Messages

4731

General Mach Discussion / Re: new mobo, fresh install.... PCIe LPT port adapter..... wt.

« on: May 07, 2013, 12:23:24 PM »

Any way to tell from specifications if the pci card has a 3.3v or 5v output? 

Perhaps not from the spec. but if you hook a voltmeter between any axis output direction pin and pin 25 you will get a reading (Approx. 0V when you jog that axis in one direction and 5V when you jog it in the other). If you only get 3.3V then, as already said, this could possibly be the problem.

Tweakie.

4732

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Unwanted datum shift in x axis

« on: May 07, 2013, 03:12:43 AM »

Couldn't say one way or the other if that box is OK - certainly the bay description sounds good and the price is good as well but the overall quality will be an unknown.

If you want a quality product with excellent documentation and backup then the Gecko drives take a lot of beating http://www.geckodrive.com/geckodrive-step-motor-drives.html but there will be UK import duties / vat on top of the price.

Does you existing controller look like this one ?



Tweakie.

4733

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Unwanted datum shift in x axis

« on: May 07, 2013, 02:06:27 AM »

Hi Dave,

I am pleased that you have found the problem. 

Perhaps if you post a couple of pictures of the inside of your control box someone may know of a suitable replacement for the defective drive (assuming that the seller does not come up with the goods).

Tweakie.

4734

General Mach Discussion / Re: help. config problem??

« on: May 06, 2013, 12:54:38 PM »

Sounds like it could be 'crop circles' - In Config / General Config set the IJ Mode to the opposite of its current setting and see if that corrects the problem.

Tweakie.

4735

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Unwanted datum shift in x axis

« on: May 06, 2013, 12:15:18 PM »

Tiny spikes are OK so it is unlikely to be a PC related issue.

Looks like I have just about exhausted my ideas on this one for the moment, sorry. 

Tweakie.

4736

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Unwanted datum shift in x axis

« on: May 06, 2013, 11:56:15 AM »

That’s not any help so looks like you will have to leave the motors running hot until you can get some further information.

Something else you may wish to check…

In the Mach3 folder is ‘DriverTest.exe’ – run it and see if the result is a nice straight line.

Tweakie.

4737

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Unwanted datum shift in x axis

« on: May 06, 2013, 11:01:16 AM »

Excuse me being a newbie but how do I reduce the drive current lol.

That is a function of your driver board - you would need to check your manufacturers instruction manual for how to set motor current.

What driver do you have ?

Tweakie.

4738

Mach Screens / Re: POLL! FAV screen set?

« on: May 06, 2013, 08:43:32 AM »

Why I can't poll ?

Voting closed: April 17, 2013, 10:39:09 AM

Tweakie.

4739

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Unwanted datum shift in x axis

« on: May 06, 2013, 08:18:55 AM »

Dave,

With hobby machines the steppers should run warm to the touch but not too hot that you cannot keep your hand on them comfortably after a few hours of running. Perhaps reducing the drive current would help.

Tweakie.

4740

General Mach Discussion / Re: JY5300 AND JY800W AND MACH3

« on: May 06, 2013, 07:50:00 AM »

The driver test only checks the suitability of your PC for running Mach3 - it does not test the LPT port.

1) If you download and run Parmon http://www.geekhideout.com/parmon.shtml this will enable you to test the function of your LPT port.

2) Using a multimeter / continuity tester check your LPT cable thoroughly - ensure that Pin1 goes to Pin1, Pin2 to Pin2 etc. etc. It takes a while but it is worth it.

Tweakie.