Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Flipped the switch! It runs but having a few problems.

« on: July 29, 2018, 11:32:45 PM »

Actually, good news. I kept thinking maybe the issue was a weak signal because I had "chained" the enable and 5V power line out of the board to the 3 motor drivers. I took the Z-Axis wires out of the chain for now and suddenly the Y-Axis is working perfectly fine. Even did some cutting today for the first time.

Only 2 problems I have now are finding couplers that will hold onto the 1/4" lead screws and Getting the Z axis to work. the red warning light is on and comes on as soon as I turn it on. so, going through and checking all the wiring on that one for good connections.

Making progress!!

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General Mach Discussion / Re: Flipped the switch! It runs but having a few problems.

« on: July 28, 2018, 11:27:33 PM »

Hey Craig, I appreciate your help. Reason I went for the board is because I tried what you said, and even on the one motor that is working correctly I see no different in the voltage rate when going in either direction. So, I'm still at two axis not working. The Y still goes randomly in either direction when pressed and z does not work at all.  Reading back over the wiring diagrams to ensure I have it all wired correctly.

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General Mach Discussion / Re: Flipped the switch! It runs but having a few problems.

« on: July 28, 2018, 10:28:10 PM »

Getting frustrated. Tried buying a new Parallel port (PCI) and no matter what I do now I get no movement. Also, the power light is constantly on now, even when the USB is not plugged in.

Let me ask this, is the USB Bob or Ethernet Bob easier to work with? I've been trying to use an ancient computer I had tucked away in a closet because I wanted to start with the Parallel cable version, but with the problems I'm having I'm wondering if it wouldn't be easier just to change out and switch to my modern laptop.

4

General Mach Discussion / Flipped the switch! It runs but having a few problems.

« on: July 27, 2018, 10:40:06 PM »

I've just completed building my first CNC ever. I know nothing about electronics or engineering, so I'm pretty happy with what I've done so far. But, I'm having some problems. I've attached a picture also to show off my control box. I used the old JGRO blueprints, and old desktop running XP, and Mach3.

Here are my issues...
1. For some reason the Y-Axis has random directional movement. I can press the same jog key several times in a row and it moves randomly in one direction or the other. Checked the pin configs and they seem fine. the X-Axis works just fine.
2. The Z-axis controller has a red light showing and will not control the motor. The red light only comes on when the directional job buttons are pressed for the Z-Axis.
3. Has to do with my motor couplings that SUCK! So I'm fixing that one myself.

Picture of control box attached.

thanks,

Ken

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General Mach Discussion / Re: Making sure I get the right control board

« on: January 28, 2018, 09:41:46 AM »

Great info guys, thank you. I've been doing a little research. Think i have a couple of my answers I needed. Again, I know very little about electronics so forgive this next question if it seems a bit simple. In researching smoothstepper boards, I see varying input voltage numbers. If my power supply has 36V output, do I need to find a voard with that input, or is there a converter I insert inline to reduce the output from the supply?

Will be firing up the old desktop today to test it out.

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General Mach Discussion / Re: Making sure I get the right control board

« on: January 28, 2018, 02:25:42 AM »

Would you recommend parallel over USB?

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General Mach Discussion / Re: Making sure I get the right control board

« on: January 28, 2018, 02:14:20 AM »

I have an OLD desktop that has a parallel port, but not sure what OS it's using. Was built many years ago. So will probably use laptop, so I'll say USB.

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General Mach Discussion / Re: Making sure I get the right control board

« on: January 28, 2018, 02:02:03 AM »

Thanks Tweakie, I guess this is where my confusion starts. The link is for a driver. I already have 3 drivers for the 3 motors. Is the 540 what is also referred to as a breakout board?

9

General Mach Discussion / Making sure I get the right control board

« on: January 28, 2018, 01:28:18 AM »

Hey everyone, brand new to this. Building my first CNC. I've purchased 3 420 oz motors and drivers, but believe I need the controller board now. I'm  building a 3 axis CNC for the first version. Couple of questions ( I know NOTHING about electronics). 1. Does it have to be a 3 axis board, or can I get a 4 or 5 axis board and setup just 3 axis now and upgrade to 4 or 5 later? 2. Does the controller have to be "compatible" with the drivers, or are most able to work together. Will be using Mach3. Thanks for your patience with my lack of knowledge.

10

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: January 26, 2018, 01:38:00 AM »

Hi, name is Ken. Live in the Austin Texas area. Normally work with data, but know nothing about electronics. Right now I'm still ordering parts to build my very first CNC.  Making it 2'x4'. I've got most of the hardware, motors, and drivers, but have some more questions. Hope y'all will be patient with me.