Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / Help required for relay output code

« on: March 15, 2023, 07:45:18 AM »

I require some help adding code to an existing project.

I have built a motion fence for my table saw using Mach3, which works well. But I needed to add an air cylinder to 'clamp' the end of the fence (furthest from the linear rail mounting), as the fence flexed a small amount. This feature is now installed and is manually controlled with a button on the screen-set and successfully clamps the fence rigid. This button uses the Mist Toggle (114) to 'clamp' the fence but I now need to add some code the existing code that moves the fence to the desired position.

Here's what I require.....

After moving the fence to a required position, M7 needs to be turned ON (clamped).  When another position is required, after entering the target with the numeric buttons, firstly, M9 needs to turn OFF (unclamped). A delay of around 1 to 2 seconds is required (I can adjust this to get the right timing), to allow the air cylinder to retract, then the movement (target) can start. When the target position is reached, M7 needs to activate again to clamp the fence. I might need another delay after the target is reached, to ensure that the clamp doesn't engage before the movement has reached its position. I assume 'WhileIsMoving' will work?

An important note is that the clamp must be turned off before the movement takes place, otherwise the fence will move while 'clamped' and will skew (damage) the mechanics. The clamp remains on until another position is entered.

The existing code that moves the fence is shown below, which takes the required 'target' from a numeric keypad....

      Sub Main()
          SetOEMDRO(1400,0)   
          NumericKeyboard(1400)
             Code "G0 X" &GetOEMDro(1400)
      End Sub

I was hoping to amend the code myself but I'm a bit unsure of where exactly to place the code and I don't want to damage any of the mechanics if the clamp doesn't turn off while the fence moves!  Below is the sort of thing I'm looking for....

  Sub Main()
          SetOEMDRO(1400,0)   
          NumericKeyboard(1400)

DISENGAGE CLAMP (M9)
WAIT 1 SECOND (TO ALLOW CYLINDER TO RETRACT)
                   
                       Code "G0 X" &GetOEMDro(1400)

ENGAGE CLAMP (M7)
WAIT 2 SECONDS (TO ALLOW CYLINDER TO CLAMP)

      End Sub

I hope you can assist me with this.

2

General Mach Discussion / Setting a DRO after a Reference

« on: July 31, 2021, 07:59:17 AM »

I searched for similar topics but couldn't find what I am looking for.

I have a single (X) axis linear actuator which works fine with Mach3. The X axis actuator and therefore the Home switch are set away from the cutting blade to allow for the mitre saw to clear the mechanics

What I require is that when I Reference/Home the axis, I need the X DRO to be 168 instead of the 'referenced' value.  How do I achieve this?

I hope someone can assist me, with what I'm sure is very simple!

3

General Mach Discussion / 1 axis linear actuator

« on: July 22, 2021, 12:09:09 PM »

I'm making a single axis linear actuator to my mitre saw and I need help with how I configure Mach3 to move the X axis by just entering the desired length in a DRO. I'm OK with designing the screen-set (draft image attached) but unsure how to actually perform the simple 'move' of the axis.

Basically, is there a simple way to perform an MDI input......for example "G0 X250", but only using a DRO?  I've seen exactly what I require done by someone but they don't say how they achieved it in Mach3.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

4

General Mach Discussion / Copyright error - Mach3

« on: December 18, 2018, 02:07:27 PM »

Mach3 - Why all of a sudden am I getting an error message?

           ERROR, #Expand File not found at:
           C:\Mach3\ScreenSetMacros\.....\Masters\HeadersCopyRightAndLicenseNotice.m1s

I also get an error in the error window..."Scripter Compile Error. In M5.m1s

I've changed nothing but curious why I now get this error?

5

Finished Screens / Portrait Touchscreen - New

« on: December 16, 2017, 03:42:08 PM »

Hi all,

Been away from the forum (and CNC) for a while, moving and house and workload!

Here is a new screenset that I have just about completed.  I wanted a portrait mode this time, so I chose an Iiyama touchscreen monitor.
Managed to get the 'On-Screen' keyboard to load on startup, so I sized my screenset around the keyboard.   Everything I need is on just one
screen.

6

General Mach Discussion / Copyright notice error

« on: December 08, 2017, 03:42:11 AM »

Hi all,

Been away from the CNC for a few months due to work and moving house.  Also had to reinstall Mach3 on to a new PC, as the old
one failed.  I have got most of the setup done but now have a few issues with the configuration.  I'll post these as separate topics.

But I'm puzzled with the first one.  I guess this is a two-part query...When I enter M3 in the MDI (to test the spindle), I get an error
message about '#Expand File Not Found at.......Copyright & Licence Notice'?  M3 also doesn't work.  What is this 'Copyright & Licence Notice'?

I do have a valid licence, two in actual fact...one purchased within the last month.

7

Screen designer tips and tutorials / Mach Screen Designer error

« on: May 30, 2017, 03:13:43 PM »

This happened last year but I can't recall how I solved it!

MachScreen designer now freezes when loading my screenset.  No changes have been made to the screenset and it views
OK when running Mach3 but when I try to edit it in MachScreen Designer, it only shows the Properties window, not the
main designer window.

I can only close the program using the Task manager and 'End Task'.

Any ideas?

8

Mach4 General Discussion / Mach3 upgrade to Mach4

« on: May 25, 2017, 08:52:54 AM »

Hi all,

How easy is the process to migrate from Mach3 to Mach4?

Not sure of my release number (as I'm currently on holiday) but I think it's a recent one!

I'm very happy with the current version but as I'm running Win XP, I thought I'd upgrade the PC and O/S, as well as a new install of Mach4.

I also have my own (touch-screen) screenset which I've spent many hours creating.  Will I be able to easy replicate this with Mach4?

9

General Mach Discussion / Auto Tool Length

« on: March 09, 2017, 02:48:30 PM »

Firstly... apologies for posting this again, as I know there are many posts relating to the subject!

However, I'm really struggling to find a solution to what I'm looking for.  I get very close, by utilising various macros and scripts found here
on the forum.  The trouble is, I have very limited experience and knowledge of scripts and macros but willing to learn.  If someone can point
me in the right direction, in layman's terms I'd be extremely grateful.

I have built/modified a small mill which works just fine.  I have a Kress 1050 spindle with a Sorotec ATC and 8 position tool-bank.  I've had help
with modifying my own screenset to include a tool selector system, which picks up a desired tool (Offsets1.jpg).    I have a touch-sensor (Digitizer)
which works fine with a simple G31 script/code.   The sensor triggers at 7.6mm above the spoilboard (or underside of the material being machined).

On my Offsets screen, I have set some UserDRO's for the position of the sensor (G53 X10.5 Y52.9).  Not sure how to set the Z value yet.

What I am requiring is a facility to automatically measure the height of each tool.

I hope someone can help me!

Thanks in advance.

Keith - UK

10

Finished Screens / 3 Axis mill with ATC

« on: January 28, 2017, 02:09:38 PM »

Here is the recently updated screenset for my 3 Axis Mill.  The Offsets screen should really be in 'Work in Progress' but thought I'd share it here.

I have to add a few bits to this screen but quite pleased with the results.