Topics

1

SmoothStepper USB / Smooth Stepper "External EStop Requested" after "Tool Path Display" Motion !

« on: May 25, 2011, 03:11:02 AM »

I have just found that if I load up any job in Mach3 CNC Controller Software (Version : R3.042.040), communicating through the Smooth Stepper Board (Beta2_V015ogx2), that after it has been displayed in the "Tool Path" window, if I manover the job image around with my mouse in any circular direction, i.e. side to side, up and down etc., for a certain amount of time, that as soon as I let go of the image by releasing the mouse button the Mach3 CNC Controller Software immediately gives an "Extrenal EStop Requested" Error Message, and releases it control over the SS Board ! I then have to press the "Reset Button" to regain control over the SS Board and the system !

If however I perform the same routine with the SS Board not connected, the above problem does not surface, but as soon as I reconnect the SS Board the problem is back !

I have tried this under both Windows XP and Windows 7 platforms, a well as on two different computers, being a Desktop, and Laptop, with different processors, and performances !

Anyone know of this problem, and the likely cause of the SS Board giving an "Extrenal EStop Requested" Error Message as described above, and any suggested fixs ?

With kindest regards.

GEMCNC.

2

SmoothStepper USB / Smooth Stepper and USB PC Joystick Problem !

« on: May 20, 2011, 11:35:06 AM »

21 May, 2011.

Dear Smooth Stepper & Mach 3 Forum,

Can anyone explain to me, why my standard USB PC JoyStick works with my Breakout Board when connected directly to the Parallel Port using the standard "JoyStick Plug-in Art-Fenerty Ver. 1.0a - JoyStick.dll", but when I drive the same Breakout Board through the Smooth Stepper, the standard USB PC JoyStick fails to respond !

I have tried it numerous times, but I constantly get the same result each time !

Does it have anything to do with the XP Windows Environment, or is it related to the firmware of the Smooth Stepper, or some setting that I have overlooked ?

Any thoughts and/or suggestions ?

Regards

GEMCNC.

3

General Mach Discussion / Comments on MachMotion Digital CNC Control Kits I/O Breakout Board !

« on: April 20, 2011, 08:58:57 PM »

Ignoring the costs !

Has anyone got any feedback or had any dealing with the Digital CNC Control Kits supplied by "MachMotion" such as the following : http://machmotion.com/cnc-products/cnc-controls-1/cnc-control.html as they seem to have done all the hard work for you ?

They also supply their components as separate items, such as their I/O Breakout Board (http://machmotion.com/cnc-products/parts-accessories/motion-controllers-parts/breakout-board.html), MPG Handpad Pendant (http://machmotion.com/cnc-products/parts-accessories/operator-panel-1/pendant.html), User Operator Consoles (http://machmotion.com/cnc-products/parts-accessories/operator-panel-1/operator-panel.html) !

Has any General Artsoft User every used their I/O Breakout Board (http://machmotion.com/cnc-products/parts-accessories/motion-controllers-parts/breakout-board.html) as the interface into Mach3 ?

Any general comments and feedback would be greatly appreciated !

4

General Mach Discussion / Recommendations on BEST Breakout Board by General Mach3 Users !

« on: April 20, 2011, 04:15:17 AM »

Dear General ArtSoft Mach3 Forum !

We have restarted our investigation into using the Mach3 software to run an old Gerber 48 Routing System using DC Stepper Motors !

There seems to be a great deal of breakout boards being sold out in the general cnc market place by a number of suppliers !

Our question is a very simple one, what is the "BEST BREAKOUT BOARD" recommended by most of the ARTSoft Mach3 Forum, that is going to allow us to initially run the above 3 Axes Stepper based Routing System, but will also allow us to easily expand, and perform the following progressive steps as required !

Our overall intentions is to be able to perform the following from the one Breakout Board :

(a) Drive all three motor types : Steppers, DC Servo, and AC Servo configurations.
(b) Have the facilities to drive independently a total of either 3, 4, 5, or 6 Axes.
(c) Have direct control over a 0-24,000rpm Automatic Tool Changing Spindle with dedicated Frequency Inverter.
(d) Perform Automatic Tool Changing of up to 12 Tools.
(e) Automatic Tool Height Sensor.
(f) Be able to turn on Spray Mist, Z-Axis brake relay, Alarm lamp relay- Red/Green Lamps, Lube relay, Coolant relay, External cycle buttons Start/Stop, External feed-rate switch, External spindle speed switch, etc.
(g) MPG Pendants and External User Control Panel.
(h) Touch Probe for standard centre and edge detection, but also for reverse on screen digitizing of components to be engineered.
(i) Allow expansion of Inputs and Outputs etc.

Thank you !

With kindest regards.

Joe c/o GEM CNC Systems.

5

General Mach Discussion / Galil DMC1866 PCI Accelera Series 6 Axis Card & ArtSoft Mach3 CNC Software !

« on: October 12, 2010, 12:14:59 AM »

Dear General ArtSoft Mach3 Forum !

Just started to investigate the possibility of using Mach3 software to run an old Gerber 48 Routing System using DC Stepper Motors !

Will the Mach3 Milling CNC Software run on the latest Galil DMC1866 PCI Accelera Series 6 Axis PC Interface Card, & how do you configure the ArtSoft Mach3 CNC Software to use and see this card ?

Does Mach3 recommend another or better better card for its software, other than the above mentioned Galil DMC1866 PCI Accelera Series 6 Axis PC Interface Card ?

Thank you !