Messages

3661

General Mach Discussion / Re: MACH3 or 4 USB setup Question

« on: October 11, 2015, 12:30:10 PM »

The details of what is required to operate from Mach4 are here;   http://www.machsupport.com/software/mach4/

Tweakie.

3662

General Mach Discussion / Re: MACH3 or 4 USB setup Question

« on: October 11, 2015, 02:56:30 AM »

The CNC XPro has been designed for GRBL and as it stands will not operate with Mach3 or Mach4.

Tweakie.

3663

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Can't get L cam to do what I want

« on: October 11, 2015, 02:38:29 AM »

Hi Vince,

I am pleased you have made the part OK and I hope it performs it's intended task as envisaged.

Just to be critical your DXF text was IMO not that well produced, comprising many short, straight lines that were not joined and perhaps that would not work all that well with LazyCam.
I now use Vectric software ( http://www.vectric.com/ ) CAD / CAM complete with Mach3 / 4 compatible post processor is the way forward, the only restriction being financially related.  

Tweakie.

3664

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: New guy

« on: October 10, 2015, 02:20:43 AM »

I am not certain what is causing the problem with loading LazyCam that you are describing - it can be loaded as part of the Mach3 install and is usually quite painless. Perhaps un-install and re-install Mach3 including LazyCam and see if that cures the problem.

In the meantime and if it's any help, there are others using AutoCAD together with AutoLISP to create the necessary Gcode for Mach3.
The basic details can be found here;    http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/How_to_Generate_CNC_Code_Using_AutoCAD_and.html

Tweakie.

3665

General Mach Discussion / Re: Steps Per seem wrong, Halp Plz

« on: October 07, 2015, 04:30:32 AM »

You may need to read your manufacturers instruction but I don't think you should be changing any of the drivers dip switch settings without the unit being powered down first - that is certainly the case with all the drivers I have used.

Tweakie.

3666

General Mach Discussion / Re: Steps Per seem wrong, Halp Plz

« on: October 07, 2015, 02:37:10 AM »

I am curious as to why if I change the settings on the microstep drivers it makes no difference to the amount of movement?

I think you have a problem there somewhere - changing the driver's microstep settings should make a difference to the distance the machine axis travels but you may be seeing some compatibility issues with that breakout board.

Tweakie.

3667

General Mach Discussion / Re: DDSM3_V5.0 (USB controller)

« on: October 06, 2015, 07:09:02 AM »

I wrote to the factory, but they are Chinese without technical support.
Just a salesperson who's trying to help me.

I have every sympathy but that is exactly the reason that many of us do not buy the cheap products. It is often better to pay a bit more for a product (perhaps still made in China just the same)  BUT which includes good technical backup services from the supplier.

Tweakie.

3668

General Mach Discussion / Re: Steps Per seem wrong, Halp Plz

« on: October 06, 2015, 07:02:02 AM »

Hi Rocky,

Direct drive belt systems usually have a small number of steps per unit - that is just the way it is.

Please excuse me for not understanding but if your machine is working OK then what is the problem that you are having ??

Tweakie.

3669

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: Can't get L cam to do what I want

« on: October 06, 2015, 01:57:43 AM »

Hi Vince,

You will need to do a number of modifications to the code (including feeds and speeds, possible multipass and setting a depth for the engraving toolpath) because I just didn't have enough information to do it right first time. 

Out of curiosity what is it to be used for ??  (fingerboard radius gauge perhaps ?)

Tweakie.

3670

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Setting Z Floor

« on: October 06, 2015, 01:50:14 AM »

I think the only foolproof method is a mechanical endstop possibly tripping a switch which disables the axis drive.

(When using my vacuum table I use an adjustable (preset) mechanical stop but I have my Z axis drive current set such that no harm will come to the machine if the endstop is accidentally hit).

Tweakie.