Messages

6571

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Intro

« on: October 17, 2010, 11:01:00 AM »

Hi John,

Welcome to the forum.
The usual place for intro's is here http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,2475.0.html but who cares, it is just nice to have another member.

Are you still having problems with the Write Wizard or have you got it sorted now ?

Tweakie.

6572

FAQs / Re: E-stop not working

« on: October 16, 2010, 11:29:33 AM »

Glad you got it working Dan. 

Tweakie.

6573

FAQs / Re: Having trouble getting set up

« on: October 16, 2010, 08:21:24 AM »

Do you have any data on your stepper drivers, or a link to the data for the drivers you are using ?.

Tweakie.

6574

FAQs / Re: E-stop not working

« on: October 16, 2010, 07:17:54 AM »

Hi Dan,

If you are using pull-up on your inputs then the e-stop should be connected between 10 and GND. If you are using the n.c. contacts on the e-stop then the function will be 'active high' within Mach. (or 'active low' if you are using the n.o. contacts).

Hope this helps.

Tweakie.

6575

General Mach Discussion / Re: Output voltage problem?

« on: October 16, 2010, 06:57:36 AM »

The SSR you are using should work just fine but there is, perhaps, a better way of driving it.

The LPT parallel port will always sink more current than it will source. Changing the polarity of the drive function (taking the LPT pin low activates the relay) is a much better approach (and kinder to the port). Something similar to this. (change the resistance to suit the SSR drive current - typically less than 10mA).

Tweakie.

6576

Share Your GCode / Re: G Code to set mach into reset at end of program??

« on: October 15, 2010, 11:48:10 AM »

You could try........

Under 'Config / General Config' check the box 'E-Stop the system' on 'Pgm End or M30...'
Then make sure your programs all end with M30 (most do anyway).

Tweakie.

6577

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto zero tool question

« on: October 15, 2010, 11:27:57 AM »

Hi Rick,

There are probably a number of reasons why the tool is not connected to ground........
Some machines use insulated spindle mountings. Some high speed spindles use ceramic bearings. Some spindles have insulated casings. The list goes on....

My spindle shaft is grounded so I only have one wire and don't need to connect a ground lead to the chuck but a lot of people with wood routers probably use double insulated spindles where the shaft is not grounded.

Tweakie.

6578

General Mach Discussion / Re: Output voltage problem?

« on: October 15, 2010, 04:23:12 AM »

Repeating what has already been said but the computer port was never designed to switch anything more than about 10mA and even then there are conditions attached. You are pretty lucky you got it to work first time round without damaging the port.

One solution is to use an Opto- Coupler, most of these will handle switching currents up to 100mA (which is enough to drive small relays etc.) and I have attached a simple schematic of a typical setup.

Another solution, if you are switching ac loads, is to use a solid state relay as most of these will operate at less than 10mA input and switch ac loads with absolute minimal noise spikes.



Hope this helps.

Tweakie.

6579

*****VIDEOS***** / Re: 4th Axis Fun

« on: October 13, 2010, 02:46:50 AM »

That's great Haik - I can almost smell the steak.

Tweakie.

6580

General Mach Discussion / Re: Starting from scratch.

« on: October 11, 2010, 02:04:54 AM »

Hi Rik,

Good fortune with your project.

You will get plenty of help, if you need it, from the members of this forum.

What sort of things are you considering making with CNC ?

Tweakie.