Messages

2481

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 screen

« on: May 07, 2017, 01:20:12 AM »

If your machine is set-up in mm and you run a Gcode which has been prepared in Inch units then add G20 to the start of the Gcode file. This will then run the file with the correct dimension.

Ideally all Gcode should contain G20 or G21 (as appropriate) as part of the initialization string.

And as you have discovered, all Gcode files containing arcs should also contain G90.1 / G91.1 as appropriate.

Tweakie.

2482

General Mach Discussion / Re: Question/Help on Motor Tuning Dialog box

« on: May 06, 2017, 02:17:10 PM »

Hi Jim,

Unfortunately I do not know which versions allow jogging with the Motor Tuning window open so perhaps best to always close the window before jogging.

The Mach3 version considered to be the most reliable is R3.043.062 which can be downloaded from here: ftp://anonymous:guest@ftp.machsupport.com/Mach3/Mach3Version3.043.062.exe

Tweakie.

2483

General Mach Discussion / Re: Change from parallel to ESS SmoothStepper

« on: May 06, 2017, 03:36:38 AM »

Hi Steve,

First thing to do is perhaps check that you have the ESS port 1 connected correctly (pin for pin) to your BoB.

Tweakie.

2484

General Mach Discussion / Re: Question/Help on Motor Tuning Dialog box

« on: May 06, 2017, 01:42:33 AM »

I think you may have found one of the little quirks in Mach3 which is probably version specific.
I have just tried it here and I cannot get any axes to move when the Motor Tuning window is open - but all axes jog just fine when the window is closed.

The only advice I can give is that you save the settings and close the Motor Tuning window to test each axis after making any changes to it's settings.

Tweakie.

2485

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 screen

« on: May 06, 2017, 01:25:48 AM »

Hi Chuck,

not sure I understand the problem but...

Go into Config. / General Config. and change the IJ Mode. Then regenerate the toolpath. - does this resolve the issue ?

Tweakie.

2486

General Mach Discussion / Re: Z probe using a 3D printer bed levelling sensor?

« on: May 05, 2017, 08:05:42 AM »

Won't work.

I am sure it will.

The difference is additive versus subtractive machining.

Not sure that has anything to do with bed leveling or plasma top of material sensing.

I think you may need to explain your answer in a bit more detail.

Tweakie.

2487

General Mach Discussion / Re: Change from parallel to ESS SmoothStepper

« on: May 05, 2017, 04:45:47 AM »

Hi Steve,

Its not downgrading it's changing to a version that is known to work well with the ESS.

Yes, you existing .xml file will work just fine.

Tweakie.

2488

General Mach Discussion / Re: Need help urgently.

« on: May 05, 2017, 03:41:07 AM »

The 3.3 volt parallel port output could be the problem if your BoB / Driver is expecting a 5 volt TTL signal.

What make and model breakout board / driver are you using ?

Tweakie.

2489

General Mach Discussion / Re: Z probe using a 3D printer bed levelling sensor?

« on: May 05, 2017, 01:38:01 AM »

Cool gadget indeed, thanks for sharing.

Tweakie.

2490

General Mach Discussion / Re: Steeper y stopped working for no apparent reason

« on: May 05, 2017, 01:34:23 AM »

Just to clarify, when you say that your steppers are 'jamming' do you mean that they lock up solid and cant be rotated by hand or do you mean that they have stalled and can be rotated by hand but don't drive ?

Tweakie.