Messages

1381

General Mach Discussion / Re: 2M542 & Mach3 settings

« on: May 21, 2018, 04:17:26 AM »

I think not, it is a function of the particular computer being used and just how that computer runs Windows. Laptops often produce bad results (as well as power saving problems) and Dell computers have been reported many time in the past as having poor results.

One way forward is to use an external motion controller (such as the ESS) - there are many to choose from but those that support both Mach3 and Mach4 will satisfy your current and perhaps future needs.

1382

General Mach Discussion / Re: 2M542 & Mach3 settings

« on: May 21, 2018, 04:05:36 AM »

Hi Sharpshooterser,

I am really not sure that Driver Test provides any useful information but according to section 2.2.1 of the manual the variation in pulse timing should be small. Your pic shows quite a high variation and that may well be the cause of your motor stalling.

As a guide the pulse timing line should look something like this; 

1383

Tangent Corner / A Robin.

« on: May 20, 2018, 07:32:39 AM »

This little fella spent many days building a nest in my post-box only to have it destroyed by a fox (or perhaps a cat). Not deterred he went on to build another nest in my garden shed. The eggs have now hatched and the feeding frenzy has begun. He posed for this photo whilst looking for grubs.

Tweakie.

1384

Feature Requests / Re: Add a single line MDI with Enter property which executes like Mach3

« on: May 20, 2018, 01:59:39 AM »

As Steve has already explained you do not need to use your mouse and click Cycle Start.

Just enter your single MDI then use Ctrl-Enter to execute the command. http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,37370.msg255638.html#msg255638

Tweakie.

1385

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: The Laser Project.

« on: May 17, 2018, 08:37:55 AM »

I do wonder however whether the Mach3 plugin or DotG are smart enough to not stupidly scan the entire area line by line thereby going over large areas where engraving isn't necessary?

Nope 

Tweakie.

1386

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: The Laser Project.

« on: May 17, 2018, 07:12:28 AM »

I think I found the answer, looks like it's as simple as, the optimal wavelength is the wavelength that is absorbed by the material.

Never really thought of it that way but it certainly sounds like a very good rule of thumb.

Tweakie.

1387

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 Windows 10 update -- don't do it

« on: May 17, 2018, 06:52:10 AM »

Thanks Gerry.

Tweakie.

1388

Share Your GCode / Re: G-code help

« on: May 17, 2018, 03:15:01 AM »

Hi Marcmora,

Welcome to the forum.

Firstly you need a high resolution image of the crest then it can be traced (various software available to do this - Inkscape is free) to produce one or more .dxf's (vector files). A Gcode file can then be produced from the vector file (again various software available to do this - LazyCam is free but there are better products available).

If you use a CAD/CAM software (such as Vectric Aspire) you could create a V-Carve type of crest (also check out F-Engrave - this is free).

Overall there is a lot of work (and learning) involved in creating the required Gcode but learning can be fun 

Tweakie.

1389

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 Windows 10 update -- don't do it

« on: May 17, 2018, 01:34:23 AM »

Hi Bryanna,

It may be helpful if you could post a link to the new build version 3.043.062.

Tweakie.

1390

General Mach Discussion / Re: Switching from Mach3 to Mach4

« on: May 14, 2018, 12:02:21 PM »

If it was me...

Mach 4
Gecko G540  https://www.geckodrive.com/support.html
ESS  https://www.warp9td.com/
Vectric CAD / CAM software http://www.vectric.com/
Various other stuff, the list goes on and on 

Check out the above linked websites, there is lots of useful information there.

Tweakie.