Messages

2741

General Mach Discussion / Re: I/O card help

« on: February 07, 2017, 01:19:45 AM »

It takes 3-24 volts.  As you can see in the photo the +5V led is lit.  Not sure what that means.  Can I tap off that for current?

No.


As explained earlier, on your FP-48, the 10(+) terminal is connected to +12 volts (which is already available on the FP-48) and the 10(-) terminal is your probe input. Follow the instruction that come with your probe to connect it all up.

Tweakie.

2742

General Mach Discussion / Re: z axis and xpod problem 6040z

« on: February 06, 2017, 07:03:54 AM »

I presume you are not using an XPod for wireless connection but a USB cable ?

If this is the case then any reference to xpod indicates some problems within the USB plugin for your controller. Try uninstalling and deleting the plugin and then re-installing.

Tweakie.

2743

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mill Problems

« on: February 06, 2017, 03:04:25 AM »

Obviously not all stepper motor controllers are the same but (having looked at your video) it would be unusual for a stepper motor to change it’s rotational direction whilst the controller is receiving a continuous stream of step pulses (this is determined by the set-up timing between step and direction pulses).
My guess is that your data communication between the PC and the controller is being interrupted. Probably the most common cause being bad wiring or bad plug / socket connections. Thoroughly check all your connections and wiring, including inside the control box itself (plenty of Chinese electronics comes complete with solder blobs and dry solder joints).

Tweakie.

2744

General Mach Discussion / Re: I/O card help

« on: February 06, 2017, 02:40:27 AM »

To use any of the optically isolated inputs (10 to 13) on the FP-48 they have to be provided with between +5 and +12 volts (+) connection and then they can be switched ON and OFF by taking the (-) connection to GND (active low signal to Mach3).

Connect your red wire to +12 volts then connect your black wire to GND and the FP-48 on-board IO LED should illuminate. You then need to set-up your probe operation.

Tweakie.

2745

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Radius Circle is generated as Ellipse.

« on: February 06, 2017, 01:52:40 AM »

Hi Mike,

Radius (R) is a Mach3 approved method - Newfangled Wizards use R for circular pocketing.

Tweakie.

2746

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problems Getting Movement

« on: February 05, 2017, 02:56:29 AM »

Can anybody here give me a definitive answer as to the correct wiring sequence?

Sorry for the confusion.

The definitive answer is shown in the Gecko documentation. If Gecko show EStop connected between Pin 10 and Pin 12 then that is the way you should connect it.


Tweakie.

2747

General Mach Discussion / Re: About the motors

« on: February 05, 2017, 02:48:46 AM »

Generally, increase the Velocity until the motor stalls then reduce the Velocity by 30%. The Acceleration should initially be set at 10% of the Velocity figure.
After that 'trial and error' may be used for tuning to obtain best, reliable, performance.

The Mach3 manual (Section 5 and 5.5 in particular) details the setting-up procedure  http://www.machsupport.com/help-learning/product-manuals/

Tweakie.

2748

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Parallel port not recommended???

« on: February 04, 2017, 10:23:33 AM »

You still need a motion controller (or the PP plugin) to operate your G540. 

Perhaps I didn't explain it correctly - I have both the PP plugin and the ESS and comparatively the ESS is better.

Tweakie.

2749

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Parallel port not recommended???

« on: February 04, 2017, 08:42:38 AM »

I have both the parallel port plugin and an ESS motion controller working with WinXP & Mach4. Overall, the performance is a lot better when using the ESS.
My recommendation - go for a motion controller.

Mach4 is quite heavy on graphics so try your integrated video but be prepared to add a graphics card if necessary.

Tweakie.

2750

General Mach Discussion / Re: New parallel port card question

« on: February 03, 2017, 10:24:32 AM »

Not sure that I understand completely but...

Mach3 needs to be installed on the PC's Hard Drive if you wish to use the parallel port. You can download Version 3.043.062 from the .ftp site here ftp://anonymous:guest@ftp.machsupport.com/Mach3/

Tweakie.