Messages

4481

General Mach Discussion / Re: CNC Dictionary

« on: December 18, 2014, 01:50:11 AM »

You guys are killing me.  I opened every one of those files hoping to find a real dictionary.  Not. 

Since the days of this thread, Google docs if fee to all... or am I about to discover something in the next thread I search for this Holy Grail?

Your not alone OB I've been using Mach3 for over 10 years now and I still don't know the half of it.   

Tweakie.

4482

General Mach Discussion / Re: Hall of shame

« on: December 18, 2014, 01:45:04 AM »

Ok now I am going to look really stupid. I have the computer up and running n(the one with Mach three and the CNC. The one I am using to converse with you nest to it. Where do I find the xml files

Hi Cliff,

Your current .xml file is named Mach3Mill.xml (or whatever profile you are currently using .xml) and it is located in the Mach3 folder. Previous (backup) .xml files are located in the Mach3 / xmlbackups folder.

Hope this helps.

Tweakie.

4483

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Ethernet Smooth Stepper.

« on: December 16, 2014, 01:44:15 AM »

 

Tweakie.

4484

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4 Printer Port Discussions

« on: December 12, 2014, 01:46:00 AM »

Thanks Art for posting Darwin v.2157.

Mach4 v.2157 has now been posted on the web site.

( The site managed to keep in step for a while (Mach4 / Darwin versions) but that seems to have lapsed.    )

Tweakie.

4485

Mach3 under Vista / Re: Mach 3 R3.043.066 and Windows 7 problems.

« on: December 10, 2014, 04:28:03 AM »

Oh, and its running XP SP2.
Windows 7 simply wouldn't work.  I'm a patient man. i gave it a YEAR. 

Running in Admin? - JOKE.
Setting to SP2 Compatibility mode?  - HAR HAR
Trying every other fix suggested here?  -  A mockery of my every hope.

I finally gave up and went back to XP, which is still out there, hiding in the bushes.  Its awesome.
The good news is I bough that computer for 100 bucks.    I recommend doing the same, since that all that worked for me.

I DO appreciate the suggestions and trys at helping.   Good ole' Art needs to do something to make this less of an issue.

I agree with you on this - I fiddled for long enough to make me return to XP SP2. 

Tweakie.

4486

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: The Laser Project.

« on: December 10, 2014, 03:35:15 AM »

Hi Sitzme,

The plugin’s ‘fire pulse’ width is limited (it is essentially the axis step pulse) and as feed-rate is reduced the spacing between pulses increases thus producing the ‘lack of power’ problem you are experiencing.

My solution was to use an external microprocessor (PIC chip) to digitally detect the ‘fire pulse’ then extend it’s width. The prototype is a bit crude (based on a partially populated circuit board designed for my RF laser controller) and whilst I have every intention to refine this design and post it as a project, like most things, work interferes with play-time and it has been pushed to the back of the queue. The design could, I am sure, be simplified (by not having the display) as the microprocessor automatically stores the last setting (for future use) and it is easy enough to set-up by experimentation with a test sample. It requires no changes to the machine as it connects in series with the 25 way LPT cable and is just used when required.

Some while back another member posted an analogue design for pulse stretching and this works well but had limitations on the range of available pulse widths so I opted for a digital solution which can easily extend the fire pulse width right up to the start of the next pulse no matter how slow the feed-rate. His design is here http://www.prutchi.com/2012/02/04/co2-laser-engravercutter-addition-to-a-cnc-retrofitted-sieg-x2-mini-mill/


I am working on another project at present and this will probably keep me busy until the springtime but if you can wait until then I will post full constructional details of a re-designed pulse extender before the summer.

Tweakie. 

4487

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 Laser config

« on: December 10, 2014, 01:41:08 AM »

Is it normal that the laser engraves badly on pine or plywood ?

No, not really but it depends on so many factors - laser power, feed-rate, moisture content of material, laser wavelength, etc., etc.

Tweakie.

4488

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

« on: December 09, 2014, 01:55:55 AM »

Hi Lavalais,

Your other posts are here;
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,24305.30.html

Reply in that thread attaching your .xml file as Hood requested and I am sure he will find your problem.

Also check out the Mach3 manual (section 4) for more info on switch wiring and active High / Low input states etc.
http://www.machsupport.com/help-learning/product-manuals/

Tweakie.

4489

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 Laser config

« on: December 09, 2014, 01:32:25 AM »

Hi Hydro,

I think some materials just laser engrave better than others and you need to continue, as you are doing, finding what works and what does not work quite so well. Your MDF example is excellent - keep up the good work my friend.

Tweakie.

4490

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach 4 Feature Request

« on: December 08, 2014, 04:28:33 AM »

Tweakie,

I just looked at it.  The data is getting out to the plugins fine no matter what the movement type (rapid vs. feed).  So maybe it is a plugin issue?

Steve

Hi Steve,

My apologies sir, it is indeed related to the plugin - there are just so many settings to get right and in my error I neglected to un-check the Arduino laser mode within Darwin.
With my error corrected the M62/M63 commands work perfectly with both feed-rate and rapid moves - once again my apologies for wasting your time with this issue (I will be eating humble pie for lunch & supper  )

Tweakie.