Messages

3571

General Mach Discussion / Re: H-Bot + Mach3, is it possible?

« on: October 09, 2013, 02:30:54 AM »

It is certainly possible but most existing CAD/CAM software (which produces the necessary GCode) would program separate X and Y movements so you would probably have to write your own CAD/CAM software to take advantage of the 'same direction' / 'opposite direction', combined X-Y stepper rotations.

I don't really see any advantage to using the H-Bot configuration as opposed to conventional X - Y movement but perhaps there is one.

Tweakie.

3572

General Mach Discussion / Re: Glitch when moving the tool path screen.

« on: October 08, 2013, 02:00:01 AM »

Mach4 wont have that issue but just hoping I live long enough to see it released

Tweakie.

3573

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

« on: October 08, 2013, 01:49:25 AM »

Hi everyone. I have just purchased a used Shopmaster Bridgemill. It is fully CNC (4 axis) and is set up with Mach3. I will use a different computer than the previous owner and wonder if I should use Windows 7 or XP professional? There is an existing license. Can I get it up and running on the existing license or do I need to buy a new one right away? I am new to CNC and just want to get it set up initially. It is just for hobby use and to learn. As I get going I have no issue getting a new license, but I first need to get the unit up and running. Any direction would be appreciated. Like many newbies to CNC I have a lot to learn. Mach3 seems to be the best choice seeing that the the machine and the control box was operational with Mach3. It would seem logical to stay with it.

In my opinion it is probably best to use the same Windows operating system as was originally used with the machine.

Regarding the licence - according to the terms and conditions a licence is not transferable but you should check with licensing http://www.machsupport.com/contact-us/ as there may be exceptions under certain circumstances.

Tweakie.

3574

FAQs / Re: help cnc 3020, executing the engraving from a mach 3 GCode help

« on: October 06, 2013, 08:22:19 AM »

Just a guess but perhaps you have changed the units from imperial to metric ? (Config / Select Native Units)

Tweakie.

3575

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 Visual Studio 2008-2013

« on: October 06, 2013, 06:54:11 AM »

As always, excellent work Jason. 

Tweakie.

3576

General Mach Discussion / Re: Laser Crosshair

« on: October 06, 2013, 06:48:04 AM »

This is the button script that I use to turn the cross-hair on / off from the same screen button (I am using Output #5 to switch the device)

If IsOutputActive(OUTPUT5) Then ‘Check to see if its on
DeActivateSignal(OUTPUT5) ‘Its on so turn it off
Else
ActivateSignal(OUTPUT5) ‘Its off so turn it on
End If

(If it's any help, further detals are here http://www.cooperman.talktalk.net/files/17.htm)

Tweakie.

3577

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: My homemade torque converter

« on: October 04, 2013, 11:22:50 AM »

Nice work Robert. 

Tweakie.

3578

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 won't run program

« on: October 03, 2013, 12:25:45 PM »

Hi Jim,

It sounds like you may have the crop circles issue. If so then this relates to the way in which your arcs have been created in your CAD/CAM software.
Within Mach3, Config / General Config - change the IJ Mode - that shouldl resolve the current problem.
In the long term you should modify the post processor from your CAD/CAM software to include the G90.1 (absolute) or G91.1 (incremental) command as appropriate.

Tweakie.

3579

General Mach Discussion / Re: PCB Milling advice and help

« on: October 03, 2013, 07:53:00 AM »

Hi Jomac,

The standard GBR Gerber files can be processed with LazyCam to create the GCode. Perhaps worth a try ?

Tweakie.

3580

General Mach Discussion / Re: Newbie help request: Limit stops and configuring MAch 3 for them

« on: October 03, 2013, 07:41:00 AM »

Hi Menglor,

I would use 6 limit switches and it will make no difference to Mach3 operation if they are connected to separate inputs or if they are all connected in series to just one input - they can still be used for homing and limit.

Tweakie.