Messages

2981

FAQs / Re: Losing zero reference while cutting

« on: December 28, 2014, 01:45:37 AM »

Hi Scott,

From what you describe it sounds like the problem may all be down to the PC.
Run the DriverTest.exe (Mach3 folder) and see what results you get.

Tweakie.

2982

FAQs / Re: Losing zero reference while cutting

« on: December 27, 2014, 12:15:47 PM »

Hi Scott,

I am sorry that did not resolve the problem. A few questions for you...

Which axis is going wrong and in which direction ?
How much is it wrong (approx.) ?
Do the Mach3 DRO's show the correct position ?
Does the machine make any unusual noise when the error occurs ?
Have you thoroughly checked all mechanical parts, in particular for loose couplings / grub screws etc. ?

Posting a picture of the work, showing the problem, would be helpful (use Additional Options)

Tweakie.

2983

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to switch incremental or absolute distance mode in Mach3?

« on: December 27, 2014, 04:51:48 AM »

Within Mach3;  Config. / General Config. set "Distance Mode" Absolute / Incremental.

I think you would have to add a screen button (or two) with CB code to toggle between the two states using a defined hotkey / keys.

Tweakie.

2984

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: mach3 not loading gcode

« on: December 27, 2014, 02:04:43 AM »

Go into the Diagnostics screen and check that you have not inadvertently turned off the Toolpath Display (lower left of screen).

Tweakie.

2985

FAQs / Re: Losing zero reference while cutting

« on: December 27, 2014, 02:00:55 AM »

You are still not giving me much information to go on. 

Try reducing your Velocity and Acceleration settings (in Motor Tuning) by 50% then save the changes for each axis. See if this solves the problem.

Tweakie.

2986

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to switch incremental or absolute distance mode in Mach3?

« on: December 27, 2014, 01:50:46 AM »

The Gcodes;  G90 switches to Absolute and G91 to Incremental moves.

Tweakie.

2987

FAQs / Re: Losing zero reference while cutting

« on: December 26, 2014, 05:04:26 AM »

You say "cutting in the wrong place" - could you be more specific, where abouts is it cutting in the wrong place ??
A picture of the problem would be good.

Tweakie.

2988

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: congreve clock

« on: December 24, 2014, 09:41:52 AM »

Excellent work Graham - thanks for posting the video link, it's nice to see it in action.

Tweakie.

2989

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Should I start out with Mach4?

« on: December 23, 2014, 04:00:11 AM »

For what it's worth, my advice would be to start out with Mach3 (no need to purchase the license at this stage) then get your machine up and running (using Gcode programs less than the 500 line limit for the demo).

Once you have sorted all the problems (if you encounter any) and have a good working knowledge of operating your new CNC machine then install Mach4 (you can have and use both Mach3 and Mach4 on the same PC) and use the experience gained to set-up and start using Mach4. Please bear in mind that some of the functions have not yet been fully finished within Mach4 at this moment in time so, although it is a fully functioning software it is not yet complete.

There are many threads here (go to the main page then use the search box at the top) relating to suitable Parallel Port cards - this one may help http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,11300.0.html

Tweakie.

2990

General Mach Discussion / Just a general question…

« on: December 21, 2014, 07:35:57 AM »

Whilst using Mach3 with the Parallel Port - when running a stepper motor at a constant speed of 2000 rpm the pitch of the sound it produces, very occasionally, has a momentary slight change. Increasing the speed to 2500 rpm - this slight change of pitch ‘phenomenon’ generally causes the motor to stall.
Fitting a ‘dampener’ (in the old days, used to overcome ‘mid band resonance’) overcomes the stall and for the most part cures the problem (maybe fitting a suitable ‘flywheel’ may also work just as well).

I suspect that the aforementioned ‘momentary change of pitch’ is a glitch in the step pulse chain which may be Mach3 related or Windows related, I don’t know which, but I am wondering if anyone else has trod this route and has found any answers.

My next task will be to try an external motion controller and see if the ‘phenomenon’ persists but at the present it is all bit of a mystery.

Tweakie.