Messages

2991

General Mach Discussion / Re: No communication between computer and controller box.

« on: December 19, 2016, 03:00:11 AM »

This problem has to be something so simple (and basic) that it is staring us in the face.

Have you tested the LPT cable with a multimeter (that pin1 is connected to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2 and so on) ?

Can you attach your <your profile> .xml file (from your Mach3 folder). You need to copy the file then rename the copy to captainleeward.xml before attaching.

Tweakie.

2992

General Mach Discussion / Re: No communication between computer and controller box.

« on: December 19, 2016, 02:24:09 AM »

Steppers look OK so it's back to the drawing board.  

Tweakie.

2993

General Mach Discussion / Re: New cnc machine running but....

« on: December 19, 2016, 01:48:27 AM »

You are making progress.

Try selecting Step Low Active for your X axis (Motor Outputs) and see if that makes a difference.

Also measure the voltage on your Parallel Port X axis Direction pin (between pin 3 and pin 25) it should change between approx. 0 volts when jogging in one direction and 5 volts when jogging in the other direction. If it only changes between approx. 0 volts and 3.3 volts then that may be the issue.

Tweakie.

2994

General Mach Discussion / Re: tool database

« on: December 18, 2016, 07:34:33 AM »

That would be very useful indeed but I have never heard of any method of importing a Vectric tool table into Mach3.

I think you have to do it the hard way 

Tweakie.

2995

General Mach Discussion / Re: oval circle

« on: December 18, 2016, 06:34:51 AM »

Hi John,

By trying Fusion 360 doing the tool comp. and the same error persisting has, I think, shown that it is not a Mach3 error.

From the information you have given I would suspect the problem is a mechanical issue with your machine, perhaps backlash, a loose set screw, etc.

Tweakie.

2996

General Mach Discussion / Re: New cnc machine running but....

« on: December 18, 2016, 03:15:49 AM »

Your wiring should be something like this, with the addition of 5Volts supply to the BoB (not sure about using a BEC as I have never tried that).

Tweakie.

2997

General Mach Discussion / Re: oval circle

« on: December 18, 2016, 01:51:15 AM »

I never use tool radius compensation within Mach3 (it's easier for me to let the CAD/CAM software take care of this) so my knowledge is limited.


First, check that you have your tool table set up correctly then try running your code again but first change the G40.1 to G40
Does this produce better roundness and dimension ?

Tweakie.

2998

General Mach Discussion / Re: No communication between computer and controller box.

« on: December 17, 2016, 08:23:33 AM »

Still on about the steppers but I notice that your pdf manual shows two different wire color configurations for the 8 wire motors. It's an off-chance but it may be worth checking (with a multimeter) the resistance of the stepper motor windings just to confirm that you have the correct center taps for the COM connections to the controller.

Tweakie.

2999

General Mach Discussion / Re: No communication between computer and controller box.

« on: December 17, 2016, 03:39:05 AM »

As you purchased the steppers and controller from the same source and the wires are identified then I am sure you have the wiring correct (sorry but I just had to ask the question).

Tweakie.

3000

General Mach Discussion / Re: No communication between computer and controller box.

« on: December 17, 2016, 01:34:43 AM »

Please excuse me for asking a really basic question but are you using unipolar stepper motors and have you checked that are they connected correctly ?

Tweakie.