Messages

1101

Feature Requests / Re: ARC-ON TIMER AND PIERCE COUNTER IN MACH3

« on: August 07, 2017, 07:37:05 AM »

Hi Enzed,

I fully understand - I have been using Mach2/3 for 10 years now and I still don't know the half of it. But, learning can be fun so please take a look at the videos and other documentation http://www.machsupport.com/videos/ - if you really need it you will be able to do it and we are all here to help if we can.

Tweakie.

1102

Feature Requests / Re: ARC-ON TIMER AND PIERCE COUNTER IN MACH3

« on: August 07, 2017, 06:08:31 AM »

Hi Enzed,

Development of Mach3 has ended in favor of Mach4 so it is extremely unlikely that any additional functions will ever be added to Mach3 in the future. However, this should not stop enterprising Mach3 users from developing additional functions within the scope of the Screen Designer, Brains, etc.

Tweakie.

1103

FAQs / Re: Should (Can) I buy Mach 3

« on: August 07, 2017, 02:44:11 AM »

Yes you can run Mach3 under Windows10 (without installing the parallel port drivers).
Mach3 does not actually generate Gcode it just runs it.
CAM or CAD/CAM software is used to generate Gcode.
Yes you could transfer Gcode from one computer to another using a thumb drive.
No, it would be absolutely nothing like an external motion controller.

Hope this helps.

Tweakie.

1104

General Mach Discussion / Re: Laser Diode Issue. I can control it but gcode can't

« on: August 07, 2017, 01:47:50 AM »

I am not saying do it but just consider the following circuit…

The variable, inverted, PWM from Mach3 (controlled by the M3 S####) is fed into Opto1 and the output PWM is taken to ModIN on the BB8M.

This PWM signal will be…
ON when Output# is TTL Low
OFF when Output# is TTL High
(Opto2 will short the isolated ‘PWM out’ to GND).

So, in your Gcode PWM is turned on and the power level set with M3 S###
Output# (and thus the laser beam) is turned ON/OFF using the M11/M10 commands.

Just a thought.

Tweakie.

1105

General Mach Discussion / Re: LIMITS ON CHINESE BOARD

« on: August 06, 2017, 06:11:11 AM »

Sorry, can't be of any help with the homing, it's something I have never used.

Tweakie.

1106

General Mach Discussion / Re: how to: wizards

« on: August 06, 2017, 06:08:33 AM »

I am going to be a perpetual student.

Yep. 

(I've been using Mach2/3 for 10 years and still learning).

Tweakie.

1107

General Mach Discussion / Re: Laser Diode Issue. I can control it but gcode can't

« on: August 06, 2017, 02:26:53 AM »

Hi Brandstu,

Welcome.

The laser will not turn off during cuts and only turns off when it is finished with the job(M5), so you see the movement lines.

Assuming your set-up allows you to turn the laser ON with M03 and OFF with M05 this problem would generally be overcome within the post-processor you are using.
Feed-rate moves (G01,G02,G03) are cut/engrave so the laser is turned ON. Rapid moves (G00) are positioning so the laser is turned OFF.
So modify your post-processor to add an M03 before each feed-rate move and an M05 before every rapid move.

This system would work and at least it would get you started.

As you will soon discover, the M3/M5 commands are slow to operate so you really need to be using the M11/M10 command set to switch the laser beam ON/OFF. You may also find that switching the PWM ON/OFF is also too slow so you will almost cirtainly need additional circuitry to switch the ModIN on the BB8M between the PWM signal and GND.

Tweakie.

1108

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Triple edge zero finding plate problems

« on: August 04, 2017, 05:29:57 AM »

Hi Ian,

Thank you for your kind words.

Tweakie.

1109

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Triple edge zero finding plate problems

« on: August 03, 2017, 07:27:28 AM »

I think we have now covered all the possibilities and my conclusion is (as you suspected) the breakout board Pin 13 is bad.

Limit switches do not need separate inputs (except for slaved axes) so they can share just one Input pin. This could free up a working Input for use with your Probe. Alternately, a new (perhaps better quality) breakout board is required ?

Tweakie.

1110

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Triple edge zero finding plate problems

« on: August 03, 2017, 02:33:54 AM »

Hi Ian,

Your .xml file is in your Mach3 folder and it is called    Mach3Mill.xml

On the attached image I have marked pin 13. Is this the pin you are using ?

By changing the Mach3 Probe configuration (different pin) do any of the other inputs (pins 10,11,12) work ?

Tweakie.