Messages

4801

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

« on: September 18, 2013, 08:17:14 AM »

Would it not be easier to use a small engine hour meter?

Maybe Jeff.

Can you add data storage system that monitors & collects beam; on time, emission power and temperatures at tube, coolant and ambient. And then display it in a spread sheet that can be used to predict life cycle?

It's all possible Craig and I am sure it would not be too difficult to do if there was a requirement. Perhaps another project is on the horizon. 

Tweakie.

4802

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

« on: September 18, 2013, 06:41:19 AM »

Following a request, on another forum, I have developed another little device.

This unit records actual laser tube emission time, as opposed to machine run time, and is intended to provide an indication of tube lifetime. It uses RF technology to detect the laser tube emissions so requires no electrical connection to the host machine and will be suitable for use with all makes and models of commercial laser machines which use a dc excited glass laser tube.

Laser tubes have a finite lifetime which can perhaps be likened to draining a tank-full of water – just how long it lasts depends on how wide the tap is opened, however, this unit should be useful in providing averages.

The initial ‘rats-nest’ model has clocked up some 15 hours now and I am looking forward to some serious testing of this, the first prototype.

Tweakie.

4803

General Mach Discussion / Re: Parallel cable question?

« on: September 17, 2013, 08:25:09 AM »

can anyone tell me the pinouts for the cable...the one I have is wired one to one, two to two, etc. is this right?

Gerry,

You are correct it is 1-1, 2-2 etc but check them all, just in case some are crossed or missing. 

Tweakie.

4804

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Help and advising on breakout board / motion controller for my machine

« on: September 17, 2013, 02:46:39 AM »

Hi Brian,

As the details on this breakout board are pretty poor (with errors) my best suggestion…

Check that your parallel cable is indeed wired Pin1 to Pin 1, Pin2 to Pin2 etc.
Check that your USB cable is providing the necessary 5 volts to the breakout board.

In Mach3 configuration (change just one thing at a time and observe the results)…
Try changing the Active Hi / Low state of the Enable signal  LPT Pin 1 (you really only need one enable signal but as you may have them all enabled then the active state of them all needs to be identical).
Try changing the Active state of the other axes (just the step pins).

That’s all I can think of trying just at the moment.

Tweakie.

4805

General Mach Discussion / Re: Limit switch triggered. Which axis???

« on: September 16, 2013, 02:12:28 AM »

Hi Riphet,

My view is that if it is not obvious which axis has triggered the limit switch then it could just be a false trigger. This can occur if the WatchDogs are enabled (Config / Gen Config) or if electrical noise is an issue - also mechanical vibration can activate some switches

Could you provide more details of when the limit switch triggered event occurs ?

Tweakie.

4806

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Help and advising on breakout board / motion controller for my machine

« on: September 16, 2013, 02:03:59 AM »

Hi Exhausted,

Welcome to the forum.

Perhaps if you give us some details of the actual breakout board / stepper driver you are using we may be able to help you to get it sorted.

Tweakie.

4807

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

« on: September 15, 2013, 02:40:03 AM »

Excellent write-up and excellent work Pasquale, a feed-rate of 3500mm/min + is a great achievement indeed.

Tweakie.

4808

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: T A B

« on: September 13, 2013, 12:44:07 PM »

 

Tweakie.

4809

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: T A B

« on: September 13, 2013, 09:46:01 AM »

Hi Nick,

I had to chuckle at Russ's comment of robust intestinal fortitude required and he is, of course, quite right but if you want to learn LazyCam;  the manual and various tutorials are here, thanks to Rich.  http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,12078.0.html

I still use LazyCam on occasion, for certain types of work, and it is brilliant at what it does but it is an un-supported product and there are much better products on the market which have much superior functions. Perhaps like all things, you get what you pay for.

Tweakie.

4810

General Mach Discussion / Re: Does Mach 3 need dedicated PC ?

« on: September 13, 2013, 06:05:47 AM »

I agree 100% with Hood.

My view is one PC for the CAD/CAM work, internet connection etc. and another PC just for the machine.  

Tweakie.