Topics

261

Members Docs / The Write Wizard.

« on: September 21, 2017, 06:19:42 AM »

Here is John Stevenson’s introduction to the Write Wizard by German Bravo.

Tweakie.

262

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Trees.

« on: September 01, 2017, 06:34:55 AM »

I laser engraved quite a few variants on this theme (trees, flowers, etc.) some years back and following requests from friends I am now making a few more (non-commercial) and thought I would share a pic.

Tweakie.

263

Tangent Corner / He just had to do it !

« on: August 22, 2017, 03:26:07 AM »

A picture from the past.

Tweakie.

264

Tangent Corner / QR Codes.

« on: July 03, 2017, 07:39:22 AM »

This is just a test for me to see how well QR Codes behave.
Rather than use a private server I have taken the liberty of using a post in this section of our forum as others may also be interested in some experimentation.

I usually transport Gcode to the dedicated machine PC with a memory stick and this system works perfectly for me but it does not hurt to look at alternative or different methods.

It is very quick & easy to convert Gcode files into a .jpgQR (or other printable format) and it is then equally just as easy to scan that .jpgQR into the clipboard and then directly into Mach.

There are file size limitations imposed by QR image resolution issues but they need to be explored and that is the reason for this post. Obviously I would welcome others thoughts on this topic.

Tweakie.

265

Mach4 General Discussion / MOVED: Text / engraving problem.

« on: July 02, 2017, 04:22:49 AM »

This topic has been moved to General Mach Discussion.

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=35205.0

266

Mach4 General Discussion / MOVED: Need dedicated cycle start

« on: June 26, 2017, 01:54:33 AM »

This topic has been moved to General Mach Discussion.

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=35156.0

267

Feature Requests / MOVED: MACH4 CRASHES WHILE RUNNING 5 AXIS TOOLPATH

« on: June 13, 2017, 06:40:34 AM »

This topic has been moved to Mach4 General Discussion.

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=35107.0

268

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / 13 Amp plug - easy removal tool.

« on: May 24, 2017, 05:20:12 AM »

This is probably just a UK related issue but the shape of some of my mains plugs makes them rather difficult to grip and remove (especially when having slightly greasy hands). An easy removal device can be purchased but with a laser and some melinex (or similar electrically non-conductive material) they are very easy to make. This little device is easily fitted to the plug and it enables it’s quick and easy removal from any socket (using just one finger if desired).

I have included the .dxf file if anyone wishes to make their own.

Tweakie.

Please take note – when laser cutting anything (particularly plastics) always use adequate fume extraction and take precautions never to inhale any of the vapours or particles produced.

EDIT: Reference to 'electrically non-conductive material' added after Brett kindly pointed out a weakness in my product description (thanks Brett).

269

Members Docs / Using the Parallel Port with Mach3.

« on: May 10, 2017, 07:56:08 AM »

Using the Parallel Port with Mach3.

Most computers nowadays are no longer provided with the old Cannon D type, 25 way, parallel port connector. Although this limitation can be overcome by installing a suitable PCI parallel port card there is a catch…

The old, original 5 Volt TTL standard (used in the days of parallel port printers) has to a large extent now been replaced with a new 3.3 Volt TTL standard. Many of our existing breakout boards and drivers etc. were designed for 5 Volts TTL operation and  these older devices may not operate correctly with 3.3 Volt TTL.

When buying a new PCI parallel port card, unless you are confident that your existing equipment will work with 3.3 Volt TTL, then, to be on the safe side, always get a PCI card which provides 5 Volt TTL outputs.

How do you tell the difference ?

Please refer to the following diagram (thanks to Phame)…

Firstly, ensure that your PC motherboard does in fact have a 5 Volt PCI slot.
Next choose a PCI card which has the correct cut-out position for the 5 Volt PCI slot.

This may not be a totally fool-proof method of choosing the correct 5 Volt PCI card but it at least lets us identify the 3.3 Volt cards.

One final note – the parallel port can only be used with operating systems up to (and including) Windows 7 and it cannot be used with any 64 bit operating systems.

Tweakie.

270

SmoothStepper USB / M62 / M63

« on: April 22, 2017, 08:40:21 AM »

For those of us who have been waiting patiently for the Mach4 M62 / M63 commands to be implemented in the ESS plugin, the wait is over. Build 200 is now available for download on the Warp9 forum.

Tweakie.