Messages

1

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: ArcPro 7866 Plasma Combo

« on: January 20, 2022, 08:28:56 PM »

Not sure about the arcpro table. What type of THC do you have?

2

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4: Log Axis movement time.

« on: January 20, 2022, 08:18:39 PM »

Anyone have any idea what command to use within mach to log the time an axis is moving? Should I just use the motors step or direction pin in my signal library and log how long it is active for? I've looked through the API but nothing is popping out at me. If someone could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.

3

Mach4 General Discussion / Mach4: Log Axis movement time.

« on: January 09, 2022, 08:15:05 PM »

Is there a way in mach4 to log the amount of time that an axis moves? I would like for my Automatic lube to kick on for 7 seconds for every 240 sec of axis movement.

So I would want mach to log every time an axis moves. X or Z independently. X and Z simultaneously. Then add those together until it reaches 240 and then trigger the output and reset. Anyone have any idea of how to accomplish this? 

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Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Help with PLC Ladder Logic

« on: January 09, 2022, 08:09:32 PM »

Thank you compewter_numerical for your reply. Thanks to you and a few other members I have this portion working now. I am almost finished with the rebuild, still a few things left to do within mach4. I will post a final update when I complete this project. So everything will be in one place. So hopefully it helps someone in the future. While I was trying to research all of this stuff for the first time, I found very little info on what I was trying to do.

5

Mach4 General Discussion / mcToolGetCurrent reference

« on: December 21, 2021, 08:43:19 PM »

Is it possible to change where mcToolGetCurrent is getting its value? I have a turret with an absolute encoder. I would like for ToolGetCurrent to reference the encoder for this variable. I could write it to a register with the PLC that controls the turret if this would be an option. Or if someone has a better recommendation I will go with that.

I have looked through the screen scripts and cannot find where the toolgetcurrent is getting its variable. I'm also a beginner at coding if this isn't obvious. So if anyone would point me in the right direction i would appreciate it.

6

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Help with PLC Ladder Logic

« on: December 11, 2021, 01:27:20 AM »

ok, I have been reading all day and watching videos on automation directs site on the basics of PLC's and how to program them. The basics. I have been reading, rereading, and rereading Cbyrdtopper forums post https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=34228.30 helping another member get his turret setup. While it has helped me a lot, his turret is a little more simple than what mine seems to be. Hopefully not.

I have the ESS and the Switch PLC both connected. I followed  Cbyrdtopper instructions on setting up modbus and the required inputs, outputs, and registers in mach4. All that is done.

Im still stuck on this ladder logic. It seems so simple yet I am struggling with it. I have everything wired on the bench so I can test as I go. If someone could post a pic of their PLC turret program even remotely similar. Just for me to compare to would be helpful. The starting point and determining that its changing to the correct tool is my first issue.

I have DS1 setup as a register, mach will send the tool number over for the plc to change to tool 1 thru 8 by comparing DS1 = 1 thru 8. Do I assign my tool info to a DS1 variable? The only way to know the position of the turret is by the BIT signals.

So inputs 1-3 on the PLC are bit signals from the turret, So tool one would be on-off-off or 1-0-0. The PLC will see those 3 signals followed by a Strobe signal which needs to trigger a solenoid. Im confused as to how to write this all out in ladder logic or any other code for that matter.  From what I've read I can write the repetitive stuff out in a subprogram and call it after the tool is assigned.

7

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Help with PLC Ladder Logic

« on: December 10, 2021, 12:52:50 AM »

So I setup modbus within mach4. I have the ESS and the PLC connected to the ethernet switch. Should i be able to maintain a connection with both the PLC and the ESS? If i connect with the PLC i drop the ESS and vice versa. Is this normal?

8

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4: Need help with a macro for lathe turret.

« on: December 10, 2021, 12:50:24 AM »

So i got an ethernet switch in, I also got the switch PLC. I have them connected. I have modbus setup in mach4, following along with your other thread. Though i havent made it to writing the actual code for the plc but is it normal to not be able to maintain connection with both the ESS and the PLC? or is this just an issue im going to have with the ESS?

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Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Help with PLC Ladder Logic

« on: December 09, 2021, 10:11:28 PM »

Ok so from what I understand I can use registers to read and write registers both in mach4 and for the PLC. So I get that much of it. So the PLC side of things is where im going to require a little help.

10

Mach4 General Discussion / Help with PLC Ladder Logic

« on: December 09, 2021, 09:31:08 PM »

I have a previous post about coding a macro for a duplomatic lathe turret. That method seemed a little more complicated that I had anticipated.  I talked a little bit with Cbyrdtopper and we decided the PLC route would be a better (easier) more reliable option. So I ordered a click plc from automation direct as well as a brainboxes ethernet switch. I intend to use modbus. None of which I have any experience with. I have only ever used the basic I/O options with bob's. I have read several getting started tutorials and understand this ladder logic somewhat. I am still kind of stumped on where to start. Do I use an input for mach4 to tell the PLC when to start a tool change? How do I tell the PLC which tool? Can I do this with registers? reading and writing between the plc and mach4 with modbus?