Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: spindle toggle on/off in estop

« on: January 28, 2014, 04:32:21 PM »

Yep, loose connection, all sorted. Thanks Hood

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: Aspire software

« on: January 28, 2014, 01:53:02 PM »

Thought...  Have you numbered each tool ie, T1 is for roughing, T2 is for finishing. The post processor wouldn't recognise a tool change is required otherwise, it would use the same tool for both strategiesm and therefore not stop between roughing and finishing

First tool in g code line should read
T1 M6
Mach would then run the roughing programme
Then second tool in g code should read
T2 M6
It would then tool change and run the finishing programme

If your using Aspire to create the tool path, at the bottom of the tool database screen (where you select which tool your using) you'll see 'Tool Number' selection box with a drop down next to it.
Obv as mentioned above - select Tool 1 for roughing and Tool 2 for Finishing

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: Aspire software

« on: January 28, 2014, 01:39:04 PM »

Sounds like you have the same tool set up for both tool paths, otherwise the post processor would put a tool change in.

Are both tool paths saved as one programme or seperate programmes?

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: Aspire software

« on: January 28, 2014, 05:13:42 AM »

Another noob question but I've searched and no answers

I have aspire 4.0 that gives a file type .crv3d.  I can't get this file to load in gcode.  I try to load the file but the window is blank, no gcode loaded.  I can't find crv or crv3d file types listed.  What am I missing here.  Sorry if it's a stupid question but I can't find how to load these files.

Storm, The .CRV3D is a saved 3D cad drawing file. You need to create a toolpath (Which gives you a G-code) from that drawing. You'll be able to create toolpaths in Aspire and I believe Aspire has a post processor for creating G code for running on Mach3.

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: spindle toggle on/off in estop

« on: January 26, 2014, 07:05:30 PM »

Thanks all for your advice ...problem solved, I've run through the optimization quide, deleted all printer's that had been setup on the pc and uninstalled all un used programmes,  (I have left the SP3 installed) and now no issue with spindle toggling on/off on estop, BUT another issue has arisen.....

The X/Y axis move +/- ok  and home ok, but the Z axis only moves up when jogging and when homing the z axis moves in the correction direction, but it activates the home switch and continues past the limit without stopping....This worked fine before I corrected the previous problem, I have tried toggling the Dir low active setting for the axis but with no change.

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: spindle toggle on/off in estop

« on: January 25, 2014, 08:03:30 AM »

As the is issue still arises after Mach shut down, I suspect it is something to do with the PC itself, I have uninstalled all unused programmes, and there is nothing else connected to the pc.

I'm going to work through the XP optimization guide a little later.

Not sure whether the SP3 is installed, can this have an affect also?

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: spindle toggle on/off in estop

« on: January 25, 2014, 06:35:13 AM »

Hi Hood,
No, its a DIY CNC BOB, a system 1 V2 board with  spmod Board via expansion slot, I am using exactly the same board on my Triac that I converted, but didnt have the same issues. The reason I assume a mach3/pc issue is that if I disconnect the parrallel cable and turn on the router, all is fine, I press the E-stop on/off and there is no reaction from the spindle on/off LED.

8

General Mach Discussion / spindle toggle on/off in estop

« on: January 25, 2014, 05:05:55 AM »

Hi all, I have an issue with my mirco router conversion that I would like some advice with.

When I press the E-stop in or hit reset in mach 3 the spindle clicks on/off at quite a rapid rate, but once the E-stop is released and the reset is off, it stops, with the E-stop off the spindle turns on/off fine with M3/M5 command in MDI, and suggestions??

Also, when my router is powered down and mach3 is closed down the spindle ON, and PWR on/off LED's on my BOB flash, but with a very dim light.

Any advice much appreciated

9

General Mach Discussion / charge pump pin allocation

« on: January 21, 2014, 04:51:30 AM »

Hi all, some advice please. I am currently converting a micro router to mach3, but am having an issue with the charge pump, it does not seem to be activating in order to get power to my drives. I have a Triac that I converted and the charge pump works fine, and the output for the charge pump on the triac is set to to pin1. But as I am using a totally different spec pc for the micro router, an old IBM with XP (whereas as the triac uses an up to date W7 PC), i'm not sure whether the output will be the same. I have also tried to use the force jumper on my BOB but still with no joy. I know the port is working as I have my e-stop and limit switches working OK, and I have run a driver test on the IBM, and the results come back better than when run on the W7 Pc, (ie far less spikes).
How can I check that I am using the correct pin out from the LPT port for the charge pump?

10

General Mach Discussion / Re: Denford Microrouter V3 conversion to Mach3

« on: January 09, 2014, 04:57:15 AM »

Graham,

How did you get on with this conversion?