Messages

1961

MACH TOOL BOX / Re: Parallel port configuration

« on: November 28, 2016, 02:44:52 AM »

Unfortunately I can't say for certain that any particular card will or will not work.
If you have doubts or do not want to take the chance then it may be best to obtain one from a reputable supplier (such as CNC4PC for example) who can guarantee compatibility.

Tweakie.

1962

VB and the development of wizards / Re: M-code to turn laser on/off - Can my macro execute any faster?

« on: November 27, 2016, 11:13:41 AM »

Output 1 from a G540 will be a TTL level signal which is electronically switched and should have no discernable delay provided the M11/M10 commands are always directly followed by an axis movement.
The CRP560 does contain mechanical relays and if one of these relays is being used to switch a laser then it will cause sufficient delay to produce a late start and also an unwanted burn at the end of each line.

Tweakie.

1963

General Mach Discussion / Re: Machine not always following Mach3

« on: November 27, 2016, 06:48:40 AM »

Man, DIY stuff is fun but the school of hard knocks can be expensive and frustrating.

Yes, but it's all a great adventure, good fortune my friend.

Tweakie.

1964

VB and the development of wizards / Re: M-code to turn laser on/off - Can my macro execute any faster?

« on: November 27, 2016, 04:35:53 AM »

OK, you are using the ESS, it all makes sense.

Next question, are you still using a relay for switching your laser ?

Tweakie.

1965

VB and the development of wizards / Re: M-code to turn laser on/off - Can my macro execute any faster?

« on: November 27, 2016, 02:51:02 AM »

That's interesting, where exactly are you adding this delay ??

Tweakie.

1966

VB and the development of wizards / Re: M-code to turn laser on/off - Can my macro execute any faster?

« on: November 27, 2016, 02:33:06 AM »

M11 / M10 is the way to go.

Tweakie.

1967

General Mach Discussion / Re: Machine not always following Mach3

« on: November 27, 2016, 02:25:45 AM »

I don't have enough to go on so it is just guesses...

Guess 1.
Problems like this can result from Gcode files which do not fully meet the Mach3 criteria with respect to Modal commands.
Mach initially starts and runs just fine but when it shuts down it saves the current state of the Modal commands ready for the next run. If these commands are not re-set correctly at the start of the Gcode file then problems can arise. Check you Gcode file to ensure G90 / G91 (for example) commands are properly specified.

Guess 2.
One or more of your axes are stalling and loosing position. Check (in Motor Tuning) that your Velocity settings are no higher than 70% of the stall speed and that your Acceleration figure is 10% of the Velocity figure.

Tweakie.

1968

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

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

Excellent work Jan, my congratulations.

Tweakie.

1969

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.

1970

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.