Topics

1

Mach4 General Discussion / mcSignalWait issue

« on: April 09, 2021, 11:02:36 AM »

I am trying to home axes within a macro, and need to base subsequent action based on whether the axes homed successfully. OSIG_HOMED_X (or other axis) gives me the signal I need for the macro to proceed, but mcSignalWait doesn't seem to operate on Mach 4 output signals, although I can't find any documentation that confirms that.

Any ideas on how to confirm that an axis successfully homed?

2

Mach4 General Discussion / Reference all axes in macro

« on: March 27, 2021, 12:41:09 PM »

Hello--
    I am working on a custom 6-axis machine controlled by Mach 4 and an ESS Smoothstepper controller. Since a number of functions that I've created need to be called by both screen buttons and by M-codes in the program, I've located them in a module. That's all worked out fine.
    But one of the module functions references all the axes using mc.mcAxisHomeAll(). When called by the screen button, it works fine, but fails when called by the M-code. I understand that module functions can't use coroutines, but as I understand it, mc.mcAxisHomeAll() doesn't rely on one. Can anyone please explain this behavior?
    Sorry--one other frustration: does anyone know how to have Mach re-load the module, without restarting Mach each time? When I edit and save my load_modules.mcs file, it re-loads any macros, but not the module file.
   Thanks in advance!

3

Mach4 General Discussion / Mach 4 MODBUS TCP to Panasonic PLC communications

« on: March 25, 2020, 12:08:07 PM »

Hello,
   We are using Mach 4 and the ESS Smoothstepper control board to run a custom 6-axis machine. We are greatly expanding the number of inputs and outputs (solenoid valves, etc.) on a new version of the machine, and would like to use a Panasonic FP-X PLC to handle those.
   We have had no luck getting communication between Mach 4 and the PLC, using the Modbus plugin configuration. The PLC has an ethernet port, which we've successfully setup to communicate with the host Windows 10 PC (because we can run the PLC config software--FPWIN-Pro 7 to set up and monitor the PLC). Simply trying to write to a single coil (0x5 Modbus function), doesn't work, either to a Y output (Modbus register 1 to 2048) or R register (2049 to 9999).
    I'm ignorant about Modbus, there is no Mach 4 documentation that I can find to help, and the Panasonic documentation is lamentable. Any basic suggestions on how to get these two semi-understood entities to talk with each other would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!