Messages

3501

Mach3 under Vista / Re: Which OS to go with?

« on: January 20, 2014, 05:20:00 AM »

I am glad that you got it sorted and thanks for posting the info.

I think this "Remember to check the basics" should be the watch words for us all 

Tweakie.

3502

General Mach Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: January 20, 2014, 02:07:07 AM »

Hi Christian,

Welcome to the forum.

If you post your questions as a new topic in the general Mach discussion section you should get a response to help you resolve the problem.

Tweakie.

3503

FAQs / Re: Setting up motor tuning

« on: January 19, 2014, 05:57:49 AM »

From what you describe it is unlikely be a Mach3 problem.

I am a bit concerned that you have said "seems OK" - you really need to be absolutely certain. 

Try this and report back...
Using the arrow jog keys move each axis from end to end and listen carefully to the stepper motors sound. If it occasionally makes a stutter or tick that could be a sign of missing steps which then needs to be investigated.

Tweakie.

3504

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to mirror x and y with only 1 button?

« on: January 19, 2014, 05:46:40 AM »

Changing the Scale DRO for the left - right axis (X axis in my case) from +1.0000 to -1.0000 will mirror the GCode.

Tweakie.

3505

FAQs / Re: Setting up motor tuning

« on: January 19, 2014, 03:40:20 AM »

Hi Roy,

Al's steps per unit calculator can be found here http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,16315.0.html this should help you to get your steps per unit correct.

Firstly, I would check your machine for tightness of the couplings between lead-screws and motors (this needs to be checked properly). Next check that the axes move smoothly without any tight spots or binding, same with the lead screws / motors.
Finally, check all wiring, terminal blocks, connectors, etc. for tightness and good connection.

If this fails to resolve the problem we can move on to the next stage.

Tweakie.

3506

General Mach Discussion / Re: Skip Code?

« on: January 17, 2014, 05:45:28 AM »

Programming in "brains" is really lack luster at best. It's an attempt to provide a PLC environment ladder logic solution on the cheap. Problem is it lacks the functions to provide safe programming. In my opinion it shouldn't be used as a PLC programming replacement.

Whilst difference of opinion is a good thing and to be encouraged for those that use ‘Mach Brains’ it has been found to be an extremely useful free addition to the Mach3 software.
The bottom line is “if you don’t like ‘Mach Brains’ or they do not meet your requirement then don’t use them”, it’s a simple as that. 

Tweakie.

3507

Tangent Corner / Re: Pyrography.

« on: January 17, 2014, 02:54:42 AM »

After gaining a bit more experience this electro-engraving seems to be quite a useful process.

Tweakie.

3508

General Mach Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: January 16, 2014, 07:42:32 AM »

Hi Dave,

Welcome to the forum. There is not a specific area for plasma but if you do a search for plasma you should find plenty to read. 

Tweakie.

3509

General Mach Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: January 16, 2014, 01:46:59 AM »

Hi Stern-69,

Welcome to the forum. You should be up and running in no time with Mach3 and Design Spark as there are many different options for Gerber to GCode conversions.

Tweakie.

3510

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: 4th Axis problem

« on: January 15, 2014, 05:43:33 AM »

May I suggest initially checking that the steps per unit are correct for your rotary axis. If you command 360 deg. does it actually rotate 360 deg. ?

Tweakie.