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General Mach Discussion / New Conversion of old Sherline Spectralight CNC 2 axis Lathe (x,y)

« on: May 04, 2020, 03:55:06 PM »

I purchased steppers and installed them, have Gecko 540, Gecko 540 and steppers and parallel card were communicating today. I sent it to to some pros, now the steppers are not engaging with the lead screw - so that is a new problem... so I sent an email.  I just received it back and this is the first time I have turned everything on.

I printed the manual and am getting ready to setup the profile for the steppers.  Before I do the initial setup, this will work on a 2 axis lathe correct?  It says Mach 3 can support 6 axis - but saw a manual for Mach Turn, but don't see a turn product for sale.  I'm a hobbyist - just wanting to control 2 axis and some simple stuff, like duplicating stair spindles for my miniature home in 1/12th scale.

The two items I am not sure of initially, is

1)  I am assuming there is some instruction in the manual to turn on the spindle for the lathe?
2) I am looking forward to finding how to incorporated an emergency stop not on the Gecko box, but on the machine itself to Mach 3 software...
3)  I am looking to set the maximum travel distance between centers of the x axis that is the same axis as the lathe's bed.

Thanks -

Tamra

2

General Mach Discussion / How do I create Vectric Aspire Post Processor for Mach 3 file to load in Aspire?

« on: April 20, 2020, 03:11:17 PM »

I purchased Mach 3 from Automation Technologies last year April 2019.  My Sherline Spectralight lathe with NEW steppers and Gecko 540 is FINALLY talking to my Windows 7 computer after two parallel board replacements and no driver support from Amazon overseas board supplier.  This windows 7 computer is NOT connected to wi-fi or the internet via cable, and it now has a moderately priced surge protector.

I'm ready to run a test... Any one have a recommendation for a lathe test run?  I will look at the files posted here.

I watched a youtube video last night about some add-on for lathe, but can't seem to find them on the Artsoft website.  Those options looked simple enough, a basic GCode example. 

I've asked the Aspire community where I find a Mach 3 post processor, as it is NOT in my options.  I'm running Aspire version 9.5x on Windows 10 - different computer.

I'm not totally clueless as I've had a CNC wood router for a while, but recently upgraded it it Planet CNC / TNG USB Motion controller as DWC refused to support Mach 3 interface with my missing steps.  I am pretty sure my parallel board got an electrical surge.

Suggestions?  I found the Mach 4 manual, will look for Mach 3 manual. 

For me, I've spent a lot of money first 4 months of 2020 on the Specktralight lathe and DWC upgrade, so at the present time, not looking to spend money on Mach 4 as I don't think there is an upgrade for hobbyists...

Thanks -