Messages

1271

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 is not talking to Breakout board

« on: September 06, 2017, 01:52:55 AM »

hi,
I hope someone can help me with my mach3... I've bought new breakout board and trying to connect with mach3, I already change the port address to my mach3 but when I load G-Code it not even move. how should I know that breakout board is connected to mach3?

Can you provide details (make, model, etc.) of your Breakout board and your CNC controller.

Also which PC operating system are you using ?

Tweakie.

1272

General Mach Discussion / Re: Sherline Lathe 4410 - very new to CNC

« on: September 06, 2017, 01:31:34 AM »

Hi Donnie,

With regard to the Gcode it is usual to use a CAD/CAM software (such as Vectric) where the desired part / item can be designed from scratch or imported as a DXF and drawn then, using it’s Post Processor, the Gcode is created then loaded into Mach3 for machining.

There is a very basic CAD/CAM in LazyCam (which comes free with the Mach3 download / install) – this can get you started but be prepared to purchase a more sophisticated package as you needs grow.

Tweakie.

1273

General Mach Discussion / Re: All the Gear and No Idea (as to why nothing happens)

« on: September 05, 2017, 10:42:11 AM »

Hi Basil,

You perhaps need more details from the supplier of your controller regarding spindle control but my guess is that it is just manually operated.  

If your 4th axis (A axis) is connected and not Inhibited within Mach3 (Settings (Alt-6) page) then you should be able to control it’s rotation from the MDI (Alt-2) page.
For example Input…
F500
G0 A100
(Pressing Return after each entry).
The axis should now rotate 100 units.
The A axis has to be set-up with steps per unit Velocity and Acceleration in Motor Tuning like the other axis etc.

Hope this helps.

Tweakie.

1274

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

« on: September 05, 2017, 07:48:28 AM »

Another is on the way.

Tweakie.

1275

Forum suggestions and report forum problems. / Re: Wanted

« on: September 05, 2017, 07:39:48 AM »

Good suggestion, so far we have managed with a 'Wanted' Ad in the 'Bargain Basement' section http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/board,42.0.html but I am sure the forum could always be improved.

Tweakie.

1276

General Mach Discussion / Re: All the Gear and No Idea (as to why nothing happens)

« on: September 05, 2017, 07:11:53 AM »

Hi Basil,

Config. / Ports and Pins / Input Signals / EStop - change the Active Low to a tick. That should reverse the operation to how it should be 

Tweakie.

1277

General Mach Discussion / Re: All the Gear and No Idea (as to why nothing happens)

« on: September 05, 2017, 06:50:10 AM »

Hi Basil,

I am not certain that your control box contains a spindle on/off relay (at least it cannot be seen in the photo's) and the port and pin data you posted earlier does not mention spindle control. I think you may only have manual spindle control at this moment in time.

Can you see a relay ?

Tweakie.

1278

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Using an M98 sub call as a GOTO

« on: September 05, 2017, 04:26:56 AM »

If your machine (Mach3 set-up) is set to operate in Metric units and your CAD/CAM working is in Metric units then your Post Processor should add a G21 towards the beginning of the Gcode file it produces.

Check that you do indeed have BobCam set to operate in Metric units.

Try adding a G21 to the beginning of your Gcode file.

Tweakie.

1279

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Using an M98 sub call as a GOTO

« on: September 05, 2017, 03:34:11 AM »

Could it be my post processor (mill plasma) that is set to inches?

Check your generated Gcode - does it contain a G20 or a G21 ?

Tweakie.

1280

General Mach Discussion / Re: All the Gear and No Idea (as to why nothing happens)

« on: September 05, 2017, 01:13:49 AM »

Hi Basil,

The next step is to decide if you will be working in Metric or Imperial units and calculating your Steps per Unit - there is a calculator here;  http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,16315.0.html

Once that is done then fine tune everything (setting Velocity & Acceleration in Motor Tuning) to obtain best and 100% reliable performance.

All this is best done with reference to the Mach3 manual as I have only mentioned the basics here.

Tweakie.