Messages

6391

General Mach Discussion / Re: Computer problem after running mach3

« on: August 19, 2011, 10:53:35 AM »

Hi Nigel,

I look forward to seeing some pictures of the things you make with your CNC - we all love to see pictures 

Tweakie.

6392

General Mach Discussion / Re: testing outputs on breakout card

« on: August 19, 2011, 07:43:45 AM »

But shouldn't the step pins have changed even if randomly?

You will need much faster measuring equipment than you are currently using if you want to see much activity on the step pins (oscilloscope would be good).

Seems you are trying to find a fault where none exists 

Tweakie.

6393

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: August 19, 2011, 05:49:14 AM »

Hi John,

Welcome to the forum.

If you post your question in the General section (new topic) it will receive more coverage and you should get help straight away.

Tweakie.

6394

General Mach Discussion / Re: testing outputs on breakout card

« on: August 19, 2011, 04:55:20 AM »

Hi John,

As I understand it you have proved that the inputs work OK.

If you are running XP then download and run Parmon, this enables the output pins to be toggled (without any hardware connected). If the port does not respond correctly with Parmon then I would conclude that it is damaged.

http://www.geekhideout.com/parmon.shtml

Tweakie.

6395

General Mach Discussion / Re: testing outputs on breakout card

« on: August 19, 2011, 04:30:06 AM »

Hi John,

Take care when physically testing the inputs and outputs of the parallel port at the 25 way connector. They are quite fragile and intolerant to incorrect connection.

Tweakie.

6396

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

« on: August 19, 2011, 02:19:09 AM »

Hi Russ,

Thinking back on some of my fishing trips, I may have told the odd one or two hip boots but never told any chest waders. 

Tweakie.

6397

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

« on: August 19, 2011, 02:12:29 AM »

Hi Obal,

Thanks for posting the video link - that has given me something to think about. 

Tweakie.

6398

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

« on: August 19, 2011, 02:09:16 AM »

Hi John,

You need the MDE 2003 v7 with .NET framework.
I don't think this is a current product anymore but it appears on ebay, quite cheaply, every now and again.

Tweakie.

6399

General Mach Discussion / Re: MACH 3 STOPS DURING WORK

« on: August 18, 2011, 07:55:29 AM »

To prevent future problems it may be a good idea to fit a 0.1uF capacitor between each switch input and GND on your Breakout Board. This trick seems to have cured the electrical noise problems of quite a few in the past.

Tweakie.

6400

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

« on: August 18, 2011, 07:42:13 AM »

This was the prototype, laid out using Microsoft Powerpoint, saved as a .jpg then run through the Impact / Laser plugin.
It has poor resolution but this could be improved by using a larger canvas size in Powerpoint then scaling down the final work.

Should cause a smile 

Tweakie.