Messages

1

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Visual mill 6.0

« on: August 18, 2010, 06:00:05 PM »

I use rhinocam (same as visualmill).
What type of toolpath are you trying to generate?

2

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Does it reduce CPU load ?

« on: August 15, 2009, 10:07:40 PM »

I can't explain it either Jeff...Oddly, when I run through the PP, the machine will G00 at the speeds the motors are tuned to in Mach. The jogging hotkeys (arrow keys) work fine with the SS and jog at the tuned speeds...It's only when running the code in my toolpaths that this slow G0 happens.

Chris, I'll try to take some time next week to clock processor loads both ways. I ran a 7mb rotary file yesterday with no problems with the toolpath window open.

3

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Does it reduce CPU load ?

« on: August 14, 2009, 01:45:24 PM »

Sounds good, im waiting on Ken to fill me in a little more on it, i believe there are still a few software issues to be resolved? Im quite keen to get one if it significantly reduces system overhead as i want to hook up two webcams, one over X and one over A so I can tip2tip at the same time while i am jogging with mach. Currently I can have a single webcam on with a large path but if i roll A everything goes to hell in a handbasket and i hit the ceiling with my processor.

Only one real major PITA issue I am having with it is any G00 move will only go at 90mm/min, so I have to edit out those moves in my code and replace with G01. I talked to Leo a couple of weeks ago and he is not having this issue, so I suspect it is just related to my board somehow. Also cant use the home and probe button. Have to home each axis separately, then probe.
It probably wont gain you much in speed. I think my biggest speed increase was converting to the ball screws with a lower pitch.

4

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Does it reduce CPU load ?

« on: August 13, 2009, 10:12:56 AM »

Hey Chris,
I don't seem to have that problem since I installed the SS. I was having that issue before, so my best guess is that it did free something up?
Running an old Dell 2.8 ghz, 768mb RAM, and a vid card with only 128mb RAM.
Video window hasn't crashed on me yet either...Dunno what it did, but it definitely helped something since the install.  I'll load your path and see what happens.

5

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Smooth Stepper is GREAT, but for a couple of issues

« on: July 17, 2009, 12:20:21 PM »

A friend of mine with the same machine and screenset just got his smooth stepper and is not experiencing the G00 problem that I am. It is a real pain editing these moves out of my toolpaths.
Is there perhaps some setting that I am missing? I would love to get this resolved since I use my mill daily.
Not griping...I love the SS, but would love it more without this problem.

6

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Homing "x" axis not working correctly

« on: July 10, 2009, 06:51:19 PM »

FWIW,
I also have intermittent homing issues with X and sometimes A while using the SS.
I am using these prox switches http://web5.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Sensors_-z-_Encoders/Inductive_Proximity_Sensors/Rectangular_(CR-z-DR-z-APS_Series)/12X27mm_(APS4_Series)/APS4-12M-E-D
The problem is only occasional.
My other problem of G00 moves only going at about 3IPM (when they should be going 100+IPM) is absolutely driving me nuts tho!   

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: Second probe?

« on: July 10, 2009, 03:37:47 PM »

Thanks guys. I have both probes working now.
Arnie, thanks for the great quality products! I received the probe camera today as well 

8

General Mach Discussion / Re: ARC codes cause issues with program extremes calculations.

« on: July 10, 2009, 12:40:33 PM »

Chris, let me know if you try the new version. It's bugging me also.
I also get some real odd looking lines in the toolpath display using arcs.

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: Second probe?

« on: July 08, 2009, 03:35:23 PM »

Yes, had them in parallel...will try series.
I wish I knew more about electronics.
Thanks Don!

10

General Mach Discussion / Re: Second probe?

« on: July 08, 2009, 02:22:23 PM »

OK, got my second probe hooked up to the same pin as the first probe but...
Probe 1 wont work unless probe 2 is open at the same time and probe 2 wont work unless probe 1 is open etc..These are both NC probes.
Is there some sort of relay or something I can hook up to these to make them play nice together?

Ken