Messages

5081

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.

5082

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.

5083

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

« on: May 06, 2013, 07:41:43 AM »

Hi Dave,

Your GCode appears OK with all 4 passes exactly the same.

As you are getting errors then I think the problem lies with your machine. You could be loosing steps, perhaps as a result of electrical noise or possibly tightness or binding of your axis linear bearings or lead-screws ?

Are your stepper motors running hot ?

Tweakie.

5084

General Mach Discussion / Re: JY5300 AND JY800W AND MACH3

« on: May 06, 2013, 07:17:01 AM »

What Windows operating system are you using on your PC ?

Tweakie.

5085

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

« on: May 06, 2013, 06:23:17 AM »

you obviously have experience of this 

Indeed I do sir.

Perhaps your best option is to go into your Mach3 folder and delete the file 'Mach1Lic.dat' then stick to running GCode programs that do not exceed the 500 line limit.
Then if you are satisfied that Mach3 is the machine control software for you - purchase a genuine licence and have many years of happy machining like the rest of us.
The choice is all yours and after all it is excellent value for money.

Tweakie.

5086

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

« on: May 06, 2013, 06:00:33 AM »

Hi Dave,

The 'Papa Fabio' is a pirate license. You need to purchase a genuine license from Artsoft for your machine to work correctly. 

Tweakie.

5087

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

« on: May 06, 2013, 05:42:26 AM »

Hi Dave,

From the problem you describe it sounds as though you may need to check that your Mach3 licence is valid.

Contact Mach Support license@machsupport.com. and they will verify its authenticity.

Tweakie.

5088

General Mach Discussion / Re: JY5300 AND JY800W AND MACH3

« on: May 06, 2013, 04:09:30 AM »

Hi Ugotit,

I honestly mean you no offence but you have to trust me on this one - it is not the Mach3 software that is causing you the problems it is your basic understanding of exactly how to use the software which may be at fault.

May I respectfully suggest that you take some time to read the Manual and other associated documentation http://www.machsupport.com/documentation.php which will provide the answers to the questions that you have raised so far and perhaps give you a better insight into setting up Mach3 for use with your machine.

To be totally frank – the machine controller you have is bit of a handicap to you mainly because of the lack of support and documentation provided but it must, to a certain extent, be lacking in quality for two of the internal boards to burn-up.

This raises the question – has the LPT port of you PC been damaged as a result of the burn-up ?

What Windows operating system are you using on your PC ?

Tweakie.

5089

General Mach Discussion / Re: Haywire Mach3 and bit destruction

« on: May 05, 2013, 12:08:10 PM »

Not sure exactly how you are setting your Z height but it is usual for the Z axis DRO to be 0.0000 when the cutter touches the top surface of the work. Perhaps you could check your GCode file to see if, on the 3rd pass, there is a Z command to take the cut depth below what you are expecting.

There is a slight discrepancy between your described Z height (1.9866) and that shown in the script (1.9688) - probably just a typo but it should not be enough to damage your tooling.

Tweakie.

5090

General Mach Discussion / Re: Motor vibratting and limit/home switch or softlimits

« on: May 05, 2013, 02:52:29 AM »

Hi Jaime,

If accidentally running into the mechanical stops will not cause damage to to your machine then it is probably OK but I would recommend that you fit and use limit switches as soon as practical.
Soft limits will only be of use if they relate to a known position of the cutting tool and the machine is always, initially, set-up with the Mach3 DRO's zeroed with the cutting tool in that position.
You can check job size (program limits) from the Toolpath window after loading the GCode - these extents relate to the GCode origin or starting point so you should know before running a job that the tool-path will be within the working area of your machine.

Not sure about your motor vibrations when stationary but I suspect it is caused by your controller - does it have any adjustments for motor tuning or does the manufacturers instructions give any clues ?

Tweakie.