Messages

2461

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to create customized drawing of G-code?

« on: May 11, 2017, 08:33:14 AM »

But I need to get the data about a loaded g-code and custom draw it.

This is need for the machine operator.

I think you are expecting too much from Mach3 which is just a Machine Controller - it does not have a CAD function as such.

Tweakie.

2462

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to create customized drawing of G-code?

« on: May 11, 2017, 08:16:05 AM »

You can, to some extent, do this using the 'Teach' function and the keyboard arrow keys but I suggest you use a CAD/CAM program - it does a much better job.

Tweakie.

2463

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

« on: May 11, 2017, 07:54:24 AM »

Hi Fred,

Try this modified script.

Tweakie.

2464

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.

2465

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.

2466

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.

2467

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.

2468

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.

2469

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.

2470

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.