Messages

5391

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

« on: June 30, 2012, 08:40:24 AM »

Hi Josaami,

I hope it all goes well.

I would really like to see some pictures of your results, if you get time.

Tweakie.

5392

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

« on: June 30, 2012, 01:21:55 AM »

Now I understand everything!

Hi Josaami,

Once you start using the plugin and closely observing the results I think it will all become a lot clearer.

Tweakie.

5393

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

« on: June 29, 2012, 12:55:14 PM »

Hi Josammi,

I think I understand but please excuse me if I have misunderstood your question.

It is the ‘density of pulses’ (pulse repetition frequency) calculated from many factors including;  pixel value, axis speed, axis steps per pixel and the Mach3 kernel speed which produces the shades of grey in the final image.

Tweakie.

5394

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

« on: June 29, 2012, 08:30:33 AM »

Hi Josaami,

Yes, you are quite correct, my mistake - in my earlier post I should have said the maximum frequency (set by feed rate).

Tweakie.

5395

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

« on: June 29, 2012, 06:26:02 AM »

Hi Josaami,

No worries about your English. 

Yes, each pulse on the Digital Trigger (LPT Output) is an impact.
The frequency of these pulses (set by feed rate) is related to the transducer you are using. For example ; the maximum I have achieved with an electromagnet is 21Hz http://hobbymaro.puhasoft.hu/Tweakie/Impact1.wmv and an air operated solenoid around 5Hz.

Something else you may wish to consider, which can produce similar results but in an entirely different way is DotG.  http://dotg.weebly.com/
This software is free to download and use - it produces Mach3 compatible GCode and English translations of the manuals are available from their website. (Perhaps Google Translate may be useful in your deciphering of these documents).

Tweakie.

5396

General Mach Discussion / Re: Shift in my X Y and Z axis

« on: June 29, 2012, 02:28:49 AM »

Hi Jon,

The problem could be one of electrical noise.

The ground wire between you computer and machine frame should be removed (this is not a good idea).

Are all your limit switches etc connected with shielded cables ??

Tweakie.

5397

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

« on: June 28, 2012, 06:49:40 AM »

Hi Josaami,

Perhaps my pdf for the plugin may help  http://www.cooperman.talktalk.net/Engraving.pdf

Tweakie.

5398

General Mach Discussion / Re: External e-stop

« on: June 26, 2012, 07:50:14 AM »

Hi Gary,

Sometimes (depending on age / quality) limit switches can misbehave when subjected to vibration. Also electrical noise, picked up by the wiring can also cause false triggering.

I would be inclined to fit a 0.1uF miniature capacitor between each used input connection to your breakout board and GND.

Tweakie.

5399

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

« on: June 25, 2012, 05:32:37 AM »

Hi Josaami,

The earlier post http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,16446.msg111240.html#msg111240 explains the magnet construction that both I  and Andrea use and the next post http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,16446.msg111241.html#msg111241 shows how it is driven by one phase of a standard stepper motor driver circuit and also details the Mach3 configuration for it's use.

Another approach could be to make a dedicated controller such as this http://hobbycncart.com/_fr/1/3711394.jpg

I hope this helps.

Tweakie.

5400

Share Your GCode / Re: He's just a Wile and crazy guy!

« on: June 23, 2012, 01:30:47 AM »

Hi John,

I am pleased you have got it sorted - you are certainly progressing up the learning curve at speed now. 

Tweakie.