Messages

2811

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Warp9 smoothstepper or XHC smoothstepper

« on: January 21, 2017, 10:44:20 AM »

I am probably bias because I use a Warp 9 Smooth Stepper. In it’s favour is the support given by the forum http://www.warp9td.com/index.php/kunena/index and the  multiple tutorials and video’s on the Warp 9 website regarding it’s setup and use.
The ESS can be used with Mach3 and Mach4 and it’s software / firmware is continually being updated to follow the Mach4 developments.

Tweakie.

2812

Tangent Corner / Re: Whoops !

« on: January 20, 2017, 07:02:47 AM »

Hi BluePinnacle,

Excellent video/film archive, thanks for sharing.

It’s a couple of years since I have seen a working M.A.R. Although it was just a 6 phase it still hissed like a pit of snakes but just from the appearance I can understand why the Decca Type 80 radar engineers called it the Mekon.  

Tweakie.

2813

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach not responding

« on: January 20, 2017, 01:34:39 AM »

Although you re-installed Mach3 you may still have a corrupt .xml file.
From the Mach3 / xmlbackups folder select an xb# file from a date before the problem occurred. Copy it and change the file extension to .xml then copy it into the Mach3 folder.

Tweakie.

2814

General Mach Discussion / Re: changing Jog

« on: January 20, 2017, 01:25:00 AM »

Your keyboard TAB key opens the MPG fly-out screen.

Tweakie.

2815

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 not Moving in any axis!! HELP PLEASE!!

« on: January 20, 2017, 01:21:36 AM »

You would purchase the G540 together with 4 of the 9 pin D type connectors. Your existing connectors would be replaced. It requires some delicate soldering but the stepper motor Phase A and Phase B connections (together with the current controlling resistor connections) are clearly identified (on the unit and in the documentation).

Tweakie.

2816

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 not Moving in any axis!! HELP PLEASE!!

« on: January 19, 2017, 10:09:42 AM »

One more thing to try...

Run DriverTest.exe (Mach3 folder) this will ensure that the parallel port drivers are installed and working OK.

Tweakie.

2817

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 not Moving in any axis!! HELP PLEASE!!

« on: January 19, 2017, 06:58:37 AM »

Also, I have just worked out that when I switch the actual control box off, whilst mach 3 is running a program, the vertical axis moves 1/4" then stops. thats the only way I can get any axis to move.

I take it that Mach3 runs OK when you hit Cycle Start (assuming Gcode file loaded etc.) it is just the machine that does not move.

Tweakie.

2818

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 not Moving in any axis!! HELP PLEASE!!

« on: January 19, 2017, 06:53:05 AM »

Do you have a manual (with circuit diagrams) for your existing control box ?

The first product you have linked is a USB driven motion controller and would require extra parts.

The second product you have linked may be a good replacement for your existing controller (using your existing power supply, etc.) and the wiring-up is documented by the supplier. However, please bear in mind that the cheap Chinese products sometimes work OK and sometimes they do not – there is often no backup or technical support from the supplier and you are pretty much on your own.

It costs considerably more but the Gecko G540 (http://www.geckodrive.com/geckodrive-step-motor-drives/g540.html) is probably the best product you could buy – it comes with all the technical support and backup you would ever need. Again the wiring-up is all well documented and there are plenty of people here who could help if you run into difficulties.

Tweakie.

2819

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 not Moving in any axis!! HELP PLEASE!!

« on: January 19, 2017, 02:28:19 AM »

Another thing to try…

In
Config. / Ports and Pins / Input Signals
 
Disable the Signal X++

Tweakie.

2820

FAQs / Re: Trying to run Mach 3 using a add-on PCIe parallel port card.

« on: January 19, 2017, 02:15:22 AM »

This issue has come up before and it is apparent that not all parallel port cards will operate with Mach3.
If you are unsure of the situation then the best advice would be to obtain a parallel port card from a reputable supplier (such as CNC4PC for example) who can guarantee compatibility with Mach3.

Tweakie.