Messages

4001

General Mach Discussion / Re: Create hard disk image in a different PC ???

« on: October 12, 2015, 03:30:17 AM »

Sounds good to me. 

I use an external HD to perform exactly this same task.

Tweakie.

4002

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Problem with my X & Y

« on: October 12, 2015, 02:41:34 AM »

There are always exceptions but it is usual to configure a machine’s axes with relation to the position in which the operator will stand.
The axis moving left – right being the X axis and the axis moving toward – away being the Y axis.
The physical direction of each axis is defined in Mach3 according to the direction the tool moves over the work.
The tool movement to the right of the work is +X
The tool movement to the left of the work is -X
The tool movement to the back of the work is +Y
The tool movement to the front of the work is –Y
And just for completeness…
The Z axis movement with tool moving away from work is +Z
The Z axis movement with tool moving towards the work is –Z
And X0 , Y0 is in the front left hand corner.

Please check out the Mach3 Manual for more details. http://www.machsupport.com/help-learning/product-manuals/

Tweakie.

4003

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

« on: October 12, 2015, 02:11:04 AM »

Could you please advise me on 4-Axis USB MACH3 Motion Controller, which includes good technical backup services ?

I think this would be my choice https://www.cnc4you.co.uk/UC300-USB-Motion-Controller

Tweakie.

4004

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.

4005

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.

4006

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.

4007

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.

4008

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.

4009

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.

4010

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.