Messages

3541

General Mach Discussion / Re: losing z-axis motor function

« on: December 01, 2015, 02:00:55 AM »

From what you describe it is not a Mach3 software problem.

If your machine has a separate axis Enable signal for the Z axis then that is perhaps the first area to check (assuming your Z axis servo motor checks out OK).

Tweakie.

3542

General Mach Discussion / Re: Losing Zero

« on: November 30, 2015, 08:00:14 AM »

Hi Guys,

Please don’t get dragged into this micro-stepping / torque myth.
There is so much garbage posted on the net about this - go to the stepper driver chip manufacturers sites for the true information regarding the micro-stepping torque figures.

Tweakie.

3543

General Mach Discussion / Re: Intermittent problem connecting Mach3 to board

« on: November 30, 2015, 04:20:13 AM »

Regarding PCI parallel port cards, this thread may be of interest   http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,11300.0.html

No idea about that breakout board because I have never tried it.

Tweakie.

3544

General Mach Discussion / Re: Intermittent problem connecting Mach3 to board

« on: November 30, 2015, 02:09:28 AM »

Those blue board controllers have a shaky reputation at best - if you don't manage to get everything working in a reasonable time period it may be best to junk the board in favor of Gecko (or similar) http://www.geckodrive.com/

My initial thoughts are that your blue board may require the older 5 volt TTL standard for it's inputs and is having difficulties with handling 3.3 volts TTL. I would be inclined to fit a new parallel port card (which has 5 volt TTL output) to the PC and see if that resolves the problem (if it does then it is a quick and cheap solution if it doesn't then not much has been lost).

Tweakie.

3545

CS-Lab / Re: CSMIO/IP-A plugin with win10 ok?

« on: November 30, 2015, 01:56:58 AM »

Hi Mike,

No, not the CSMIO - I am using the ESS (just for Mach4 evaluation etc.).

Another interesting issue (that was reported by Jeff on the Warp9 forum) is that a Win10 update changed a peripheral ID which in turn changed the PC ID and thus negated the current license file. I am not sure exactly how this could happen but it's perhaps early days yet and we will just have to wait and see what transpires with Win10.

Tweakie.

3546

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Boring with Mach3

« on: November 29, 2015, 01:51:02 AM »

Excellent work Chris.

Tweakie.

3547

General Mach Discussion / Re: Z-Axis Repeatability: Small Changes

« on: November 29, 2015, 01:26:02 AM »

In reviewing Part 3 of the Tutorial on YouTube, I saw a configuration for extending the pulse duration. The video explains that that older controllers might have problems with reversing the direction a lot, as I do in Z axis (making a PCB). The video explains that 99% of users don't need anything other than a "0" entry. Does anyone think this will help?

I think you need to try changing the value and see if it improves the situation.
(Checking my set-up I use 2 for step pulse width).

Is your Z axis stepper motor getting hot (approx. 60 deg.C) or is it running cold ??

Tweakie.

3548

CS-Lab / Re: CSMIO/IP-A plugin with win10 ok?

« on: November 28, 2015, 01:58:14 AM »

Hi Mike,

I think the long-term problems we are going to encounter with Win10 is with it’s updates which can only be deferred and not disabled.
I have just gone through the Win10 1511 / 10586 rebuild and as previously suspected Windows will replace 3rd party software with it’s own and without notification. In my case it was nothing serious, just my SoundMax integrated digital, but it proved the point. Whilst my machine PC is not permanently connected it does get the occasional dose of wi-fi for downloading later versions of Mach4 etc. and that’s when the trouble begins.

Tweakie.

3549

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Komatsu Rasor is it possible and economical ?

« on: November 27, 2015, 08:03:10 AM »

Excellent piece of equipment to 'come by'  

There was one other post on the forum recently concerning a Komatsu Rasor http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,2475.msg111917.html#msg111917 - it may be worth sending a PM to inquire how he progressed.

My views are - yes it is possible - the economics (just for movement) ~ $3000 (less if you shop wisely). Identify your drive servo type then check out the Gecko site for suitable drivers and associated parts needed.

Tweakie.

3550

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Headaches with Mach3... one of many lol (G68)

« on: November 27, 2015, 03:22:18 AM »

Perhaps I don't fully understand your intended plan with this but I think you should consider designing your pattern in CAD/CAM and specifying the X-Y Datum as the centre of the work.
This way X0, Y0 would be the centre of the pattern allowing correct Mach3, G68 rotations about that centre.

Tweakie.