Messages

5611

General Mach Discussion / Re: What should I see in the "Diagnostics Alt-7" window if Mach3 configured properly

« on: February 10, 2012, 06:58:59 AM »

Hi Blu,

This is bit of a grey area and that particular display should not be regarded as evidence that Mach is configured correctly.

A more reliable approach to seeing the input and output activity from your parallel port would be to run the free program Parmon which can be downloaded free of charge from here http://www.geekhideout.com/parmon.shtml

Tweakie.

5612

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2

« on: February 10, 2012, 05:22:05 AM »

Hi Keith,

The Output # associated with the M3,M4,M7,M8 commands are set under 'Config/Ports and Pins/Spindle Setup' then the output pin numbers associated with each Output# are set under 'Output Signals'.
Within your GCode the command M3 will turn on whichever Output# you have associated (as above) and M5 will turn it off (M3,M4 are turned off with M5 and M7,M8 with M9). I have not tried it but I think the command pairs are interlocked so you cannot select M3 and M4 at the same time (it has to be one or the other) and the same may apply it the M7 and M8 but try it and see.

Tweakie.

5613

General Mach Discussion / Re: What should I see in the "Diagnostics Alt-7" window if Mach3 configured properly

« on: February 10, 2012, 02:43:02 AM »

Hi Blu,

Some laptops work and some don't.
To avoid this problem it would be best if you switch to a PC (WinXP) for your initial setup and trials.

Check your wiring between the C10 and the 4030 just to make sure you have the step and direction pins connected correctly (as per the Keling manual) then check your Mach setup again just to make sure you have the motor pins configured correctly.

Tweakie.

5614

General Mach Discussion / Re: Newbie needs help!

« on: February 10, 2012, 02:30:15 AM »

Sounds to me like you are working in Inches and your Mach setup is in Millimeter units. Check Config / Native units to see.

Tweakie.

5615

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

« on: February 08, 2012, 07:16:36 AM »

Hi Greg,

The Aztec Princess is a test file somewhere on Ray Scott's excellent site http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/ but finding it again is another story 

Tweakie.

5616

*****VIDEOS***** / Re: Video of my CO2 laser addition to CNC Sieg X2 Mini-Mill

« on: February 08, 2012, 06:49:45 AM »

Hi David,

Excellent work with the laser, I especially like the two line generators making the cross hairs.

Tweakie.

5617

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

« on: February 07, 2012, 06:12:04 AM »

HiGreg,

Nice leopard.

On your learning curve you will find that some woods will produce quite a black image whilst others just get 'eaten' 

Keep posting the pictures.

Tweakie.

5618

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

« on: February 06, 2012, 08:21:26 AM »

Hi Greg,

I am pleased you have got it all working OK now.

Don't forget the pictures.

Tweakie.

5619

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

« on: February 06, 2012, 05:23:04 AM »

Funny thing is, I had been using the plugin via Output1 active low.  This worked fine and I had been engraving the last couple of days that way.  As soon as I set it to active high it no longer worked.  Go figure.

Hi Greg,

So, is this problem resolved now ??

Tweakie.

5620

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

« on: February 06, 2012, 04:17:52 AM »

Hi Greg,

Dan is on the right track.

You mentioned earlier having the Digital Trigger and an Output both configured to the same port and pin and both Enabled at the same time. Conflicts can cause problems such as you are describing and which I am sure you are aware of.

This is exactly why I suggested using two different profiles Raster / Vector.

Tweakie.