Topics

1

SmoothStepper USB / Ethernet Smooth stepper and The PMDX-126

« on: November 25, 2014, 02:24:59 AM »

Hi Guys,

I am finally setting up a machine with Mach4.
I messed around with Mach3 a little, but never finished setting up the machine.
I just found out that my Galil controllers are not going to be compatible.

So after doing alot of reading I think I have decided to go wit the Ethernet Smooth Stepper and the PMDX-126
If I am understanding this correctly the combo will allow interfacing to servos also. Is that correct?

I will be using steppers initially, but if I could convert to servos later that would be great.

Any suggestions on this combo?

Thanks,
Joe

2

Mach4 General Discussion / Mach4 Demo question

« on: November 18, 2014, 02:54:24 PM »

What are the limitations of the Mach4 demo?
Is it functional enough to get a machine setup? Will it create motion?

Thanks,
Joe

3

Galil / Limit switch problem

« on: April 11, 2014, 04:20:49 PM »

Hi,
I have a 1830 and OPTO ICM-2900 used for 3 axis milling machine using Mach3 for control.

I gave up on trying to use optical limits and have reverted to using Honeywell GLDB01A1B Mechanical limits.

I have these wired Normally closed 2 switches per axis.
I currently only have the X axis motor and Limits connected to confirm 1 Axis at a time.

I have used a 12v isolated power supply. Connected +12v to LSCOM and ran -12v to one side of my X axis forward limit and x reverse limit.

The other side of the switch is wired to the RLSX and FLSX on the ICM-2900

In Mach when I try to test after config plug in to active low and setting the ports and pins correctly I get Message next to Reset button Press reset Emergency mode active. If I push reset once I can hear motor thump but error message remains. And motors will not move if issued a manual move.

If I uncheck the config Galil Limits Active Low box in the Galil plugin the error message will go away after first click of reset and motors will move, but limits will not work.

I have been reading extensivley, but can not find a way to test limits within Smart Term could someone please help!

I have tried the
LFX command and the MG command but I must be missing part of the command because I get :
If i issue the TS command the first time I got 35,35,35 now I get 47,47,47 every time

In DMC TERM if I issue the SH command I can move the motors.

Sorry this was so long, I was trying to give Enough Data

Thanks,
Joe

4

Galil / axis ports and pins settings

« on: March 16, 2014, 12:34:40 AM »

Hi guys,

Does anybody know what the ports and pins numbers are for steppers ?
I have Mach3 and the correct plugin up and running. Mach sees the controller.
I have controller connected and verified it is wired correct using a Different computer with Camsoft like software.

I get 0 axis movement with Mach and do not remember how to test axis movement in Smart Term.
I will start reading the manual for Smart Term, but was hoping for some help.

Thanks,
Joe

5

Galil / Galil Error: Could not access DMC Data record

« on: February 21, 2014, 06:59:32 PM »

Hi Guys,

I am trying to get my PC setup to connect to controller.
Galil Optima 1830 is installed

Controller / drives etc is not connected yet.

I have xp pro 32 bit setup with all updates.
Mach 3 installed Demo mode
Galil plug in installed.

Have configured Plugin per PDF included in download

The plugin sees my Galil card

When I launch Mach 3 now in the Status bar I get this message
Galil Error: Could not access DMC Data record

I have been reading
 Mach3 CNC Controller Software Installation and Configuration Version 3 Manual

I am a bit confused as to what takes priority the PDF DOC in the plug in or the main manual.

Any help would be very helpful!   Getting frustrated.
 

6

Galil / Galil ICM 2900 7407 enable IC

« on: February 21, 2014, 01:00:38 PM »

Hi Folks,

If someone has a ICM 2900 that you can open the case easy could you please give me the exact numbers on the 7407 ic chip.

I had to change my chip to the 7406 years ago and can not find what I did with the 7407. And now I need to use it for my new machine build.

I talked to support at Galil, but the were unable to find the numbers for me.
I see there are a few different types.

Thanks,
Joe

7

Galil / icm 2900 screw connectors

« on: February 21, 2014, 12:55:16 PM »

Hi Folks

I need some of the Plug in screw connectors for the ICM 2900. Mine was not completely populated.

Let me know if you can spare some.

Thanks,
Joe
 

8

Galil / Install Error

« on: February 13, 2014, 07:48:40 PM »

Hi Guys,

Per instructions from Smurph

I just wiped my win7 install, installed xppro 32, smarttermwith version 7 drivers.
I then installed Galil Optima 1830  I have not hooked up any motors or jumpers to the card.

When launching Smart Terminal In a message box I get a message.

An interrupt has occurred. Status byte=DA(hex)

There is an OK button in the box, but nothing happens if I click on it. Or anything else on the screen.
I have to Cntrl+Alt+Del to get out of this screen.

Any Ideas what this could be.

9

General Mach Discussion / Best controller card option

« on: December 15, 2013, 10:53:13 PM »

Hello Ladies and gents,

I have been away from Mach3 for several years, actually never made the complete switch I used CNCJOG software ( similar to Camsoft ) until I closed down my shop 3 years ago.

I am starting to setup equipment again and want to make the jump to Mach3.
I still have my controller which was a Galil ISA bus 1800 series, but I want to use a faster computer for Mach and as we know new boards did away with ISA a while ago.

What is the best not insanely priced controller board. I have a bridgeport series II cnc and I am currently doing a DIY mill.  I would like to have about 100 ipm rapids and be able to cut at I would say max 70ipm  mostly around 40ipm

I have been reading thru the forums here and on CNCZONE and my head is about to explode! Some direction please!

Thanks,
Joe

10

Galil / what galil card works best

« on: April 14, 2011, 07:04:28 PM »

Hi Guys,

Has been a while since I was here.
I was going to switch to Mach3 in 2008 but could not stop production to do the upgrade.

Anyway I am at a point where I can actually do the upgrade.
What is the best ( most compatible Galil card to use these days?
The Galil card I still have is the 1742 isa bus card.

Since I want to upgrade the computer ISA is out.

I will probably stick with the steppers (since I already have them and they work)
I will run 4 axis, and handwheel pendant.

What should I buy!

Thanks,
Joe