Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Big Config Problems

« on: July 07, 2008, 11:00:52 AM »

I am experiencing some funky problems here. I have Mach 3, the lock down version 2.63n not a demo. I have configured the motors and the accuracy using the utility in Mach 3. All my pins and ports are OK, All my axis move in the right direction, smooth and quietly. So I use V Carve Pro 4.6 to generate the G code for the part I want to make, load it and this is where it takes an ugly turn. The machine goes to the zero position I've set but the Z axis moves down to just above the part surface and cuts air. Then it stops about a dozen or so line down the script. The display shows only a portion of the part to be cut. Now sometimes it gives an error like compile error syntax in script, N60 S36000 M03. I don't read code so. And sometimes in my tests, it will, the Z axis I mean, go into the table, ramp up and out ,and cut air about .50 above the material. I used  postproccesors called Mach3ATC(inch)txt. and Mach3ARC(inch)text. The guys at the V Carve forums say the code looks and runs fine so it must be a Mach 3 config boggle. Got ant ideas really NEED HELP BAD HERE!!!!

2

General Mach Discussion / Calibrating Issues

« on: June 09, 2008, 12:22:13 PM »

I have resolved my issues. I have, after much hand wringing and woe be tie. got an accuracy of, ta ta,  0.0013 . I'd like to thank you all for your help and direction. I am very excited and raring to go. Thanks again guys.

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: HELP Calibration Questions

« on: June 08, 2008, 05:33:55 PM »

So you mean that if I want to move the Z in the plus 1.25 I should input that and measure to see if it did,?. If it doesn't what then?.

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: HELP Calibration Questions

« on: June 08, 2008, 05:10:18 PM »

I've done that, the calculate button thing. I get a window asking how far I want to move. What do I need to input. 200, 2000, 1?. How do I tell if it's correct. Well when I move my Z axis down to the table I get a DRO reading of 52.8 something. something. I've only got a travel of three point two five max. 3.25 max. Whats up there? I don't get this. it's obvious I need to held by the hand here. I'd like to resolve this issue so I can get started.

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General Mach Discussion / HELP Calibration Questions

« on: June 08, 2008, 09:02:26 AM »

I have finally got my system running smoothly. Now I need to set it up so that it moves 1.00" accurately . I think I may also need to fine tune the motor step units also.  I run 1.8 deg. motors, 1/2-10 Acme screws. I also have issues with Math. so the doing of the numbers is not reliable when I do them. Given those values, what should the steps per be set at. Will my axis move 1.00" , or say, 12.00" x 20.00" and be correct ?. I really need some help with this, It's my only road block to good operations. I'm not making watches just need good solid numbers to work with. Thanks

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problems,Problems, Problems, Wiring

« on: May 29, 2008, 02:14:53 PM »

That's what I call my complete and absolute lack of knowledge, and interest, in anything electrical or having to do with electronics of any kind. I have always found it too mysterious and complicated to deal with. I barely passed it in college, I tghink I got a high F grade.

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problems,Problems, Problems, Wiring

« on: May 29, 2008, 12:28:08 PM »

OK , I've downloaded all the information about setting up Mach 3, including the latest version, just in case my current version has somehow been corrupted or broken. I will do as much reconfigureation as I can manage on my own. I will make one more attempt to get smooth movement, and check in with you next week. I will let my frustrations calm down, before I abandon permanently, my efforts, at CNC for hobbyists. I'd like to thank you again Hood for your assistance.

8

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problems,Problems, Problems, Wiring

« on: May 29, 2008, 08:48:08 AM »

Here's my main issue, I don't know what you mean. I have a volt -ohm meter but do not know how to use it. What is meant by toggle, and I need to know exactly where to put the test leads. I know it does seem as though I'm a second grader but my electro anxiety is severely debilitating. Find XML within. Thank you Hood

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problems,Problems, Problems, Wiring

« on: May 28, 2008, 06:05:33 PM »

I rewired and checked and double checked all my connections and this is the outcome. Only one motor has some movement. That being in only one direction, and, that is limited to ugly, grinding. crunchy movement with a high pitched whine. I can't jog in any axis, in any direction. I've reset the step and direction pinouts to the correct numbers, and, found them in the XML doc. so I know they are correct. When I try to tune the motors  in cofig. Mach will not let me. I simply don't know what to do here. Any ideas or assisance???

10

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problems,Problems, Problems, Wiring

« on: May 27, 2008, 11:25:36 AM »

What I mean to say is I have a salvaged PC case and am using it for my controls. My K2CNC came with a small cramped 8" x 8" x 4" enclosure. I have electro anxiety and sometime react foolishly to it. I will take your advise and take it one step at a time. What about that XML do I drag and drop into my Mach folder?