Messages

1721

Mach SDK plugin questions and answers. / Re: Impact engraving plugin

« on: November 27, 2016, 01:58:17 AM »

Excellent work Jan, my congratulations.

Tweakie.

1722

MACH TOOL BOX / Re: Parallel port configuration

« on: November 27, 2016, 01:43:59 AM »

Voltages on the various pins can be anything when Windows starts but once Mach3 starts they will be under control (assuming you have the Mach3 parallel port driver installed, enabled and the correct Port address entered).

From your measurements my guess is that your onboard LPT port is bad.
Pins 18 to 25 should all be 0 volts in relation to each other (pin 24 to 25 should not measure 4.2 volts).

PCI parallel port cards are cheap and easy to obtain, I would be inclined to try one and see if that resolves the problem.

Tweakie.

1723

MACH TOOL BOX / Re: Parallel port configuration

« on: November 26, 2016, 02:05:03 AM »

Try measuring the voltages again using LPT pin 25 as the common (-ve terminal of voltmeter).

Tweakie.

1724

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Mach4 ESS not responding

« on: November 26, 2016, 01:56:37 AM »

Excellent result.

Tweakie.

1725

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3Turn ToolPath glitch in latest version 3.043.066

« on: November 25, 2016, 08:34:27 AM »

Just my opinion...

Obviously Brian could set the records straight but it is my understanding that with version .066 no additional features were added and the changes that were made related to a particular motion controller (but if you have read the change log and disagree with me then that's fine).
Popular opinion, from those that use Mach3, suggest that version .062 is the best option to be using.

Tweakie.

(please bear in mind that is is highly unlikely that any future revisions will be made to Mach3 – the product ‘is what it is’ and it is suggested that users, in their own time, move on to Mach4).

1726

Share Your GCode / Re: Total Newbie biting off more than he can chew

« on: November 25, 2016, 04:37:41 AM »

I suppose it depends on the PC processor speed but I have had files, in the past, which have taken best part of 1 minute or so to load. 

Tweakie.

1727

General Mach Discussion / Re: cnc problem

« on: November 25, 2016, 04:31:43 AM »

I agree with Dave - you should contact the supplier.

Tweakie.

1728

Share Your GCode / Re: Total Newbie biting off more than he can chew

« on: November 25, 2016, 03:39:16 AM »

If it’s any help to you I have converted your bitmap to a vector which can be loaded into LazyCam (It takes a while to load).

The LazyCam manual can be found here http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,12078.msg77415.html#msg77415

LazyCam is not the best of tools to be using but it works.


Tweakie.

1729

General Mach Discussion / Re: EXTERNAL ESTOP REQUESTED

« on: November 22, 2016, 11:13:31 AM »

Maybe different versions of Mach3 have a different response but my machines report “EStop Button Pressed” if I activate the on-screen Reset button and “External EStop Requested” if I activate the physical EStop button.

Which version of Mach3 are you using ?

Can you attach your .xml file – Copy the one from your Mach3 folder named <your profile>.xml. Rename the copy to terrymccafferty.xml and attach it using the Reply / Additional Options… tabs.

Tweakie.

1730

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: RT_Stepper USB Dongle

« on: November 22, 2016, 07:04:25 AM »

Hi Dan, welcome to the forum.

As there are already a number of very good USB to Parallel converters designed for use with Mach3 it is doubtful if it would be worthwhile writing the software to support another.

Tweakie.

(please don't make multiple posts concerning the same subject - thanks).