Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / Touchy Limit/Home switches. Back off farther on Reference?

« on: July 19, 2008, 07:49:17 PM »

Problem:  Home/Limit switch is sensitive on Z axis.  When I Reference it backs off the swith, but barely.  When the machine begins a rapid move, sometimes the limit switch will trigger again.

Is there any way to instruct Mach to back off of the limit/home switch a bit farther after homing?

Thanks!
Carl

2

SmoothStepper USB / How ready for prime time?

« on: June 18, 2008, 09:02:04 PM »

So, I have placed an order and am on the list to get one...  When I am able to get it, is it ready for my main machine? 

CNC Router, 5' x 10' travels.  Basic movement for 6 axis (X/Y, dual head Z/W, rotary axis), e-stop, limit/home switches, tool height touch plate, pendant (shuttle usb), Variable Frequency Drive for perske spindle (9HP 3 phase), index input on rotary axis (could use as lathe some day), touch probe.

Run at 400-500ipm, top speed 800ipm right now.  Set to about 2000 steps per inch due to gearing (exact number not in front of me).

I tried the G-Rex, which had so much potential but was always missing some feature that I needed that was just about to be fixed or released but never was...   What should I expect of the Smoothstepper TODAY?

Any thoughts?  I would love this to work wonderfully.  Realize the need to put the money where the mouth is, and help fund any great developments, so I have ordered one regardless.  But where is it really at right now?

THANKS!

Carl

3

General Mach Discussion / Where to find version release notes or updated documentation?

« on: June 04, 2008, 11:33:02 AM »

I would like to read about the enhancements/bug fixes that were added since my last Mach update. 
Where can I find the release notes or documentation updates since version 1.84??

Thanks!
Carl

4

Mach3 and G-Rex / I need help configuring the I/O in Mach3 for the G100

« on: August 14, 2007, 09:09:37 AM »

Well I am a newbie here.  But I have been looking everywhere for info on how to configure the ports and pins g-rex/g100 in Mach3.  I have the manuals from gecko but they only tell the hardware side of the device not the software.

I am specifically interested in knowing:

1.  To enable/disable an Axis, do I have to make any settings for ports/pins, or is this done automatically in the plug-in?
2.  For limit switches, which port/pin assignments should I use?
3.  For the inputs, which port/pin assignments should I use?
4.  For the outputs, which port/pin assignments should I use?
5.  Is there anything different with the G100 for motor tuning, or is it exactly like tuning steppers normally (with a parallel port, which I have done)
7.  Can I configure homing to use my limit switches?  Is there an outstanding issue with this?

Thanks for any help you can give!
Carl