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Messages - Storm

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1
General Mach Discussion / Re: Stepper Servo Hybrids with Mach 3
« on: October 20, 2015, 12:59:14 PM »
Thanks again for the reply.  I'm always eager to learn and get info from others.  It's not that my machine is acting up but more my thought process in building my machine.  I have had these questions from the beginning and just never asked them.  

The one thing that would be helpful though to make sure my machine is operating at it's best is motor tuning.  I believe I have done it properly but ALWAYS open to suggestions.  Is there a guide to the proper tuning for MACH 3?   I am also still a novice, finished my machine just last fall and still learning.  Would absolutely love to make sure that it is at it's best and not what I think it should be.  My machine is based on the design from PDJ Pilot Pro with some changes.  

2
General Mach Discussion / Re: Stepper Servo Hybrids with Mach 3
« on: October 20, 2015, 08:17:23 AM »
2 great replies so far.  

I understand that Mach doesn't have the ability for encoder feedback. That is done in the servo controller.  The whole reasons for the stepper servo question are this.  1. A servo motor runs much cooler than a stepper.  2. A servo motor creates less noise than stepper. 3. You can use a smaller servo motor than a stepper because of the torque ratio.  I have been researching these hybrids and see more and more of them available and being used.  Another reason is that when you run 2 steppers in parallel this should prevent racking and possible damage to your machine.  It would also give you an early indication that there is a problem with you machine on any axis that needs to be addressed before it does any major damage.   These are all just questions in my mind and wanted to see if anyone out there had done this and what the results were.   It is a spendy option to do but in my opinion may be worth it in the long run.   Feedback is always welcome and wanted.  Thanks

3
General Mach Discussion / Stepper Servo Hybrids with Mach 3
« on: October 19, 2015, 12:04:35 PM »
I was wondering if anyone has incorporated using stepper servo hybrid motors on their CNC.  The stepper servo hybrids have the encoders which would prevent your CNC from losing or missing steps.  I have seen some machines with these and give a encoder fault which in turn stops the machine.  It's an expensive upgrade but maybe well worth it.  I would want to tie that into the mach 3 software, through the BOB to accomplish this.  Would love some feed back from anyone who has done this already.  Thanks

4
General Mach Discussion / Re: Aspire software
« on: January 28, 2014, 01:26:21 PM »
I see that at the beginning of the g-code file. Let me explain a bit further.  I ran this file on a sample piece of wood.  It seemed as though it ran the roughing toolpath and then went right in to the finish toolpath without stopping to change tools.  Is there something I need to add to get it to stop in order to change tools.  Not exactly sure what to expect or where.  Thanks for the help

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General Mach Discussion / Re: Aspire software
« on: January 28, 2014, 12:14:14 PM »
Thanks guys, I knew it was something simple that I had over looked.  So much to learn lol.

Another question.  I am using 2 tools for this project.  One for roughing and then the finish tool.  I have both toolpaths saved.  I had to use the Mach 3 ATC in order to do that.  I was looking at the g-code and can't find where it stops to change tools.  Have I over looked something simple again.

6
General Mach Discussion / Aspire software
« on: January 27, 2014, 07:43:14 PM »
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.

7
General Mach Discussion / Re: external e stop requested
« on: December 31, 2013, 11:23:56 PM »
The caps did the trick.  I should have known that lol. Thanks for the help and it's working great now

8
General Mach Discussion / Re: external e stop requested
« on: December 29, 2013, 12:25:33 PM »
I used a db9 connector at the control box.  I'm using 3 cables, 2 conductor shielded for each of the 3 home switches.  I have all the limit switches and e-stop tied in series with shielded cable like the others.  I'm using 8 of the 9 pins of the db9 for the home and estop switches.  I have the shield wires tied together and hooked to the last pin of the db9.  that pin is tied to ground on the breakout board.  The shield on the multi conductor cable going to the tool is connected to ground or shield pin on the db9.

I have been checking further to try and isolate the problem as well.  I separated all the cables from the control box to the tool with the same results.  I removed the db9 connector from to control box and moved it away from the stepper drivers with the same results.  It is still when the enable is made active.  I even went as far as to disconnect each motor and with all 4 motors disconnected the problem is solved.  I did not use shielded cables for the motors as I didn't figure I needed them.   I have been trying to isolate where the noise is entering and drawing a blank.

9
General Mach Discussion / Re: external e stop requested
« on: December 28, 2013, 05:37:20 PM »
I believe you are correct about the noise.  I still have that same problem but not sure now how to get rid of it.  I have found when exactly the problem starts and the steps I've taken.

1.     Re did the wiring in the control box with shielded wire and the shield hooked to ground for each limit switch and e-stop
2.     Double checked the shield in the cable going from the control box to tool...it too is grounded.

Checked out all switches and everything worked great until I "ENABLED" the stepper in the software.  As soon as I did that the error popped up and is doing the same as before.

Any suggestions as to what to do in this situation.

10
General Mach Discussion / external e stop requested
« on: December 23, 2013, 08:04:30 PM »
I realize I am new here but not totally ignorant to cnc machines.  I just built mine and was trying to ring it out and came upon an unexpected problem.  I set up the e-stop as directed but I keep getting an error saying external e-stop requested.

Here is the set up on my machine.

all limit switches and e-stop are in series and have been verified

in the mach3 config, the e-stop is set up for the correct pin for my break out board
the active low is enabled
the emergency stop radio button in the diagnostic screen stays grey
when any limit switch or the e-stop switch is pushed the emergency radio button turns red
with the emergency stop or any limit switch activated the machine will not reset
with the machine in normal (no limit switch or emergency stop activated) the machine will reset but fault out again in about 2 seconds with the "extrnal e-stop requested" error

The switchs and e-stop have been verified so I have no idea where to look now.  I realize this may be a noob question and I apologize but any help will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks


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