Messages

4091

Mach SDK plugin questions and answers. / Re: Impact engraving plugin

« on: July 27, 2015, 02:13:01 AM »

I would set the running current dip switches at their lowest current setting to start with. If the magnet stays cool during operation then increase the current setting until such time as the magnet runs warm to the touch (but not exceeding 60 deg.C).

As for the other dip switch settings I think S2 should be OFF but you will just have to experiment with the others to find the best combination (I would start with S2 OFF and all others ON).

Tweakie.

4092

Mach SDK plugin questions and answers. / Re: Impact engraving plugin

« on: July 26, 2015, 10:58:05 AM »

I'm looking at a TB6560 TB6560 3A Driver Board x2  (single axis board) found on eBay.
I do understand that I only need to use the A+ and A- (or B+ and B-).

The question is that it has 6 inputs and I'm not sure how to connect it.
Any guidance for starting would be appreciated as I don't want to fry anything!

The driver board information says that 5Volt signals are expected - firstly check that your computer's LPT parallel port is outputting 5 Volt signals rather than 3.3 Volt signals (a task for a multimeter).

For the inputs...
All that is needed is an LPT output pin (configured in Mach3 as an Active High axis step pin) connected to the driver board CLK +
and a Gnd (any of the LPT pins 18-25) connected to both the driver board CLK - and EN -
A suitable psu is connected to GND / +24

For the output...
The electromagnet connects to A+ / A- (or B+ / B-)


Tweakie.

4093

Forum suggestions and report forum problems. / Re: Z Axis

« on: July 26, 2015, 05:29:06 AM »

Hi Terry,

Just my thoughts...

If the Z axis DRO continues counting down while the axis is on walkabout then the chances are that the problem lies in your Gcode.
If the Z axis DRO continues counting both up and down while the axis is on walkabout then I would suspect that the axis direction signal is not being properly recognized by the controller. 
If the Z axis DRO stops counting while the axis is on walkabout then you need to look at your driver hardware.

Tweakie.

4094

Mach SDK plugin questions and answers. / Re: Impact engraving plugin

« on: July 26, 2015, 03:10:37 AM »

Hi Vogavt,

My apologies if I have confused the issue.  As you will have already read…

Andrea found that electromagnets ‘stall’ in the same manner as stepper motors ‘stall’ and he used this principle to drive his magnet from one phase of a bipolar stepper motor driver. This is probably the easiest method to at least get started with impact engraving and as you have mentioned another single axis driver board will be required. As only the ‘step’ pulse is required you may not need to fit a second parallel port.

In the quest for more speed and higher impact force I have turned to higher drive voltages and TTL / Transistor switching of the magnet but this requires some knowledge of electronics / circuit diagrams etc.

The whole process (and the software plugin)  is perhaps still experimental because I believe we have not yet found the best way so please report back on your progress and we can all learn together.

Tweakie.

4095

General Mach Discussion / Re: Machine gets wacky after tool change.

« on: July 25, 2015, 08:21:40 AM »

Could you perhaps post your .xml file of the profile you are using for this machine ( rename it to something unique ie. Bhoh.xml ).

Tweakie.

4096

General Mach Discussion / Re: After install newer mach3 version stuttering movement

« on: July 25, 2015, 03:32:35 AM »

I suspect the problem lies with the Leafboy as it's USB / driver software has been tailored to the earlier versions of Mach3. Their website says it is suitable for use with Mach3 R3,043.066 and it may be worth downloading their latest plugin and seeing if it makes any difference.  http://leafboy77.com/index.php/en/home/16-english-categories/mach3/usb-motion/card-akz250/1-mach3-usb-motion-card-akz250

It may also be worth contacting the manufacturers and asking the question.

Tweakie.

4097

General Mach Discussion / Re: After install newer mach3 version stuttering movement

« on: July 24, 2015, 10:55:43 AM »

Curious one this - which motion controller are you using ??

Tweakie.

4098

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: July 24, 2015, 01:59:32 AM »

Hi Scipio,

Welcome to the forum.

My best advice would be to stick with Mach3, purchasing a license after you are satisfied that it meets all your needs.

(I have been using Mach2 / Mach3  for 12 Years now and although I have Mach4 I am still using Mach3)

Just post any future questions you may have as a New Topic in the General section.

Tweakie.

4099

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problem Using Mach3

« on: July 24, 2015, 01:49:51 AM »

I am pleased you managed to get it sorted.

Tweakie.

4100

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Final Machine!

« on: July 23, 2015, 12:18:35 PM »

An excellent looking (and performing) build - thanks for sharing the information and video.

Tweakie.