Topics

1

PoKeys / 57CNCdb25, Mach4 and Gecko540 m03-05 relay control problem

« on: October 22, 2016, 02:40:57 PM »

I have designed and built a small CNC PCB drill, controlled by Mach4, Pokeys db25, and Gecko540. I included two relays to control the spindle motor on/off, and a spare. M-codes will not affect the relays, but by inverting outputs (pins 1 and 17) pin activity, the relays will run the spindle motor when not in e-stop and stop on e-stop (and vice-versa).  This tells me that the relays are connected and working correctly. What is missing to get mo3-05 to toggle the relays?
Thanks,
Roger

2

PoKeys / 57CNCdb25 Fast_USB Driver Not installing for Mach4

« on: June 30, 2016, 01:47:26 PM »

I have a Pokeys 57CNCdb25 connected (USB) to Win10 laptop with mach4 running.

I'm trying to set up the Pokeys without a (G540) drive controller connected.

I Installed required files into plugin folder per instructions.

Mach4 crashes when saving configuration, and when restarting Mach4, configuration dialog exists, but not fully configurable.

Bulk interface appears in device manager with missing drivers noted when plugged into USB.

Fast_USB Driver/folders do not exist anywhere in the system.

Can Fast_USB Driver install without a drive controller connected?

What am I missing?

3

Newfangled Mill Wizard / XY lead out when cutting circles - why?

« on: August 15, 2013, 05:19:24 PM »

Am I missing something? How are XY lead ins or lead outs appropriate to circle cutting? When cutting circles, a final lead out in the XY plane is included in the published code. This is in direct conflict with the material left in place! This requires manually editing out the lead out from the code to safely cut circles.  A ramping retraction in Z at the end would be fine...
Also,  logically (in my mind) all operations begin and end at tool change. An option to select a ZXY start position and a XYZ return position would be most productive..
Fix or Advice?
Thanks,
Roger

4

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / New G-Code Summary display format

« on: October 27, 2008, 06:38:33 PM »

I posted this on the mach1mach2cnc yahoogroup but I received no response, so I'll try here:

I am using the ...015 development release. I want to thank whomever is responsible for the new G-Code Summary display format, as it is much more functional than the previous. However, several things. 1. Will you please do the same for the M-Codes? 2. Why do I have a G97 displayed in the ModeLine on the screen, but not listed in the summary? 3. Can we expect a full complement of G&M codes applicable to Mach3 operations? 4. And lastly, the Times New Roman font used in the summary is distracting. Would you match fonts used in the screens please?

Thank you,

Roger

5

General Mach Discussion / Mach3 Homing Algorythm

« on: November 18, 2007, 06:39:56 PM »

I am building a CNC machine of my own design, and plan to run it under Mach3. I am currently working on the home and limit position switch system. To ensure the most effective switch placement, I need to know what to expect from the program using the actuation information (Mach3).

As I understand it, CNC machine homing switches are normally first actuated and then de-actuated to complete the home cycle. That is not a problem, if my understanding is correct.

I am using three mechanical switches per axis, one of which is for homing. Limit switching is not an issue as they are located at the limits of travel. Home switches are not at the end of travels, and so become more problematic. The home switches must be actuated from only one direction during the homeing cycle to be consistently repeatabe.
 
I am assuming that Mach3's homing routine takes this into account and approaches each switch from only one direction, but I am only guessing, and need to know for sure which direction it is for each axis.

So, the problem is in understanding (exactly) how Mach3 determines the home position. For example, From any positive or negative X,Y, or Z location on the table, will the homing travel path go first to a positive (or negative) position, prior to approaching the home switch for its initial actuation?

Hope my question is clear...

Thanks, and Regards,

Roger

 

6

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / + symbol is not accepted by Mach3

« on: September 16, 2007, 02:56:43 PM »

I am trying to evaluate a free instance of Mach3 on a Vista computer, and although it seems to be working OK in general (without mill attached), I find that in the following code, the + symbol is not accepted by Mach3, "Bad character usedLine19".

N015 G18 G40 G80 G90 M5 M9
N016 X0 Y0 E1 S2000 M3
N017 Z0.1 D1 H1 M7
N018 T1
N019 X0.9375 Y1.2500
N020 G81 G99 R0+.1 Z-0.02500 F10.
N021 G0 G17 G40 G80 G90 M5 M9

When I remove the symbol, the error goes away, but that doesn't solve the problem. The above code runs fine on NCPLot, so I think it is valid.

BTW, line 20 in this code when loaded is seen by Mach as line 19...

Any idea what might be the problem?

Thanks for any help offered.

Roger