Messages

2371

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Zero Z-axis Metric

« on: May 11, 2017, 07:54:24 AM »

Hi Fred,

Try this modified script.

Tweakie.

2372

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Zero Z-axis Metric

« on: May 11, 2017, 07:39:42 AM »

Hi Fred.

If you touch your probe to the plate does the Digitize LED on the Diagnostics page illuminate?

Tweakie.

2373

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Zero Z-axis Metric

« on: May 11, 2017, 07:19:00 AM »

Hi Fred,

Something else is wrong.  

The script says raise the Z axis 10 mm (Code "G0 Z10") so why is it going down ?
If you go into the MDI screen and Zero the Z axis then Input G0 Z10 and press Return does the Z axis raise up 10 mm and the Z axis DRO show +10.0000 ?

Tweakie.

2374

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Zero Z-axis Metric

« on: May 11, 2017, 05:37:46 AM »

Hi Fred,

This one is very basic but it should do the job.

Tweakie.

2375

Share Your GCode / Re: Demo Gcode

« on: May 11, 2017, 02:22:47 AM »

These little positioning discs are not intended to be gears but because of the symmetrical nature of the teeth they do actually mesh. For anyone who wants to make one I have added the Gcode to the zip folder (disc3.tap). My material thickness is 1.5mm and the cutter diameter is 4mm.

Tweakie.

2376

General Mach Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: May 11, 2017, 01:02:20 AM »

Hi Cisco,

Welcome.

The Win7 32 bit requirement is for using the Parallel Port for PC / Machine communication.
If you use an external motion controller (there are many different types / manufacturers available - I use a Warp9 ESS) then you can use a 64 bit computer running Win10, if you choose.

Hope this helps.

Tweakie.

2377

Members Docs / Using the Parallel Port with Mach3.

« on: May 10, 2017, 07:56:08 AM »

Using the Parallel Port with Mach3.

Most computers nowadays are no longer provided with the old Cannon D type, 25 way, parallel port connector. Although this limitation can be overcome by installing a suitable PCI parallel port card there is a catch…

The old, original 5 Volt TTL standard (used in the days of parallel port printers) has to a large extent now been replaced with a new 3.3 Volt TTL standard. Many of our existing breakout boards and drivers etc. were designed for 5 Volts TTL operation and  these older devices may not operate correctly with 3.3 Volt TTL.

When buying a new PCI parallel port card, unless you are confident that your existing equipment will work with 3.3 Volt TTL, then, to be on the safe side, always get a PCI card which provides 5 Volt TTL outputs.

How do you tell the difference ?

Please refer to the following diagram (thanks to Phame)…

Firstly, ensure that your PC motherboard does in fact have a 5 Volt PCI slot.
Next choose a PCI card which has the correct cut-out position for the 5 Volt PCI slot.

This may not be a totally fool-proof method of choosing the correct 5 Volt PCI card but it at least lets us identify the 3.3 Volt cards.

One final note – the parallel port can only be used with operating systems up to (and including) Windows 7 and it cannot be used with any 64 bit operating systems.

Tweakie.

2378

General Mach Discussion / Re: Need help urgently.

« on: May 10, 2017, 01:16:45 AM »

Here is a pic showing how to tell if it is 3 or 5 volts.

Thanks for the information Phame.

Tweakie.

2379

Mach3 and G-Rex / Re: Spindle motor tuning not allowing my velocity and accel values to stick

« on: May 09, 2017, 07:30:33 AM »

Hi Tim,

Have you clicked on 'Save Axis Settings' before moving on to the next page ?

Tweakie.

2380

General Mach Discussion / Re: E-Stop not working

« on: May 09, 2017, 07:09:13 AM »

I hook up the micro switch for limits on X axis to P11 & GND and it does nothing when the switch is activated.

This switch must be using the Normally Open (N.O.) contacts and the Mach3 Input related to pin 11 must be configured as Active Low.

(The other switches are then configured in a similar manner).

Tweakie.