Messages

91

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Help with Mach 4 controlling a PLC for tool changes.

« on: January 28, 2018, 08:22:51 PM »

To me a basic function of the tool changer is to have it move to a safe position to make a change. With my lathe it's near Machine Coord Home, G53, I just back it off some X.25 Z.25. I don't want to have to alter Gcode every time I post and what if I forget and all my tools go crashing into a 3000 RPM lathe chuck.

AH!! I was watching DaZ's post and didn't even think about it.

I do have it in a button, but the point of automation is to automate. I don't want to have to do anything for a tool change except execute the tool change.

I'm not sure I understand the module thing? I'll watch the video. Can't I just put in the M6 after Else?

mc.mcCntlGcodeExecuteWait(inst,"G53 G00 X0.25 Z0.25")

92

General Mach Discussion / Re: Getting More Inputs, How do you?

« on: January 28, 2018, 01:43:41 PM »

Ah, very interesting. Thanks. Hella easier to wire that than a freakin' IDC cable. Plus I have a ton of cards, well 2. Maybe 3.

93

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: API Function Codes Help

« on: January 28, 2018, 11:14:46 AM »

Great Thanks!!

94

General Mach Discussion / Re: Getting More Inputs, How do you?

« on: January 28, 2018, 11:10:10 AM »

Craig, I'm getting close. The Pokeys57CNC only boasts 28 inputs in their description. When you add in a custom pendant; I've already used 14 or so and want to add a 8 position rotary switch to make tool changes. And some inputs don't seem to work. They're either Analog, or say PWM and I couldn't get Pin 21 to work.

Both of you mention Modbus, I'm just figuring out Modbus. I used it for communication with my PLC for my ATC.

I was more curious in case I did run out of inputs. Thanks both of you.

95

General Mach Discussion / Re: Lathe toolchanger macro issues

« on: January 28, 2018, 10:58:19 AM »

Ah, sorry no idea then.

96

Mach4 General Discussion / API Function Codes Help

« on: January 28, 2018, 01:28:25 AM »

I looked through all of Mach 4 Core API for the function codes, but can't seem to find them.

I want to add some physical buttons to my pendant and need the codes so I can add them to the lua script.

1. Ref All Axis.
2. Zero Fixture Z

Any help would be appreciated.

97

General Mach Discussion / Getting More Inputs, How do you?

« on: January 28, 2018, 01:23:37 AM »

I'm using a Pokeys57CNC and love it. How do I get more inputs if I run out on my motion control board? I mean I wouldn't add another motion control board, right? Seems like there should be a cheaper solution?

98

General Mach Discussion / Re: Lathe toolchanger macro issues

« on: January 28, 2018, 01:19:37 AM »

What kind of motion control board are you using and what is controlling the tool changer, a PLC?

99

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: macro for Reference All Axes

« on: January 28, 2018, 01:16:35 AM »

Did you ever figure this out? I'm trying to add a physical button to ref all axis on my lathe screen.

Is there a function code already in the Mach 4 API? So I can just add a simple code to the script?

100

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Help with Mach 4 controlling a PLC for tool changes.

« on: January 28, 2018, 12:11:40 AM »

yeah but when I'm doing manual automatic tool changes I would have to type that in the MDI instead of pressing a button.