Messages

5551

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 cannot send out signal

« on: June 28, 2011, 02:57:27 AM »

Post deleted - I totally misunderstood the question.

Tweakie.

5552

General Mach Discussion / Re: Touch probe to Point Cloud

« on: June 28, 2011, 02:42:08 AM »

Hi Mac,

The point cloud issue has been looked at by many members over the last few years and really it has all just fizzled out.
If any member has had success then he has not posted the results and full details of his project for others to follow on and develop / refine the idea further. This is all bit of a shame really but considering the mode of operation with the G31 - to get any degree of resolution the probe has to be tiny and the stepover small. Most Z axis are slow and it could easily take upwards of 12 hours to get a reasonable point cloud for even an extremely small piece of jewellery. In my opinion, with the present technology, point cloud it is just not a practical proposition for Mach3. However, there are other ideas out there and a small 'pecker' type head providing digital position may be able to increase the digitizing speed 100 fold and this could change the whole ball game.

Mach3 is quite capable of running a purpose built digitizing head but this is a solution for tomorrow not for today so unlikely to satisfy your boss, sorry. 

Tweakie.

5553

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: New/Update CNC Machine Brain Storm...

« on: June 28, 2011, 01:58:52 AM »

Cosha,

I know it will be a little over your £120 budget but if you could use two supported rails with 4 blocks for your gantry (Y axis) this would improve the rigidity issue no end.
(I am getting quite good at spending other peoples money  )

Tweakie.

5554

General Mach Discussion / Re: Computer problem after running mach3

« on: June 28, 2011, 01:48:34 AM »

Hi Nigel,

Changing the BoB for a known good one would not do any harm.
The CNC4PC type C10 or C11 would be a good choice as many members now use these BoB's. You can check out the spec here http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?products_id=45 There are,of course, lots of others just as good and the choice will be yours.

Tweakie.

5555

General Mach Discussion / Re: Computer problem after running mach3

« on: June 27, 2011, 11:19:45 AM »

Hi Nigel,

Unfortunately I have no knowledge of that make of controller.
Stepper motors make a screaming sound when they stall. If this happens then reduce your velocity setting for the appropriate axis within Mach motor tuning - save your changes.
Unless there is a fault with the controller electronics it unlikely to cause damage to your computer but It would be prudent to examine the internal connections thoroughly, perhaps with an eye glass, (especially those relating the the computer LPT printer port) to make sure there are no solder bridges or short circuits anywhere.

Tweakie.

5556

Mach3 under Vista / Re: Getting up and running in Vista

« on: June 27, 2011, 11:04:44 AM »

Lazybear,

Type DSP Manual or whatever is relevant into the search box at the top of the Machsupport Forum page and see what turns up.

Tweakie.

5557

General Mach Discussion / Re: Computer problem after running mach3

« on: June 27, 2011, 08:30:19 AM »

Hi Nigel,

Could you post details of what your PC is connected to - stepper controller / breakout board etc. ?
Is it a proprietary controller unit ?

Tweakie.

5558

Mach3 under Vista / Re: Getting up and running in Vista

« on: June 27, 2011, 08:04:17 AM »

Hi Lazybear,

I have not tried all combinations but I use and can recommend WinXP SP2 and nothing else but essentials on the PC. This is quick to start-up and runs just fine for all my needs.

Tweakie.

5559

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

« on: June 27, 2011, 06:40:30 AM »

I have said this many times but Lasers and Acrylic were just meant for each other and the acrylic’s curious ability to sublimate (change from a solid to a gas without going through the liquid state) is the icing on the cake.
There is however, another curious thing about acrylic in so much as the material acts as a waveguide to the CO2 laser’s infrared beam. Bearing in mind that the laser’s focussed beam is hour glass shape with the waist at the exact focal point, this hole was made with the focal point at the top surface of the acrylic with the laser set on 75% power for a 3 second burst. Now this is the curious thing, apart from tapering a bit at the bottom, the hole (kerf) is more or less parallel which is not what is expected.
Useless bit of information perhaps but I thought it may be of interest to some as it could explain how a relatively low power laser, such as mine, can easily cut 10mm acrylic whilst still maintaining relatively parallel sides.

Tweakie.

5560

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

« on: June 27, 2011, 01:48:19 AM »

Hi naPS,

Thanks for the information, I am glad you have it all working OK.
I look forward to seeing some pictures.

Tweakie.