Messages

2181

FAQs / Re: Stepper 4 wire bipolar configuration

« on: July 30, 2016, 04:17:12 AM »

The bit I don't get is if they are the wrong way round why does it not fight itself to turn at all.

I suppose it's a bit like walking when you put one foot in front of the other - reverse the order and you go backwards. You just have to go in one direction or the other.

When clocwise or anticlock is discused in the set up, what is the correct way.when veiwed from the rear of the steppers

Clockwise and anticlockwise are relative terms and it will depend on how your machine is constructed. The important factor is that the cutting tool moves in the correct direction with relation to the work piece.
The Mach3 manual gives directional details http://www.machsupport.com/help-learning/product-manuals/

Tweakie.

2182

FAQs / Re: Stepper 4 wire bipolar configuration

« on: July 30, 2016, 02:31:56 AM »

Use a multimeter to check continuity of the A, A- and also the B, B- pairs just to make sure you have identified them correctly. It is important that the pairs are correct but it does not matter how you connect the polarity to the controller. If a motor subsequently runs in the wrong direction this can be corrected by changing the Direction Low Active signal in the Mach3 Ports & Pins / Motor Outputs settings.

Tweakie.

2183

General Mach Discussion / Re: Cant find DXF import button

« on: July 30, 2016, 02:22:32 AM »

The DXF import was removed from the File tab when LazyCam was added (many years ago).

Open LazyCam then import your DXF there.
There is a manual for using LazyCam in the Members Documents section but you must bear in mind that LazyCam is an old and unsupported product which has been surpassed by many of the new CAD/CAM products now available.

Tweakie.

2184

General Mach Discussion / Re: Boxford VMC190 GA Scans and DWG CCT Diagram

« on: July 29, 2016, 12:11:21 PM »

Nice thought Simon unfortunately...

"This file is no longer available.
The file you are trying to access is no longer available for download.
Please contact the owner if you have any questions".

Tweakie.

2185

CS-Lab / Re: Jerky movements in complex toolpaths.

« on: July 28, 2016, 02:50:51 AM »

Well yes it should but I recently changed the aspect ratio of a previously produced milled panel contour and regenerated the toolpath (in CAD/CAM) – this converted all my nice smooth arcs into many straight lines – the result was terribly rough motion from my mill.
Mach3 is good but it’s not perfect and I ended up redrawing the panel to the new dimensions, recreating the toolpath then everything was bliss.

Tweakie.

2186

CS-Lab / Re: Jerky movements in complex toolpaths.

« on: July 28, 2016, 01:58:15 AM »

Just a wild thought and grasping at straws here but have you looked at your CAD/CAM generated toolpath - if it contains many short lines this could cause jerky motion (particularly with arcs and contours).

Tweakie.

(nothing to do with the problem but the diode, below the 3PR relay, appears to be connected incorrect polarity).

2187

FAQs / Re: X axis not functioning properly

« on: July 28, 2016, 01:36:26 AM »

The HiCon Integra is an Ethernet driven external motion controller as far as Mach3 is concerned ( Mach3 sends the axis Direction and Step data to the HiCon which in turn provides the necessary signals to the motor drivers ).
If any axis occasionally moves in the wrong direction then it most unlikely to be related to the Mach3 setup. Check all your wiring, in particular carefully inspect the condition and security of the various connectors – perhaps reinstall Mach3 and also the HiCon plugin software.

Tweakie.

2188

FAQs / Re: X axis not functioning properly

« on: July 27, 2016, 11:06:32 AM »

Hi guys,

Are you using the parallel port or an external motion controller ?

Tweakie.

2189

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

« on: July 26, 2016, 01:31:07 AM »

Yes indeed sir the software is from ZenPoint.

So far, I have just over 6,000 songs on this box and this software allows quick and easy indexing of title, artist, album. year, etc. It has it's share of disadvantages but overall I think this is probably the best in it's price range.

Tweakie.

2190

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

« on: July 25, 2016, 07:57:23 AM »

I managed to get all the internal electrical’s fitted and connected over the weekend, still have to sort the ‘power in’ and ‘amplifier out’ connections but I have been able to test everything and so far so good – it plays like a professional.
I have decided to call it “The Juke” and the title screen has been modified accordingly.

Tweakie.