Messages

2691

General Mach Discussion / Re: Machine not always following Mach3

« on: November 27, 2016, 02:25:45 AM »

I don't have enough to go on so it is just guesses...

Guess 1.
Problems like this can result from Gcode files which do not fully meet the Mach3 criteria with respect to Modal commands.
Mach initially starts and runs just fine but when it shuts down it saves the current state of the Modal commands ready for the next run. If these commands are not re-set correctly at the start of the Gcode file then problems can arise. Check you Gcode file to ensure G90 / G91 (for example) commands are properly specified.

Guess 2.
One or more of your axes are stalling and loosing position. Check (in Motor Tuning) that your Velocity settings are no higher than 70% of the stall speed and that your Acceleration figure is 10% of the Velocity figure.

Tweakie.

2692

Mach SDK plugin questions and answers. / Re: Impact engraving plugin

« on: November 27, 2016, 01:58:17 AM »

Excellent work Jan, my congratulations.

Tweakie.

2693

MACH TOOL BOX / Re: Parallel port configuration

« on: November 27, 2016, 01:43:59 AM »

Voltages on the various pins can be anything when Windows starts but once Mach3 starts they will be under control (assuming you have the Mach3 parallel port driver installed, enabled and the correct Port address entered).

From your measurements my guess is that your onboard LPT port is bad.
Pins 18 to 25 should all be 0 volts in relation to each other (pin 24 to 25 should not measure 4.2 volts).

PCI parallel port cards are cheap and easy to obtain, I would be inclined to try one and see if that resolves the problem.

Tweakie.

2694

MACH TOOL BOX / Re: Parallel port configuration

« on: November 26, 2016, 02:05:03 AM »

Try measuring the voltages again using LPT pin 25 as the common (-ve terminal of voltmeter).

Tweakie.

2695

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Mach4 ESS not responding

« on: November 26, 2016, 01:56:37 AM »

Excellent result.

Tweakie.

2696

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3Turn ToolPath glitch in latest version 3.043.066

« on: November 25, 2016, 08:34:27 AM »

Just my opinion...

Obviously Brian could set the records straight but it is my understanding that with version .066 no additional features were added and the changes that were made related to a particular motion controller (but if you have read the change log and disagree with me then that's fine).
Popular opinion, from those that use Mach3, suggest that version .062 is the best option to be using.

Tweakie.

(please bear in mind that is is highly unlikely that any future revisions will be made to Mach3 – the product ‘is what it is’ and it is suggested that users, in their own time, move on to Mach4).

2697

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

« on: November 25, 2016, 04:37:41 AM »

I suppose it depends on the PC processor speed but I have had files, in the past, which have taken best part of 1 minute or so to load. 

Tweakie.

2698

General Mach Discussion / Re: cnc problem

« on: November 25, 2016, 04:31:43 AM »

I agree with Dave - you should contact the supplier.

Tweakie.

2699

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

« on: November 25, 2016, 03:39:16 AM »

If it’s any help to you I have converted your bitmap to a vector which can be loaded into LazyCam (It takes a while to load).

The LazyCam manual can be found here http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,12078.msg77415.html#msg77415

LazyCam is not the best of tools to be using but it works.


Tweakie.

2700

General Mach Discussion / Re: EXTERNAL ESTOP REQUESTED

« on: November 22, 2016, 11:13:31 AM »

Maybe different versions of Mach3 have a different response but my machines report “EStop Button Pressed” if I activate the on-screen Reset button and “External EStop Requested” if I activate the physical EStop button.

Which version of Mach3 are you using ?

Can you attach your .xml file – Copy the one from your Mach3 folder named <your profile>.xml. Rename the copy to terrymccafferty.xml and attach it using the Reply / Additional Options… tabs.

Tweakie.