Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Macro to Output to Clamp

« on: January 20, 2023, 06:45:22 PM »

I looked at the latching and bi-state relays and diagramed out how it would work and the code.  I now think that the BOB (PMDX 125) SPDT Mechanical relay would be the simplest solution. The NC terminals would signal clamp, and always default to clamp.  The power could come from either on, or off, the board as needed.  Trusty spring, one Pin, one output, two M codes. Seems too simple but simple is always good, Thanks all, Edward

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: Macro to Output to Clamp

« on: January 18, 2023, 03:54:10 PM »

On paper, it appears I can use a mechanical relays normally closed contacts and let the contact spring act as default on/clamped.  The SSR could just drive the relay coil.  One less output pin. You may also may be able to open, rather than close, a SSR with an output pin enable, but I don't know how to do this? Thanks all, Edward

3

General Mach Discussion / Macro to Output to Clamp

« on: January 16, 2023, 07:40:41 PM »

Hi. The Mach3 output, which activates a fixture clamp, deactivates with E-stop. I want the workpiece to stay clamped after E-stop. I also need to activate and deactivate clamp with a Macro during operation. Thanks Edward

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: 4th axis setup

« on: November 29, 2020, 08:54:22 AM »

Thanks for the help, Edward

5

General Mach Discussion / 4th axis setup

« on: November 28, 2020, 05:31:23 PM »

I am adding a 4th axis to my Mach 3 driven CNC. I need to swing 45 degrees from 0 each direction and can, by using a lever switch, use one limit for Home, --A and ++A . The question is, Can I eliminate having adjustable stops at each end by using the Home 0ffsets entries in the Motor Home/Soft limits dialog?

When you home the machine, instead of adjusting the limit switch stop positions to get the machine to find the correct zero, could you home the machine(--A), measure the position error and reset the Home Offsets to compensate? ++A would be for soft limits and could float a small amount.

Otherwise, If I say 0 is 45 degrees away from home why could I not say Its 44.8 degrees or 45.3 degrees? Thanks Ed Courter

6

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: WORK OFFSETS

« on: March 31, 2019, 05:15:02 PM »

Thanks, works great, Ed

7

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / WORK OFFSETS

« on: March 30, 2019, 06:44:11 PM »

I HAVE 2 STRINGS OF WORKING G CODE AND WOULD LIKE TO RUN THEM ONE AFTER ANOTHER AS ONE JOB. EACH USES A DIFFERENT OFFSET, ONE G54 ONE G58. WHATS THE BEST WAY TO DO THIS. I'M USING CODE FROM MESHCAM ON MACH3, THANKS

8

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Homing on the fly

« on: January 06, 2019, 09:14:16 AM »

What few lines of code will return the machine to the home limit switches, stop on those limit switch and set the machine zero to the new positions? And then continue on with additional lines of code, hands off? Thanks All Edward

9

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Homing on the fly

« on: January 04, 2019, 06:49:18 PM »

I could tell it was beyond it's capabilities from day one. If I replaced It, I probably would use a profile copier with a pattern instead of cnc. The dreaded analog.

10

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Homing on the fly

« on: January 03, 2019, 04:24:06 PM »

Its a large wood carving that gets 10/20 thou fladder sanded off after carving. Where I need some help is with the alignment, or parting lines between successive runs.  Even these are heavily sanded. What I hope to gain is just some reduced sanding. The machine is very sloppy by metalworking standards but fair for woodworking tolerances. If I could I'd re-home every 15 min. I have been making the same product in the same quantities for 8 years.