Messages

61

General Mach Discussion / Re: Installing a Laser - a nightmare to me!

« on: December 01, 2022, 01:01:09 AM »

I have, and very occasionally use, low power diode lasers. The output power of these lasers is controlled by the ‘Mark/Space’ ratio of the PWM signal rather than by it’s actual voltage level. Having said that I do gate together the PWM and M11/M10 with additional circuitry which I assume maintains the PWM at 5 volts peak although I have never actually thought to measure it.

Just a suggestion but you could try routing your PWM signal through an opto coupler (or two) taking power from the PC’s USB port – that should give you 5 volts peak.

Tweakie.

62

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 M10P1

« on: November 30, 2022, 05:11:21 AM »

The M11P*/M10P* commands are only for turning the laser ON/OFF to set the laser power you need to do some additional work. The easiest method I have found for adjusting laser power is detailed in this & the other linked threads...  https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=12444.msg265104#msg265104
Hope this helps.

Tweakie.

63

General Mach Discussion / Re: Installing a Laser - a nightmare to me!

« on: November 29, 2022, 12:27:17 AM »

Switching a laser ON/OFF under Mach3 using the M3/M5 commands is not the best way because of the time delay involved and to resolve this issue the M11/M10 command set was introduced by Artsoft and it is very effective.
To switch and control the power of a laser (under Mach3) is not complicated but there is a bit of work that needs to be done (it is not just 'Plug & Play').
If it helps, the best and easiest method I have found is detailed in this thread...  https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=12444.msg265104#msg265104

64

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: New member hoping to learn.

« on: November 27, 2022, 04:29:16 AM »

Welcome to the forum.
Nice little beginner's machine you have there.
You are going to have endless hours of fun and of course aquire much knoledge in the process.
There are many active member of this forum who will be only too pleased to help you and give advice should you need it, just post any questions you may have and hopefully you will get a speedy answer.
Good fortune with the learning curve.

Tweakie.

65

General Mach Discussion / MOVED: Can Mach4 Controll a LinuxCNC Controller

« on: November 27, 2022, 04:11:31 AM »

This topic has been moved to Mach4 General Discussion.

https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=46773.0

66

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 Job Size problem. Help Please??

« on: November 22, 2022, 03:17:26 AM »

Don't know if you got two of the uploads. Only showing Cats. The XML file shows a date 19/1/2008

As the forum will not accept uploads of names already used you will need to rename your .xml file to something like Ronnie.xml before it can be uploaded.

67

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Newbie guidance request

« on: November 07, 2022, 01:10:14 AM »

Mach4 can accommodate any gear ratios for any axis independently and without any issues.
Bear in mind that stepper motors have maximum torque when stationary so they always start any movement at highest torque. The mechanical advantage of the axis leadscrew may well cope with the weight of your spindle and axis without needing a reduction gear – it is something you may need to calculate or construct a prototype to actually try it and see.
A reduction gearbox will actually slow axis movement and increase job time especially if you plan on any future 3D work or surface probing but I suppose a gearbox could always be removed at a later date if it was found to be unnecessary.

Good fortune with your build.

Tweakie.

68

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Newbie guidance request

« on: November 06, 2022, 09:29:47 AM »

Sounds like a great project.
From experience, I have found that the Warp9 ESS has better customer support than the PoKeys 57CNC so bear in mind that you may need expert help getting certain functions working to your satisfaction so I would advise your Option 3.

Tweakie.

69

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Randomly started getting curved corners instead of 90 degree corners???

« on: November 02, 2022, 04:00:06 AM »

On your problem machine try reducing your Velocity and increase your Acceleration settings for both the X and Y axis in Motor Tuning then save the changes. Do this in small increments testing the results each time. Referring to the manual ( the section relating to Motor Tuning ) may help.

Tweakie.

70

General Mach Discussion / MOVED: Randomly started getting curved corners instead of 90 degree corners???

« on: November 02, 2022, 03:53:29 AM »

This topic has been moved to Mach4 General Discussion.

https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=46668.0