Messages

3351

FAQs / Re: Setting Mach 3 Port to PCI parallel port address

« on: April 22, 2014, 09:26:36 AM »

@brw0513

This changing address problem has, I think, come up before - I have never had it happen to me and I use XP with 2 parallel port cards + the on-board port so it probably relates to the particular PCI PP card you are using rather than the computer settings. You could perhaps verify that Legacy Auto Detect is not checked for the port in Device Manager but that is all I can think of.

Tweakie.

3352

General Mach Discussion / Re: Surely some Mach3 genus can answer this question?

« on: April 22, 2014, 04:47:47 AM »

I "personally" will not respond to problems with the cheap Chinese TB*********x controllers as i have  spent hours
helping a few young folks get theirs working. That was done out of feeling sorry they spent their small amount
of funds on junk! No more / never again. In fact I generally ignore any posts about those junk controllers.

I think I am now joining with you on that one Rich 

Tweakie.

3353

General Mach Discussion / Re: Surely some Mach3 genus can answer this question?

« on: April 21, 2014, 08:18:57 AM »

For the benefit of others that follow...

You can waste a lot of time and effort trying to sort out the problems associated with the cheap Chinese controller boards - if your hobby is electronics and troubleshooting  then that's fine but if you just want an accurate and reliable CNC machine it is wise to use a tried and tested, reliable, product. It will not be as cheap but it will not be as much trouble and we all perhaps get what we pay for.

Tweakie.

3354

General Mach Discussion / Re: Setting up the following statement in Mach3 for a CNC3040

« on: April 21, 2014, 08:11:44 AM »

I tend to agree with MC.

Replace the controller with something which is better quality and has good support - the Gecko G540 comes to mind http://www.geckodrive.com/geckodrive-step-motor-drives/g540.html 

Tweakie.

3355

General Mach Discussion / Re: Machine wont zero after Homing

« on: April 20, 2014, 05:06:28 AM »

Hi Piccyman,

Those Velocity and Acceleration settings are fine also although I think you may run into problems with the axes mass if fitting a Porter-Cable style of router spindle.

In my view, the object of the exercise is not to have the fastest machine on the planet but rather the most accurate and reliable.

You may want to look again at your ‘steps per unit’ as according to my calculations…

20 tooth pulley, 3mm pitch belt, 200 steps per rev stepper, 1/16 micro-stepping equates to 53.3333… steps per mm.

36 tooth pulley, 2mm pitch belt, 200 steps per rev stepper, 1/16 micro-stepping equates to 44.4444… steps per mm.

This, of course, assumes that your belt is accurate (has not stretched etc.).

Tweakie.

3356

General Mach Discussion / Re: Machine wont zero after Homing

« on: April 20, 2014, 03:58:45 AM »

Hi Martin,

Again, just my opinion…

Despite what you may have been told you do need to replace your inputs, switch wiring with shielded cables.
Looking at your pics you also need to change your ‘PSU to drivers’ wiring with a more substantial size of wire and connect ‘point to point’ not ‘daisy chained’.

Your Velocity and Acceleration settings look fine.

Tweakie.

3357

General Mach Discussion / Re: Hi, Where can i get the wiring diagram to the board of a CNC 3040?

« on: April 19, 2014, 05:41:29 AM »

I would check these components (circled red).

Tweakie.

3358

General Mach Discussion / Re: Machine wont zero after Homing

« on: April 19, 2014, 05:26:56 AM »

Hi Martin,

Sorry to hear that you are having problems getting everything to run correctly.

Just to be sure - you have set motor directions so that the origin (X zero – Y zero) is with the cutter at the bottom left hand corner of the work ??

It’s open to debate but this is what I would suggest…

Initially, I would recommend setting up your motor tuning steps per unit using 1/8 micro-stepping (there is little or no advantage in going to 1/16).
Set your motor current so that the motors will run warm to the touch but not so hot that you cannot hold your hand on them with comfort.

Check your wiring runs…
Inputs (limit / home switches, e-stop etc.) should be connected using shielded wiring, with the shield connected to a single point earth at the controller end. All other earth connections, including the machine frame, should connect to this single point earth. (If your wiring looks like a rats nest then that is asking for problems).

Mains wiring should be routed separately to the signal wiring (Inputs).

Perhaps posting a picture of what you have at present (layout of the wiring) may help with suggestions.

Hope this is of assistance,

Tweakie.

3359

General Mach Discussion / Re: Hi, Where can i get the wiring diagram to the board of a CNC 3040?

« on: April 19, 2014, 03:33:00 AM »

I would suspect that the IFR630 (or one of it’s control components) has become short circuit.

Please forgive me, I don't mean any disrespect, but better quality electronics may be the way forward.

Tweakie.

3360

Tangent Corner / How to play your CNC.

« on: April 16, 2014, 05:05:55 AM »

Previously linked to by GrandpawB on the OpenBuilds forum this Midi to GCode online converter produces surprisingly accurate results. http://en.homeconstructor.de/converter-convert-music-in-g-code.html

Just a bit of fun.

Tweakie