Topics

1

SmoothStepper USB / ESS and C11G help needed

« on: June 14, 2018, 05:26:49 PM »

Hi Folks,

I'm having an excruciating time trying to get my spindle control working.  Running Mach 4, ESS v216, and a C11G BOB.  All I'm trying to do is get a variable 0-5V output from the board to replace a potentiometer that drives my brushless dc spindle motor. 

My understanding is that pin 14 on the board should be able to do this, but I can't get the ESS configured correctly.  Not sure if I should be in PWM, OB, or relay control.  Some have said to set the spindle up as I would another axis motor.  Other's have said to leave it in PWM, no step or dir signals needed.  I'm completely clueless.

The board also has this 'analog output' pin.  Should I try using this instead of pin 14?  Does this work in cunjunction with pin 14?

My sincere thanks to anyone who can shred some light on this.

2

Mach4 General Discussion / Homing & Limit Switches

« on: May 23, 2018, 12:38:29 AM »

I know this topic is common and I've tried to do my due diligence in reading related posts.  However, I have not been able to find a satisfactory answer, so here goes:

I have a single switch per axis that I'd like to use as ++, --, and home.  I have three total switches (3 axis) wired in series to a single input.

I can home the machine without it kicking up an e-stop (others have had problems with this).  However, when I hit a limit while jogging Mach throws up "XYZ home tripped, XYZ ++ tripped, XYZ -- tripped, and enters e-stop condition.  That is, I suppose, the correct response from Mach-- but it's not what I want.

I'd like Mach to ignore the sensor as a homing signal when jogging/running g code, and ignore the sensor as a limit signal when homing.

I haven't got there yet, but I also foresee another issue:  When I do trigger a limit switch (which mach sees as both ++ and --) and I going to be able to jog off the switch in the opposite direction?  Or am I going to be stuck in linear motion purgatory, not allowed to move either direction?

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond! 
N