Messages

2511

SmoothStepper USB / Re: High output rate utilization

« on: November 09, 2016, 02:21:41 AM »

As far as the PC is concerned, the official word is...

Mach4 Recommended Requirements:

PREFERRED: 32 or 64-bit Laptop or Desktop – Using an External Motion Controller
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
An appropriate external motion controller
Mach4 Plugin for the selected Motion Controller
2Ghz CPU
1GB RAM
Video Card with 256MB RAM(Large G-code files, especially 3D files will require a video card with 512MB RAM or higher)

My recommendation here would be for a video card with at least 1GB RAM.

As far as the machine mechanicals are concerned, well, I think that would depend on the CNC working area, design/type of CNC and the speed at which you need the axes to move.

Tweakie.

2512

General Mach Discussion / Re: About V.B. script

« on: November 08, 2016, 10:33:56 AM »

From the Cypress Enable Language Reference...

The command  Beep
Sounds a tone through the computer's speaker.  The frequency and duration of the beep depends on hardware, which may vary among computers.
 
Tweakie.

2513

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

« on: November 08, 2016, 08:19:28 AM »

Hi Rafael,

Welcome to the forum.

If you post your question (giving us information about your machine and the CAD/CAM software you are using) as a new topic in the general section it is more likely to receive a response and possible solution to the problem.

Tweakie.

2514

Share Your GCode / Re: Total Newbie biting off more than he can chew

« on: November 08, 2016, 02:54:47 AM »

Hi Tony,

Unfortunately your .dxf was not uploaded correctly, perhaps you could try again.
The .jpg you have provided is not that good a quality for me to produce a reasonable  .dxf without an awful lot of correction work.

I don’t think the logo you have chosen is too complex but it may be wise for you to start out with something real simple until you get the hang of using your machine and all the software’s involved. Bear in mind that Mach3 has a 500 line Gcode limit when operating in Demo mode.
Once you get a good vector drawing (.dxf) then there are many software’s (some free, some paid-for) which will generate a Gcode engraving toolpath then away you go on the great CNC adventure.

Tweakie.

2515

FAQs / Re: Coordinates shifting mid-program

« on: November 08, 2016, 02:18:22 AM »

Try reducing your Velocity and Acceleration by 50% for both the X and Y axes in Motor Tuning (saving the changes after each change).

If this resolves the problem then fine tune your motor settings for best performance consistent with reliable operation.

Tweakie.

2516

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mdi is not a MODE

« on: November 08, 2016, 02:08:35 AM »

Hi Mike,

I don’t think there is any argument that by fitting the external Start/Stop button you did exactly what you thought was right - however, as you have discovered, this action does have it’s consequences.

“Crashed a 3/4 endmill 1 inch deep into the vice at G0 speed.  Broke endmill, destroyed hard jay on chuck and broke retaining stud on cat 40 tool holder)”

Since you have discovered this issue exists (on your particular set-up) you should now be looking at this in a positive way and investigating the introduction of an interlock so that it cannot happen again in the future.

If responsibility is to be apportioned it lies with you and you alone.


Tweakie.

2517

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: License questions

« on: November 06, 2016, 08:06:34 AM »

Hi Mike,

This is a very interesting question – may I suggest you contact Scott directly and seek his advice on the best option.
This can be done by using the contact form http://www.machsupport.com/contact-us/

Tweakie.

2518

General Mach Discussion / Re: G73, but not really G73

« on: November 05, 2016, 10:14:00 AM »

Try this.

Go to Config, ports and pins, Mill options, G73 pull back dro.

Mike

Excellent info Mike - something else I have learnt.

Tweakie.

2519

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 - UC100 - OX - Stepper stutter and stop

« on: November 05, 2016, 06:02:39 AM »

Please don’t take this the wrong way, I am not being picky just making a few suggestions regarding your wiring based on what I would try…

The inputs wiring (Estop, switches etc.) needs to be shielded right up to the BoB then the shield taken to the single point Earth. The switch ends of these cables need to be shielded close up to the switch but the shield left unconnected.
Earthing to various points on the metal backing plate is not a good idea – Earth to the single point only.
It looks like you are running a.c. wiring together with your TTL level signal wires – not a good idea.
Move the UC100 away from your a.c. wiring and perhaps connect it direct to the BoB without that extension cable.

Tweakie.

2520

FAQs / Re: Setting Mach 3 Port to PCI parallel port address

« on: November 04, 2016, 01:59:41 AM »

What is the make and model of your controller ?

Tweakie.