Messages

2381

Mach3 under Vista / Re: Mach3 G41/G42 G68 will it ever get fixed?

« on: March 13, 2017, 04:28:24 AM »

Hi Col,

Welcome to the forum.

Given that it's not free software, will it EVER get fixed?

There is no further development of Mach3
( also - There are a number of functions that are limited when Mach3 is operated in Demo mode ).

and if not is it properly and fully implemented on Mach 4?

I have never tried it but if it's not fully implemented then it will be

and if so it is true that instead of running on an old PC through a parallel port I'd need to buy and fit a 3rd party add on card to my 4030 contoller?

There is a Mach4 legacy parallel port plugin but there are Win OS requirements http://www.machsupport.com/shop/parallel-port-legacy-plugin-for-mach4/

A motion controller (such as the Warp9 ESS but there are many different makes available to choose from) is, I think, the best option when using Mach4

That seems like a whole lot of unnecessary trouble and expense to go to for complete home NC novice to have to put himslef through just to get cutter comp that works.

Maybe

Tweakie.

2382

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mill problem?? Having a crazy jitter

« on: March 11, 2017, 02:16:52 AM »

Hi Zach,

When you are ready to purchase a genuine Mach3 license I recommend you buy direct from Artsoft  http://www.machsupport.com/shop/mach3/
(recently, one of the authorized distributors has been identified as peddling fake licenses).

Tweakie.

2383

General Mach Discussion / Re: My machine works fine for a short time then it goes wild and goes up and down

« on: March 10, 2017, 08:17:52 AM »

Can you perhaps give us more details about your machine and the motion controller you are using ?

Tweakie.

2384

Building or Buying a Wood routing table.. Beginnners guide.. / Re: newbie

« on: March 10, 2017, 03:03:19 AM »

Hi Skatcat,

Check that you have actually released the EStop switch and it is working OK (there have been reports of an internal plastic clip which is factory fitted to prevent the EStop releasing - if this is the case then the clip has to be removed).

Sounds hard but my best recommendation is that you seriously consider replacing that T-D controller with a Gecko G540 http://www.geckodrive.com/geckodrive-step-motor-drives/g540.html
Also check out the Support pages on the Gecko site - their products are tip-top and the customer backup services are second to none.

Tweakie.

2385

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mac3 software

« on: March 09, 2017, 08:11:32 AM »

Sounds like a bad install.

Try re-installing Mach3 (version R3.043.062 would be best) and see if that cures the problem.

Tweakie.

2386

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mill problem?? Having a crazy jitter

« on: March 09, 2017, 05:47:40 AM »

From your earlier posts I assume you are still using the RnR USB motion controller. From another member’s tests it has been shown that the Direction signal from this board is not persistent but is resent following a break in the Step signal train. Your stepper glitch is indicating such a break in the data stream and that could explain it running backwards slightly then correcting itself.
This is not a Mach3 problem per say but your PC could be interrupting the data stream by carrying out other tasks as may be associated with power saving features (allowing USB devices to power down, screensaver, hard drive power down, etc., etc.). It could also be associated with electrical noise spikes etc. Fitting clip-on ferrites at each end of the USB cable between the PC and the RnR may help.
What bugs me is that this glitch is happening in more or less the same place and that I just can’t explain or understand but I will keep digging.

Tweakie.

2387

General Mach Discussion / Re: sudden onset of Stepper stalling

« on: March 09, 2017, 02:11:54 AM »

It's only a guess but check the case temperature of your Z axis stepper motor when this problem happens.
Just as a guide it should run at around 60 deg. C   If it is lower than this then you could try increasing your drive current by one setting.

Tweakie.

2388

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help with signals/motors for "Blacktooth" laser cutter

« on: March 09, 2017, 01:55:58 AM »

Hi Robert,

I think you also need to contact Build your CNC and get a wiring diagram from them and any other information they have regarding the Blacktooth (they charge megga bucks for their stuff so they should provide excellent support).

In the meantime I will see if I can dig up any additional information.

Tweakie.

2389

General Mach Discussion / Re: What would be the best sensor method to detect spindle speed?

« on: March 08, 2017, 04:31:34 AM »

Hi Michael,

Series relay sounds good but you may also need to use a shunt (unless the relay coil can handle the spindle motor current). Another approach may be to use a current transformer to drive the relay.

Tweakie.

2390

General Mach Discussion / Re: mxl files

« on: March 08, 2017, 04:17:59 AM »

Excellent. 

This is perhaps a lesson to us all - a backup copy of our Mach3 folder may, one day, save us hours of work.

Tweakie.