Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Updated Version. DRO'S move Motors Don't

« on: February 10, 2015, 12:40:20 PM »

Before I updated my PC I loaded the entire MACH 3 folder with the .xml files into an external Hard drive.
I wanted to have this configuration and .xml files incase something went wrong with the update.
I tried loading this old version on my laptop so that I could page thru all the screens and setting to see if I missed anything or anything changed.
When I load a none working .xml profile I don't get the first screen/graphic. I only get the "File" "Config" headers and the rest of the screen is blank.
Is there something That I have to load?
Thanks.
Rick

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: Updated Version. DRO'S move Motors Don't

« on: February 10, 2015, 12:04:07 PM »

Thanks for your response. I have noticed that you help a lot of people and I have learned a lot from you.
I believe the port addresses are set properly. I will check when I get home.
If I am using the same .xml profile won't the Port address stay the same?

3

General Mach Discussion / Updated Version. DRO'S move Motors Don't

« on: February 10, 2015, 08:29:56 AM »

My machine was running fine with release 3.042.020, I updated to 3.043.057. Now my DRO's show movement, but my stepper motors don't jog.
I executed the update and loaded it in the same folder as the previous release so all my .xml files are available and can be loaded.
Are there other setting that aren't in the .xml file?
Attached is an .xml file that used to work on the last revision that I had.
Thanks.
Rick

4

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach 3 OS

« on: January 08, 2015, 01:35:03 PM »

I've been away from my machine and this forum for awhile. A lot has happened.
A few questions, I hope this is the right spot for the answers.
I have a home built CNC mill running MACH 3 and an old parralell port PC. I have no problem upgrading to MACH 4, but what all do I have to do? I'm not sure if I can change my driver box from parralel port to what, USB?
How much work to tune my machine, end stops, etc... to MACH 4 form MACH 3 info?
Is Darwin the laser cutting software or is it the name for MACH 4?
Does MACH 3 have laser cutting software?
My goal is to use my CNC machine, I will upgrade PC if needed, dont want to make new driver box for non parralel if not needed, I will buy MACH 4 if needed, I want to add to milling a laser for cutting.
Thanks.

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: Multiple Tools of Different Heights

« on: March 02, 2011, 06:55:01 AM »

Dave and Russ,
WOW! I am really impressed with both of you and how quickly and I think how well you have explained the issue and solution. Now I have to put that into practice.
I use machinable wax when I am trying out something new like this to minimize the damage. I can't wait to try it out and I hope you don't mind if I have even more questions after that.
Dave, I now see how silly my question was about asking if you knew anyone who uses the MSM software. I went to the website, read everything and downloaded the manual.
I am sure that if it doesn't over complicate my understanding of Mach3 that I will be purchasing your software. You were very modest in your approach to suggesting the manual. The software and
concepts does all the selling that is needed. My only hesitation is that I have for awhile now been trying to understand Mach3 and I hope MSM isn't another learning curve, but I'm prettysure I will be buying
a license.
Does the pro version (I read the differences) have more capabilities that I may want or easier or is it really just for someone making a living out of this? Sorry, but I'm not sure about the differences between
the two.
Thanks again.
Rick

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: Multiple Tools of Different Heights

« on: March 01, 2011, 10:33:50 PM »

DaveCVI,
Do you use or know of anyone who uses the MachStdMill (MSM) software?
Thanks.
Rick

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: Multiple Tools of Different Heights

« on: March 01, 2011, 07:50:20 PM »

Thanks so much for the two of you. DaveCVI, I will look at the information you are talking about.
Overloaded, I am glad and that using the tool offset isn't what I want. If I didn't mention it, I am just a hobbyist with a X2 machine punishing myself with trying to learn this stuff.
You said to put in the tool, touch off on the part and zero it. That sounds good on the first tool, that is what I do. The second tool is were it gets fuzzy for me. If I where to run two separate programs for each tool I get it.
The way I have the program at each new tool the machine jogs to my machine 0,0,0 point. Can I then install the new tool of a differnet height, manually jog down to touch off on the part, zero the z and start program again.
The resetting the Z and jogging away from where the program last drove it is where I loose the theory. Is it smarter than me and knows what to do?
Thanks again for all your help.
Rick

8

General Mach Discussion / Multiple Tools of Different Heights

« on: March 01, 2011, 12:24:54 PM »

Sorry if this is an old question. I either don't know how to search properly or ask a question properly.
I haven't played with tool offset yet, but am I correct in my thinking:
If I have Tool 1 (T1) as a 1.0 inch long center drill and zero it out on my work piece and then want to drill with a Tool 2 (T2) a 2 inch long drill do I input a +1.0 inch offset in the offset table?
If this is correct or even close, my follow up question is how do I calibrate the T2 change to be exactly 1.0 inch longer than the zeroed out T1 tool since I am using the same chuck and removing the center drill and then installing the drill bit? Do I somehow zero it out on the part again?
Thanks in advance.
Rick

9

Video P*r*o*b*i*n*g / Re: g code from touch probe?

« on: June 25, 2010, 12:13:36 PM »

I am not in front of my machine right now, but I think in one of the preferences or settings you can turn on/off having the coordinate letter or not.

Rick

10

General Mach Discussion / Re: Probe Wizard

« on: June 06, 2010, 06:44:09 PM »

I got mine at http://www.wildhorse-innovations.com/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=17. I liked dealing with them and it seems to be doing
its job. I just need software to run it.
Rick