a way to POSITIVELY install a PCI LPT2 for mach3 use.  (for 5-8 Axis)

(We know that a USB-LPT dongle doesn't work.
I bought a PCI to LPT card that had 2 "Free" USB ports.
XP installs the USB drivers and the LPT drivers upon discovery but then nothing can be found anywhere to use.

upon researching the CHIPs on the PCI card I discovered that the LPT is actually a PIGGY-BACK of the USB.
SO...turns out.. this particular Card is Primarily a PCI to USB card then they decided to use a USB to Parallel-LPT Chip.
so I'm pretty sure that is the problem.  
will have to return and start over with ONLY a PCI to LPT port card.

Any other experiences out there, guys??

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: Parallel port for PCI bus that works with Mach3 - just passing along info

« on: January 31, 2010, 03:56:59 AM »

Hey Guys
I bought this card  SYBA because I needed to set up an 8 axis controller.
http://www.directron.com/sdnecpr2u1p.html

It appears this doesn't work.  and tech support at directron is worthless.
the pamphlet w card said in XP no drivers are needed.  (disk included was for w98-Me)

XP pro apparently did see the Parallel port and the USB ports and sequentially installed some drivers.

However, the PCI LPT can not be found anywhere even I rebooted a couple of times.

on previous postings was mentioned that the second LPT was visible in device manger.
in my machined only the serial and LPT1 ports from motherboard appear.


UPDATE:  I just went searching for the chip and realized that since this card also has 2 USB ports;
this CARD is a PCI to USB Primarily and  then they decided to piggy back a USB to Parallel (1284) on that.
http://www.prolific.com.tw/eng/files/PL-2305%20Market%20Spec.pdf
so,  Don't buy cards that have USB ports  ...I guess...

But the Question still remains..  WHY Doesn't LPT2 it show anywhere?
XP pro did detect both the USB and Parallel ports and drivers were installed....

USING  HP/Compaq 2.66Ghz

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: Setting up Encoders

« on: March 02, 2009, 02:04:13 AM »

Mach is NOT closed loop, ....
Hood

Really?   somewhere I read that in non-critical applications like routers you can have open loop just fine
But when you have a Lathe or Mill where things are critical and accuracy is needed you have to go with closed loop but it was recommended that feeback should Not exceed 30,000 ppr or the Mach would be overwhelmed  having to deal with Stepper motors  plus encoder feedback,

plus the mach does have setting for several encoders and MPGs
however, preferably, they should be set up on the SECOND LPT port where all the outputs can be set as inputs
since LPTs   ARE bi-directional ports.

Also,  I think Mach can be used with Galil Cards but you have to install the  Galil plugin in

Then the Gallil can accept any kind of motor; stepper, brushed , brushless, etc. and any type of encoder

I'll keep searching.   I just hope that MACH3 makes more videos (short) with specific tasks.


CNC4fun   (not having fun yet)  

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: Setting up Encoders

« on: February 28, 2009, 03:03:44 AM »

Ok
I went back and removed the INPUTS settings and left only the Encoders/MPGs settings for Encoder1

I can still see signal activity in "PORT 1 Pins current state"
so the signal are coming in with Encoder1 setup.

but I can not find anything that tells me  where to send these signals or how to get Mach3 to use that as closed-loop SETUP


CNC4fun

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: Setting up Encoders

« on: February 28, 2009, 02:20:59 AM »

Hi Bill
Well, normally, if your motor Drive has Encoder inputs that's where it would go.

but I saw on a video here That with a second LPT port  you could turn all your outputs into INPUTS and set up multiple encoders.    but the Vid just touched on the subject.

and you can see that in the  Encoders/MPGs tab in PORTS and Pins

I Can see the signals in Diagnostics
but I don't see   what to do w the signals next. but I guess I'm missing something.  like "Closed loop setup"  settings.

Hood says that the first way I did it, should've worked.    so, I'll try again     something I'm missing ...

Oh, and I am using a breakout board.


CNC4fun

8

General Mach Discussion / Setting up Encoders

« on: February 27, 2009, 05:22:44 PM »

Hi Everyone
I'm trying to set up a machine with Encoders.

I looked for instructional Videos but there nothing specific.

I'm half ways there but stuck:

I Can see the encoder signals in Diagnostics.

I only have ONE LPT port  but I wanted to try and install at least one Encoder

First I tried to just set up under Encoders/MPGs  
Encoder1
Enabled, Channel A to pin13    port 1
Enabled  Channel B to pin 15   p1

Didn't get anywhere with that.


so I also went to INPUTS then in

INPUT#1   Enable,  p1  Ch A to Pin 13
INPUT#2   Enable,  p1  Ch B to Pin 15

So Now I can see the the encoder activity as I turn the shaft in LED lights in Diagnostics.

But I can NOT see How to send those signals to be utilized, COUNTED by mach3 or To Which axis to attach that to

I don't know if I'm supposed to "Share"  to get it to work or if Just created a conflict and nothing will happen even if the LED  Hi/LO states are detected.

I someone can help me with this I can make a Video and Post it here for the instructional Video Archive

Thanks Fellas.

CNC4fun

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: Unable to JOG BACK on Mach3 after limit-switch-tripping

« on: May 05, 2008, 11:22:13 PM »

Thanks Chip!!

--CNC4fun

(not Cchhaa.  that was part of the translation)

I did post your answer on the spanish forum and gave you credit.

Cheers.

10

Spanish / Re: como salir de un final de carrera en mach3?

« on: May 05, 2008, 11:15:02 PM »

Hola

La respuest llego pronto!
El Moderador "Chip"  Respondio en minutos.
Ve a esta pagina donde el mismo tema se cubrio.   la foto primera te indica como corregir el problema.    pagina "settings"
"Limit overrride"    ON   y despues utiliza el raton como antes.

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,6695.0.html

si tienes problemas con el ingles; contactame

--Saludos desde California