Messages

7161

General Mach Discussion / Re: Hello all .dxf files and GCode

« on: March 09, 2011, 01:59:01 AM »

Thanks Guys, that is something else I have learnt.

But I think I will just stick to using .dxf for 2D and .stl for 3D. 

Tweakie.

7162

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

« on: March 08, 2011, 08:21:50 AM »

This inlay work has turned out to be incredibly easy to do but so so difficult to do well (perhaps that applies to everything) but I am now just starting to learn the key point like matching the aspect ratio of the whole image not just matching the height and width.

Thanks, once again, to Switcher for the DXF of the Rocking Horse.

Tweakie.

7163

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: How to do something during G1 move

« on: March 08, 2011, 03:00:36 AM »

Simon,

Please report back on your findings and trials as I and no doubt others are interested in the outcome.

Thanks,

Tweakie.

7164

General Mach Discussion / Re: spindle drive questions

« on: March 08, 2011, 02:35:52 AM »

The M3 and M4 will toggle one or the other and when assigned different outputs will not both be on at the same time.
The output signal from the M3 / M4 command is a steady state high or low.

I never leave anything to chance with 3 phase so, if it is possible, it would not hurt to incorporate an interlock into your contactors just to be sure to be sure 

Tweakie.

7165

General Mach Discussion / Re: Loosing steps when milling slowly

« on: March 08, 2011, 02:18:14 AM »

The computer isn't connected to earth. I might try to do that. It could be noise in from the lpt port I guess?

Yup - that would do it. 

Tweakie.

7166

General Mach Discussion / Re: Steppers and mach out of sync

« on: March 08, 2011, 02:05:16 AM »

What make and model stepper driver or drivers are you using ?
Perhaps there is a problem with the board configuration.
That is a good point about re-doing your Mach profile from scratch, can't do any harm
This is all becoming bit of a mystery but, from past experience, the solution will be simple once it has been identified.

Tweakie.

7167

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: Thrown together coil winder ;)

« on: March 07, 2011, 07:56:09 AM »

Methinks you are taking the P Jeff 

Tweakie.

7168

General Mach Discussion / Re: 2 stepper motors to 1 port of the controller board?

« on: March 07, 2011, 07:54:11 AM »

How would you hookup 2 stepper motors  to one port.

Either connect each coil bank (A,B) form each motor in series or in parallel to the 4 terminals on the controller.
 
Tweakie.

7169

General Mach Discussion / Re: 2 stepper motors to 1 port of the controller board?

« on: March 07, 2011, 07:17:02 AM »

As long as your controller board is set up to limit the current to the value of one motor it is unlikely to sustain any damage.

It is not, however, considered a very good idea to do this and it would much better for each stepper to have its own controller axis. There are many reasons but the modern controller chips measure back emf and reduce current when motors are stationary etc and connecting two motors (series or parallel) tends to confuse the poor little chip's logic.

Tweakie.

7170

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can you identify this breakout board

« on: March 07, 2011, 04:32:07 AM »

Hi Jeff,

Looks like your breakout board is a mystery to everybody.

Best put it back in the drawer again. 

Tweakie.