Messages

5071

General Mach Discussion / Re: first run with mach3

« on: September 23, 2011, 03:33:33 AM »

Hi Asen,

Sorry, I didn't make it clear but my earlier post related to measuring the voltage at the 25 pin PC Parallel port (or input to the Breakout board), not the breakout board output side.

I would need more details on your breakout board but;

1) Some breakout boards will operate with the 3.3 volt TTL standard inputs whilst others still require the older 5 volt TTL standard for reliable operation. Measure the Direction pin outputs at your PC to find out which voltage standard you have.

2) From your diagram it would suggest that your breakout board requires it's own 5 volt supply but this is not shown in the diagram for some reason. This could well be the root cause of your problems.

Tweakie.

5072

General Mach Discussion / Re: first run with mach3

« on: September 23, 2011, 02:54:49 AM »

Hi Asen,

It appears that the;
X Axis step is pin 2 and direction is pin 3
Y Axis step is pin 4 and direction is pin 5
Z Axis step is pin 6 and direction is pin 7
And this is the way they sholuld be configured within Mach Ports and Pins / Motor Outputs.
                
With a multimeter, you will only be able to measure the voltage on the PC Parallel port Direction pins - so connecting the meter between pin 3 and GND (pins 18 to 25) jogging the X Axis in one direction should produce approx 0 volts and in the other direction approx 5 volts on the meter display.


Tweakie.

5073

General Mach Discussion / Re: limit switch accuracy

« on: September 23, 2011, 02:22:30 AM »

You are nearly there then 

Tweakie.

5074

General Mach Discussion / Re: first run with mach3

« on: September 23, 2011, 02:19:38 AM »

Hi Asen,

In your reply, click "Additional Options" then "Choose File" and then select your pdf document.
Hope this helps.

Tweakie.

5075

General Mach Discussion / Re: limit switch accuracy

« on: September 22, 2011, 12:31:32 PM »

The touch probe macro sounds like it should meed your needs then.

Tweakie.

5076

General Mach Discussion / Re: limit switch accuracy

« on: September 22, 2011, 11:59:47 AM »

Hi Doc,

Good question - bit like asking "how long is a piece of string ?"   

I suppose it all depends on how much you want to pay and the level of accuracy that you need.

I use ordinary Honeywell Microswitches but Baumer Electric produce a superior range and their mechanical push switches, in the My-Com range, have a repeat accuracy of better than 0.001 mm (constructed a bit like a touch probe).

Tweakie.

5077

General Mach Discussion / Re: first run with mach3

« on: September 22, 2011, 03:57:38 AM »

Hi Asen,

Welcome to the forum.

Do you have any details of your controller as that determines which pins are used for the step and direction of each axis. ??

Tweakie.

5078

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 and a Roland PNC-2700

« on: September 21, 2011, 05:52:08 AM »

Ahh,

My best suggestion is you join the various Roland forums, there are 3 or 4 and post a few questions there. Maybee there are other softwares which are known to operate these machines or there may even be some post processors available.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Tweakie.

5079

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 and a Roland PNC-2700

« on: September 21, 2011, 05:31:47 AM »

Just out of curiosity,
What software is the machine currently using ??,   I presume you don't have Modela.

Tweakie.

5080

General Mach Discussion / Re: Please Help ! Can't get mach3 to control coolant pump

« on: September 21, 2011, 05:14:36 AM »

Hi Ken,

Before shooting, establish which pin from your parallel port is actually connected to your coolant relay (Get in there and follow the wires).
If, for example, it is pin14 then make sure this is configured within Mach Ports and Pins / Spindle Setup to the M7 / M8 controls.

Tweakie.