Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Odd Stepper behavior

« on: April 14, 2014, 08:00:56 AM »

Hood - the RPM DRO is always reading less than the comanded spindle speed.  So when I enter M3 S1000, 1000 shows up in the spindle rpm DRO and only 975 shows up in RPM DRO.  Which now that I think about it, if the motor isn't hooked up and spinning, where is 975rpm coming from?  Shouldn't that read 0?

-mike

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: Odd Stepper behavior

« on: April 13, 2014, 09:39:35 AM »

If I set Pulley #1 max rpm of 1000, ratio of 1.0 and then enter M3 S1000, the spindle will only display 975 rpm.  

Mike

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: Odd Stepper behavior

« on: April 13, 2014, 12:23:03 AM »

Oh, and what would cause an MDI input of M3 S1000 show only 975 rpm in Mach3?

Mike

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: Odd Stepper behavior

« on: April 13, 2014, 12:17:36 AM »

UC100 came in and seems to have taken care of my stepper noises. Small win for me and onto the next item...

Now I'm pulling my hair out trying to integrate the C6 board to be able to control the spindle thru Mach3. NO LUCK. I've watched Hoss's videos and read many posts and STILL can't get any higher than a couple volts on C6 output. I need 7v to match the stock G0704 speed control.

I only want on/off and speed control. No relays, stock motor and speed control.

I'm wondering if anyone has ever set up a C6 thru the UC100 yet?

Mike

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: Odd Stepper behavior

« on: April 08, 2014, 03:21:41 PM »

Hood,

Thanks for the info.

I'm running a G0704 Mill.  Only need XYZ and spindle on/off/speed control.  Anything else will be manual or not used.

I just ordered a UC100 on eBay for $129 shipped.  I'll give that a try on my new-ish home computer which is already 7yrs old......where does the time go?

Regards,

Mike

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: Odd Stepper behavior

« on: April 08, 2014, 10:34:51 AM »

John - thanks for the input.  You make a good point too!  I'm substituting on older computer with a not-as-old but still older computer...hahaha

I was budgeting about $100 for this new computer.....for $125 I can get the UC100 USB Motion Controller: http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?cPath=93&products_id=481

Then I can just use my more current home computer. 

There is a good article on CNC cookbook discussing PP vs External Motion Controllers here: http://blog.cnccookbook.com/2011/12/24/motion-control-boards-take-mach3-from-hobby-class-to-industrial-grade-part-2/

Are there any downsides to going with the UC100?

-Mike

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: Odd Stepper behavior

« on: April 08, 2014, 09:06:48 AM »

....and how important is a non-integrated video card?  

8

General Mach Discussion / Re: Odd Stepper behavior

« on: April 08, 2014, 07:41:51 AM »

OK, no luck.  The new processor was not recognized by my BIOS and wouldn't even boot up.  It was only $7, so I'm not upset.  I think my computer is just tooooo old and underpowered.  I don't think it's worth the effort to update just to bring up to the min spec required for Mach3.

I'm going to look for a refurbished/used computer on eBay now - I've asked around and no one has an old computer sitting around.  Does the PP have to be integrated into the MB or can I just use a plug-in PP card?

I've seen real nice deals on 2Ghz P4 Dell Optiplex GX260 with WindowsXP loaded for $75 shipped on eBay.  Any reason to stay away from those?  I've heard that Dell ties the OS license into the BIOS which requires you to need the original installation disk if ever you have to reload windows....truth?

Just looking for some guidance to make an educated computer purchase.  I've been reading random computer threads for Mach3 which have helped.

Thanks.

-Mike

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: Odd Stepper behavior

« on: April 03, 2014, 11:01:38 PM »

I can pick up a 1.4Ghz P3 processor on EBay for $7. Can't really go wrong with trying that.

I've turned most everything off already.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Mike

10

General Mach Discussion / Re: Odd Stepper behavior

« on: April 03, 2014, 09:32:28 AM »

Last night I took a picture of the Diagnostic Screen and this morning I was comparing it to some images on Google and noticed my Pulse Frequency is reading in the single to double digits.  Other random screen shots show it at 24-25k which make more sense to me....

If my driver test passed, why am I seeing an extremely low pulse frequency on the diagnostics screen?  Do I need to be jogging an axis for this to show up correctly and this is just an "idle" condition?  Perhaps someone can verify that your Pulse Frequency is always showing around 25khz regardless of e-stop, idle condition, or during jogging.

Thanks

-Mike