Topics

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General Mach Discussion / Can Ipac only be used via ps2 with keygrabber?

« on: June 03, 2011, 07:05:12 AM »

I am using a Mini Ipac that is not equipped with a ps2 connector.

After much frustration,Have read elsewhere that the keygrabber ipac prograqmming utility only works via the ps2 connector.

I have tried a usb to ps2 adapter plug on the usb lead & the programming utility throws a crc error.

Via the usb port keygrabber is unable to establish a link with the Ipac.

I also have problems entering codes into "hid keys" on keygrabber. Will work if I enter hid keys under "keyboard keys", but without being unable to program the keygrabber with enough non conflicting codes, I cannot make use of this either.

Will it be best to get Ipac2 & ps2 cable?

Has anyone else had similar problems?

Thanks, Don

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General Mach Discussion / Getting keygrabber to work

« on: May 27, 2011, 09:31:51 AM »

I have spent many hours trying to get keygrabber to translate keys & to run the ipac (MinIpac) programming utility.

With the Ipac plugged into the usb, I get the unable to communicate message.
Via the ps2 keyboard connector, programming proceeds until near the end & I get a crc error.

I have tried numerous times to translate keycodes via the ipac keys & the keyboard & then typed into the the MDI command line but the characters come through unaltered no matter what I enter into keygrabber.

Tried 2 computers & 2 different downloads of Mach3. Windows xp. Entered  keygrabber in mach shortcut

Can anyone help     Regards,   Don

I am also having difficulty getting the MiniPac shift key to work butmanaged it on someone elses machine with Ipac2. Keygrabber or programming would not work with that one either (usb---same computer & windows)

3

General Mach Discussion / Bridgeport series 1 drive problems.

« on: May 21, 2011, 05:30:59 PM »

I am hoping to use the original drives on a series one Bridgeport, at least initially, allbeit at reduced rapid & accel if required.

They require quadrature input so I selected Max Cl mode & set acceleration & max speed for smooth operation & positioning without position loss. All seemed ok so I set up a series of rapid moves on x & y to see how they performed.

After a while, either x or y would badly misposition, move in jerks or stop moving part way through a move whilst the other axis, if selected, completed the move resulting in collision with the limit switches or stopping short when returning home.

I removed the x axis motor & jogged it & after a number of moves, it will stop moving or, at certain lower feedrates, not move at all (this may be due to the low inertia loading of the motor).Tried reducing the motor speed & acceleration but no change The quadrature output from the breakout board is a very good 5 volt square wave with good phase relationship & does not change when the motor stops.

Has anyone else experienced this problem?

If a drive change is required, what do you recommend. Do I need to change the motors as well?


Thanks,          Don

4

General Mach Discussion / Input pin preconfiguration

« on: May 21, 2011, 04:49:26 PM »

I am trying to use input #1 for a z axis slowdow limit, but it is preconfigured as guards open. I cannot find where to change this. I have looked in config-ports & pins & general config. Can anyone help?

Thanks,  Don

5

General Mach Discussion / Slowdown limit

« on: May 07, 2011, 05:52:29 PM »

On the Bridgeport series 1 quill there is a slowdown limit ahead of the home limit. The home limit has very little over-run.

How can I configure the slowdown limit to decelerate the Z so it does not run into the home limit at full speed when referencing the axis?

This has probably been discussed before,but I have not  found it.

Don