Topics

1

Mach4 General Discussion / Windows 10 - Disable Services

« on: March 31, 2020, 08:07:15 PM »

I am looking for advice on what services to disable in Windows 10 to optimize Mach 4 operation and eliminate any bugs or unfavorable behavior. I have just updated and to Win 10 and noticed some odd behaviors reinstalling Mach 4 and configuration/operation.
 Some of this may seem like common sense, but....
One issue i noticed is Mach 4 immediately locks when i open a picture or photo. This came up during reconfiguration as i took pictures of my previous settings, not running or while enabled of course.
What can i do to streamline communication and eliminate issues. If someone has previously posted, a link would be appreciated as Win 10 is bloated with hidden settings compared to Win 7.
TIA!

2

PoKeys / Trouble with Reinstall

« on: March 29, 2020, 03:13:51 PM »

I've moved and also changed computers for running my mill via Pokeys57cnc and Mach. It previously ran wonderfully with little to no problems. I've reinstalled on a new pc. Went from older Win7 to newer Win10 and also a touch screen. I've have done just about everything i can think of and cannot get Pokeys operating motors. I am using PoStep 60-256 drivers with 3 axis' and a separate DM856 for a 4th axis. The 4th axis works fine. I have updated to 4.5.5 Pokeys firmware and 8.66 Mach4/Pokeys plugin, and individually checked the PoStep drivers for updates and function. No issues with any of the self diagnostic software. The software drivers are also new since my original installation 3-4 years ago. Mach 4 is set up same as i had taken screenshots of all Mach settings. I did not take screens of my Pokeys plug in settings though.
Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated. I can not think of what it could be at  this point. Yes, i've checked wiring about 3 dozen times.
I wouldnt think i would need to go back to Win 7 or rollback to what i was using in terms of software and firmware 3-4 years old, but am at that point.

3

Mach4 General Discussion / Reinstalling Mach 4 on New PC

« on: October 07, 2019, 06:33:57 PM »

My old computer died, but i had made a copy of most of my program information and data including all of my Mach 4 and Pokeys data. When installing Mach 4 on my new pc, what files do i replace in the new installation from my old pc. Will this only work if i am using same version of Mach 4 and same version of plug-in. I tried a couple things, but encountering issues. I really would like to avoid having to go through entire set up process as it has been almost 2 years since i had originally done this and see that the newest version of Mach 4 has a few added features i would like to take advantage of. Sorry if this has been asked before, but i did not see a concise solution or the post was older.

4

PoKeys / Pokeys57cnc for Emco C5 CNC

« on: December 24, 2018, 01:23:42 AM »

So there are few things i have not seen done and am sure is possible with Pokeys57cnc.
 #1 - Control of automatic tool turret. The tool turret circuit for C5 CNC utilizes a dpdt relay to send 12v for forward movement and then 3.3v via step down converter to reverse back to pawl and "lock" turret in position. This is done via timing to advance through the 6 positions. Will pokeys57cnc be able to process the cycle via internal timer or subroutine in mach 4? How would i set up this tool change in pokeys and mach 4? I could do this manually with a switch, but kind of not a automatic tool changer then.
 #2 - DC spindle with encoder for indexing, threading. Am i able to set this up a' la cart, meaning dc motor, dc motor controller, and encoder through pokeys and mach 4? Would it be easier to buy a DC Servo kit, and if so, how do i communicate continuous rpm and switch to indexing through Pokeys or Mach 4?
I guess there is a pokeys component and Mach 4 component to each of these situations. Looking for some help.

5

Mach4 General Discussion / Transferring License to New Computer

« on: December 01, 2018, 12:37:25 PM »

As title states, where can i find instructions or how can i transfer license from one computer to another?

Thanks,

6

Mach4 General Discussion / Fusion 360 Mach 3/4 Post Processing Configuration

« on: September 08, 2018, 11:35:47 AM »

As the title suggests, i'm trying to modify the way Fusion 360 posts with Mach 3/4 post processor from Autodesk HSM.
One problem i've encountered is  zeroing Z axis and loading a program into Mach 4. Starting the program, Z tries to home itself instead of running the program. I have to reset Z and then it will run correctly once started. I've remove M6 tool change as i thought that might be causing the issue. It didnt help. The following is a sample of the g-code from Fusion and then an example of it modified. What am i missing? Also, I am setting up to run as a individual part without g54 or fixturing. I manually set all axis and run from a set point on material or edge of material. Mostly run 1/2" 6061 plate and under, clamped to table with a sacrificial plate.

Fusion Post-

(7002)
(HEADSTOCK BACK SHIM)
(T1  D=0.25 CR=0. - ZMIN=-0.25 - FLAT END MILL)
G90 G94 G91.1 G40 G49 G17
G20
G28 G91 Z0.
G90

(BORE1)
M5
M9
T1 M6
S1400 M3
G54
M8
G0 X4.2713 Y1.7887
G43 Z0.6 H1
Z0.055
G1 Z0. F6.
Y1.7762


And my mods -

(7002)
(HEADSTOCK BACK SHIM)
(T1  D=0.25 CR=0. - ZMIN=-0.25 - FLAT END MILL)
G90 G94 G91.1 G40 G49 G17


(BORE1)
M5
M9
T1
S1400 M3
M8
G0 X4.2713 Y1.7887
G43 Z0.6 H1
Z0.055
G1 Z0. F6.
Y1.7762

Any ideas? Progams run fine except for needing the resetting of Z.

7

Mach4 General Discussion / Repeating Problems with Y Axis Stepper

« on: June 03, 2018, 11:53:40 AM »

As title indicates, i am having a repeating issue with motor control on y axis of my milling machine. Both x and y are using same motors and settings. I have never had any stalling issue on X, but for some reason, y stalls sporadically, at the worst of times. I have replaced the motor 2 times now and cant figure out what is causing the issue. I have troubled shot the machine itself and am not finding any binding or others issues that would cause this. I've tried changing velocity and acceleration. Any thoughts. Could it still be a motor issue? The motors i am using are used and i have a bunch of them. I find it odd only y axis has issue. It doe not happen in jogging.
It does only seem to happen during rapids.  Can i limit or set rapid speed within Mach4?

8

PoKeys / Driver Connection

« on: June 07, 2016, 09:54:29 PM »

I have seen various ways to connect my pokeys57cnc to a step per driver. What is the recommended wiring configuration? I would imagine if this doesn't exist, it would make a good sticky.  The documentation from pokeys does not show this.
Currently have step to pul+, dir to dir+, and axenable to enable+ with pul-, dir-, and enable- connected to motor connector ground. It seems very noisy and motor stutters a lot more than I've seen with other controllers. I copied this setup in another thread, but is backwards from what I've used with other controllers.