Messages

5481

FAQs / Re: Jerky stepper motors? I'm running out of options...

« on: August 15, 2012, 07:36:23 AM »

Hi Headscraper,

Perhaps if you attach your code (additional options, choose file - Zip it, if it is a large file) then we could take a look and possibly find the problem.

Tweakie.

5482

General Mach Discussion / Re: Steppers making noise but shafts not rotating

« on: August 15, 2012, 02:39:28 AM »

Hi CES,

In the absence of any stepper motor data and because they were running too hot at 2.5 Amps with the Chinese blue board then a good starting point may be 2 Amps by fitting a 2K ohms 1/4Watt resistor. If the motors still run too hot then reduce the resistance value according to the Gecko Manual.

Tweakie.

5483

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Impact Engraving.

« on: August 14, 2012, 10:45:21 AM »

Thanks guys.

As soon as our friend writes "PicTattoo" the Parlor will be up and running. 

tweakie.

5484

General Mach Discussion / Re: LINUX ?

« on: August 14, 2012, 08:30:16 AM »

I can't help asking....

Why would you ever consider operating a machine or using Mach3 with the excellent educational tool 'Raspberry Pi' ??

Tweakie.

5485

General Mach Discussion / Re: Encoders - fit or forget?

« on: August 14, 2012, 08:01:06 AM »

We always reference after power down at work, its a habit I'm not keen to break, so my home machine I intend to reference every day too.

There is no problem with that, just remember to do it again when you start up if you need to rely on the reference position.

Tweakie.

5486

General Mach Discussion / Re: Another help request.

« on: August 14, 2012, 07:58:04 AM »

Hi Steve,

That's a strange one - I use numerous SSR's on my machine without any problem.

I presume you measured the voltage at 5.22V with the SSR connected ?? if that is the case then check that your GND return, from the SSR, is connected to the correct point.

Tweakie.

5487

General Mach Discussion / Re: Encoders - fit or forget?

« on: August 14, 2012, 07:49:09 AM »

Hi EJP,

In my opinion...
If your steppers can loose count during use then that is a big problem which should be addressed and corrected before anything else.
Steppers will always loose 'exact' position (if micro-stepping is being used) when everything is switched off so if you rely on referencing then it should be repeated when a machine is first switched on again.

Tweakie.

5488

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Impact Engraving.

« on: August 14, 2012, 07:05:00 AM »

Another forum member, PicEngraver, has asked me to test a beta version of his new softwere ‘PicLaser’ and I have posted a couple of pictures of laser created images and a brief description of the operation of the software in the laser thread. http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,12444.msg154465.html#msg154465

Exactly the same GCode that is used with the laser can also be used with an electromagnet (a big thank you to Andrea for the magnets) and this was impact printed into some opal Plexiglas and then filled with Rub’n’Buff. The results when back illuminated can be quite stunning and this is an example of a test piece.

Tweakie.

5489

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Vinyl Cutting

« on: August 14, 2012, 06:44:10 AM »

Hi Dave,

That is really great work.

There is no stopping you now, there will be stickers everywhere 

Tweakie.

5490

General Mach Discussion / Re: Steppers making noise but shafts not rotating

« on: August 11, 2012, 12:02:13 PM »

Hi CES,

The steppers should run warm to the touch but not too hot that you cant hold your hand on them. If you are concerned then reduce the current settings (Amps).

(When you get your G540 you can calculate the resistor required to provide the correct current so the motors do not overheat).

Tweakie.