Messages

2381

FAQs / Re: C&c changing zeros mid program on its own

« on: April 19, 2016, 11:07:10 AM »

Please attach <your profile> .xml file -  the one from the Mach3 folder (typically Mach3Mill.xml). Copy and rename it to Solosys.xml and use the Reply tab and Additional Options to attach to your post. This file contains your machine settings and may throw some light on the problem.

Tweakie.

2382

General Mach Discussion / Re: Z Acceleration

« on: April 19, 2016, 02:07:57 AM »

One test you could perhaps do is temporarily half your Z axis Velocity and Acceleration in Motor Tuning then see if the same issue persists ?

Tweakie.

2383

General Mach Discussion / Re: Z drive confusion

« on: April 19, 2016, 02:02:16 AM »

Hi Vince,

Welcome to the forum.

The fact that it used to work good but now it doesn’t is a bit suspicious.

From what you say it is my understanding that…

If you zero the Z axis DRO and your dial test indicator then MDI a command Z 0.100 the Z axis moves ~ 0.1125 but the Z axis DRO now shows 0.1000 ?

It is unusual for a Z axis to move further than commanded on the way up (assuming there is not a counter-balance system in use).

Try the same thing on the way down. Zero everything then MDI  Z -0.100. Do you still get approx. the same error between the dial test indicator and DRO ?

Tweakie.

2384

Mach4 General Discussion / MOVED: y axis off centre after rotation

« on: April 18, 2016, 08:04:03 AM »

This topic has been moved to General Mach Discussion.

http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=32393.0

2385

General Mach Discussion / Re: Tool moving to random coordinates

« on: April 17, 2016, 03:17:19 AM »

Thank you I should familiarize myself with the manual properly

I don't think you can expect to learn it all (there are parts I still don't fully understand) but the combination of manual and hands-on experience seems to win out in the end. 

Tweakie.

2386

General Mach Discussion / Re: Tool moving to random coordinates

« on: April 17, 2016, 02:46:29 AM »

I can 100% confirm that when entering g0 then the axis and a number it moves to that location in work coordinates. So if you zero x and then enter g0x20 it moves 20mm in axis x and if you enter the same again it doesnt move at all. Is this abnormal?

That is exactly as is should be when working in Absolute mode. The X axis is already at X20 so no movement is necessary.

On the other hand, if you were working in Incremental mode then the X axis would move another 20mm.

This is all explained, much better than I can, in the Mach 3 Manual. http://www.machsupport.com/help-learning/product-manuals/

Tweakie.

2387

Promote and discuss your product / Re: 5 axis kinematics plugin now available

« on: April 17, 2016, 02:20:21 AM »

Absolutely brilliant work, my congrats on your stunning achievement with this project.

Tweakie.

2388

General Mach Discussion / Re: z-axis only goes one direction

« on: April 16, 2016, 02:50:36 AM »

IOW how do you prevent this from happening? 

I am not sure you can actually prevent it from happening but on occasions when the .xml is being updated in 'real-time' then making a number of changes to the configuration in quick succession can often cause the problem.

On the other hand, when the .xml is only updated at program close it is very rare for a corrupt .xml to be created.

Tweakie.

2389

General Mach Discussion / Re: z-axis only goes one direction

« on: April 15, 2016, 01:58:51 AM »

I think you may have answered your own question - looks like you had a corrupt .xml file (which is not that hard to do when using the Smooth Stepper if you make a number of config. changes too quickly).

Tweakie.

2390

General Mach Discussion / Re: Z-Probe macro for inches and millimeters

« on: April 15, 2016, 01:49:19 AM »

There is no problem including the G20 in the initialization string to force the machine to operate in Inch units of dimension.
It is however always best to have Mach3 set-up with separate profiles for Inch and Millimeter units and then choose the appropriate profile at start-up.

Different versions of Mach3 may behave differently when it comes to the units of Feed-Rate so, unless someone else knows for sure, I will have to carry out a few tests on my machine regarding G20/G21 and F#### and report back on this one.

Tweakie.