Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / MPG with Syil x4+

« on: August 07, 2012, 09:46:27 PM »

The (Syil X4+) manual says that the MPG can only be used in manual mode (which is how it is working). However, this means opening the cabinet, scrolling through the readout on the mill and selecting "manual mode". Then, when done, reselecting "CNC mode", close the cabinet and return to computer (and Mach3) control. Too inconvenient.

Anyone know of a way (short of rewiring or something major) of enabling the use the MPG within Mach3? (pressing tab and using the "MPG" selection does not work - just like Syil said!).

Thanks

2

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / G40.1

« on: May 26, 2012, 02:07:01 PM »

I'm using Visual Mill (7.0.0.85 - 2010 64 bit). When posting the g-code (for Mach3-Inch) it includes in the opening line of g-code "G40.1". I can't find any reference to the ".1" for G40.

G-Wizard Editor says that it unrecognized by the controller, however I see it in a lot of the code examples here.

Should it be changed to "G40"? Leave it alone?

Thanks

Mike aka Groundhog

3

General Mach Discussion / Erratic Spindle Speeds

« on: June 11, 2011, 06:43:30 PM »

Still trying to get this used X4+ working properly.

Next problem is that the spindle speed is weird. It works OK in manual mode. What follows is using the MDI screen, "M3 S*********" commands. Actual speed is read from the LCD on the S4+ (which was earlier checked with an optical tach).

I am using Mach3 (R3.043.022 and tried R3.043.038). Settings; PWM Base:1216, Minimum PWM:0%, Steps Per (Inch):10160, Velocity:59.052, Acceleration:47.24, Step & Dir Pulse:0. Pulley settings; Min:200, Max:3600, Ratio:1.

As you can see from the graph there is no spindle movement until S300. At S300 actual speed goes from 0 to 420 rpm. At S500 the actual RPM drops to 220. From there actual speed is is somewhat linear, but not synced or parallel to the "S" speeds.

Any help or ideas will be greatly appreciated.



Groundhog

4

General Mach Discussion / spindle control

« on: April 22, 2011, 04:12:52 PM »

   Short history - I just bought a used Syil X4+ from Keith in Canada. I am using an old Dell Dimension 2400 and have installed a Rosewill parallel board (removed the on-board parallel and serial ports via the BIOS) and Mach3 (ver R3.043.022).
   What little I have tried seems to work except the spindle direction (and I think the dwell or delay). The spindle will only turn CCW. Changing the DirLowActive setting or checking/unchecking the reverse option do not make any difference. Keith has been helping me but we have not had any luck.
   I tested the cable with an ohm meter, all pins have continuity from end to end. I took a look at the wiring in the back (pushed all plug-ins to make sure they are seated). Today I added the parallel port card.
   Keith said they tested everything before it was shipped and it ran OK. He has still to send the exact *.xml file that they used to test with, but I have been using the generic file that Keith usually provides with an X4+ (I have tried a few others I found, all with the same results).
   A couple of things I notice but don't understand. When I start the spindle a lot of times I get the message "PWM bumped to minimum setting" What does that mean? The green "led" around "CV MODE" is lit. Don't know what that means either.
   With my limited knowledge in all areas covered by this forum I don't have much to reciprocate with other than my sincere thanks, but you will surely have that.

Mike aka groundhog