Topics

1

Mach4 General Discussion / Mach4: Converting my Profile from english to metric

« on: March 29, 2018, 12:06:43 PM »

Hi,

I am currently running my machine with Mach4 in English (Standard), I want to create another profile that is setup for Metric.

I want the ability to have two profiles in order to easily switch between Standard & Metric machine settings.

My question is:
Is there an easy way to convert the motor settings (Counts, Velocity, Acceleration) values in "Mach Configuration" to Metric values for the new profile?

The machine is tunned with these settings for the English(Standard) Profile, there should be translation or conversion method...

any help wpould be appreciated...

Thanks

2

Mach4 General Discussion / Mach4 - Erratic Behavior

« on: November 03, 2016, 11:10:59 AM »

Hi,

I am running a 4X8 industrial CNC Router -

I have just recently rebuilt the machine, upgrading from stepper motors to servo motors (Teco) and rewired the control box.

*** Prior to the rebuild I was using the same ESS with C25 - Smooth Stepper Terminal Board running Mach4 build 2522
The machine was running well at this time...

After installing the new servo motors (Teco) and re-configured and wired the control box, I upgraded the -

** BOB to the new C62 - Dual Port Multi-function Board from cnc4pc
** Upgraded the Mach4 software to build 3206
** Upgraded the ESS plugin from Warp9 to Version 186.

Computer - Fresh install 1 year ago running minimum software
2010 Toshiba Laptop running Windows7
Intel core i3 CPU M330 @ 2.13GHz
4.00 GB of Memory
64-Bit Operating system
Intel HD graphics (not sure of the memory).

G-code from Fusion 360 by AutoDesk

The Issue -
I was machining a large 3D mold out of MDF with feed rates about 250 IPM, while running the program I noticed that the tool path became jerky (not smooth in motion) and would slow down in feed rate and start to hesitate throughout the tool path. During this time the tool stopped and I looked at the screen and noticed that the code was continuing to run, and all of a sudden the tool started running again picking up the code many lines ahead. Ultimately cutting through the part in the wrong location. This hapend using Mach4 build 2914 and 3206

This has happened twice - first was during a 3D pocket clearing for roughing out the part and then again during the 3D scallop finishing cycle.

I have also noticed another issue during a different program -
The program finished, however the tool stayed down at .600 above Z Zero and the program was hung up on the last line M30. I was not allowed to stop the program or use the reset button (Mach4 was frozen). This happened twice...

I have also noticed another issue -
At the beginning of the program the "Tool change" screen appears.... Sometimes when I click OK the program will start immediately, other times it waits till I press cycle start.

So, I am not sure if this is a Mach4 issue, ESS or C62 issue, ESS plugin issue or a Computer issue; at this point I don't have any trust in my machine to operate as it should.

3

Mach4 General Discussion / Mach4 & ESS Setup Problems -

« on: May 15, 2015, 01:47:11 PM »

I am trying setup Mach4, I have a 3 axis machine with the following hardware ESS,C25-Smooth Stepper Terminal Board, C41 Spindle Control(www.cnc4pc.com)and Taiwan Delta VFD-B frequency inverter, 4.5Kw Spindle.

I am able to move all axis, home the machine, and have hard & soft limit capabilities.

My issues are:

X & Y Axis home very slow .79IPM I have tried adj. the Home speed settings with no luck.

The spindle will not work using G Code (M3 S4500) via the MDI, but the spindle will turn on using the spindle forward button on Mach4 Panel.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, I am almost there...


Thanks to some help from Warp9's forum -
http://warp9td.com/index.php/kunena/7-general-discussion/5291-mach4-ess-setup-problems?start=6

Hi everyone and thanks for your help...

Here is where I am at,
I was able to take care of the slow homing for X & Y Axis thanks to the video from www.youtube.com/channel/UCOy_xGRn5Uq3-u_LgNFzNNw DazTheGas.

As for my spindle, I removed the files M3, M4, M5 from the Macros folder and I was able to turn on the spindle via MDI (M3 S2500 but, no speed control.

I then set the configuration up with the help of daniellyall (thanks). However, I still do not have speed control or M4 (CCW). Maybe I am missing something in the ESS config? I have tried multiple selections with no luck.

Spindle works fine with Mach3 under PWM settings

I have provided two pics and a PDF of the wring from the inverter. Hoping this will help.

Thanks
RCR