Messages

6111

General Mach Discussion / Re: G31 Probe problem

« on: August 03, 2011, 08:21:07 AM »

Hi Guys,

Mind if I add my 2 cents.

I don't know why we do it but we always seem to keep our broken probe tips, perhaps it is to teach us a lesson or so we don't forget. 

Anyway, i can't remember which Mach revision started it all but since then every Macro / Script needs a "while.....wend" between every write and every check to keep the CE speed  in line with Mach execution. As Ian has said, without it the code will be unpredictable (work just fine on one machine but not on another and even then you can't count on it).

I have a sneaky suspicion that when we all eventually agree on this - Version 4 will come along and change everything. 

Tweakie.

6112

General Mach Discussion / Re: Caps on inputs

« on: August 03, 2011, 07:58:57 AM »

Not sure about this statement.
 

We had some estop/limit issues a while back and put a .1uF cap on the estop input. But we also put them on the motor inputs as well for X, Y, and Z.

I really don't think you should be putting caps across your motor inputs (unless that is a recommendation by the boards manufacturers).

In my opinion the estop cap should connect between the input pin and GND.

Tweakie.

6113

General Mach Discussion / Re: Switches behave strangely

« on: August 03, 2011, 06:41:34 AM »

Isaac,

You would be wise to use twin core shielded cable to connect your switches with the shield connected to GND at the breakout board / controller end only.
The 0.1uF capacitors that Hood mentioned connect between the switch input and GND , again at the breakout board / controller end.

Tweakie.

6114

General Mach Discussion / Re: Caps on inputs

« on: August 03, 2011, 02:51:30 AM »

The 0.1uF caps are used for the reduction / elimination of electrical noise on the switch inputs and are connected between the appropriate pin and GND.
It is not a good idea to fit them on the step and direction pin inputs.

Tweakie.

6115

General Mach Discussion / Re: Current Hi/Lo setting?

« on: August 03, 2011, 02:40:53 AM »

Keith,

You may find the info presented here of interest  http://www.savebase.com/infobase/downloads/TB6560/TB6560_4Axis_Driver.doc

(the RepRap is wired differently to any CNC router and so has different pin assignments)

Tweakie.

6116

General Mach Discussion / Re: Pobleme with G31 and axis compensation using formula

« on: August 02, 2011, 12:58:33 PM »

Hi rdpdo,

This thread perhaps relates to your problem as well. http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,19117.0.html

Tweakie.

6117

General Mach Discussion / Re: Missed Features

« on: August 02, 2011, 02:53:36 AM »

Hi Al,

Thanks for the information - that is something I had never thought about.

I must admit that I am no longer keen to load new versions of Mach after the macro probing routine problems crept in and then loosing the E1P0/E1P1 commands which worked so well in the older versions. 

Tweakie.

6118

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

« on: August 02, 2011, 02:37:21 AM »

Thanks Andrea - PM sent.

Tweakie.

6119

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: First sign on my First CNC Router

« on: August 02, 2011, 01:39:53 AM »

Hi Steve,

"Traffolite" is the trade name of a laminate available in the UK. It is also known by many other brand names worldwide. http://www.premier-engraving.co.uk/engraved-traffolyte-valve-tags.html

Tweakie.

6120

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

« on: August 01, 2011, 12:07:59 PM »

Robotmar has paved the way for using this Mach3 Impact/Laser Engraver plugin for impact printing. His results are excellent but has anyone else managed to duplicate his success ??

I get good results using a laser but try as I may I just cannot get this magnet impact printing to work successfully. In fact the results are so bad that I am even ashamed to post any pictures of my work. My problem appears to be the usual one of speed where the digital trigger pulses are way too short and the response of the magnet is way too slow.
My next move is to build a magnet with far less mass to the moving parts (much smaller tungsten tip and shorter iron core) to see how well this performs but has anyone any other ideas or suggestions ??

Tweakie.