Messages

7161

General Mach Discussion / Re: Using M-Codes to send signal to Arduino that controls solenoids

« on: December 02, 2010, 06:33:29 AM »

ceramics,

There is a good chance you have more available Parallel Port Outputs than just the two you have mentioned but if you are programing the Arduino yourself then you can easily multiplex the signals. Two outputs can provide 3 functions and three outputs 7 functions and so on. You can incorporate the M Codes (to switch outputs on/off) within your GCode program quite easily with a simple editor such as Notepad.

I have been using Mach for a few years now and it's versatility just keeps growing.

Tweakie.

7162

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

« on: December 02, 2010, 06:17:23 AM »

That's great Andrea, looks like you have the setup all sorted now.

Tweakie.

7163

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

« on: December 01, 2010, 02:40:36 AM »

This shouldn't be that difficult.
Dan

Quite right Dan, it should not be that difficult.

I am running Mach3 version 3.042.020 and using the latest DLL that Art has provided. (I don't think my xml would be helpful as pin assignments are different and I work in metric units - not only that, I don't want everybody to know it is licensed to Papa *********X  )

One thing comes to mind...... The pluugin reduces my laser power density as the axis slows (decelerates) at the end of a line and ramps it up again as the axis accelerates during the start of the next line. If it didn't do this it would cut deeper at the start and finish of each line.
It is just possible that the feedrate you have set is not enough to see any output on the trigger pin so try increasing your feedrate to 300 or something and see what happens then. Just a thought.

Tweakie.

7164

FAQs / Re: PC / Relay board communication problem

« on: December 01, 2010, 02:19:53 AM »

Hi Wojtek,

You are not alone, I can never get the Mach diagnostic LED's to work, they used to once.

I use Parmon for parallel port monitoring and you can download it from here http://www.geekhideout.com/parmon.shtml It is simple to use and will show if your LPT port is working or not.

Tweakie.

7165

General Mach Discussion / Re: Bug in formulas

« on: November 30, 2010, 01:05:51 PM »

Just my opinion, but I think that a single drive on a 48" gantry is probably asking for problems way beyond this issue. Although, as you say, it is not easy it would perhaps be better to concentrate on getting your machine square and to use slaved drives to better distribute the torque.

There may well be a bug in formulas, so what, it's no big deal - move on and get your machine right, in the long term it is a far better solution than a software 'fix'.

Again, just my opinion.

Tweakie.

7166

Tangent Corner / Re: My futur Wood and metal Shop (Pics

« on: November 30, 2010, 02:56:36 AM »

Nice shop Jeff, I am jealous too 

Hey, where is the chiller for the Beer ?

Tweakie.

7167

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

« on: November 30, 2010, 02:52:26 AM »

Hi Dan,

I had a quick look at your xml.

You have the output configured to pin 8 OK but I also notice that motor3 step pin and motor6 step pin are also shown as configured to pin 8 - perhaps something to check.

Now this is a stupid question but you are running the full licensed version and not a demo ?  licensed to Abdul Mahman ?

Tweakie.

7168

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help please...Problem with Ref Z when using touch-off plate.

« on: November 29, 2010, 12:21:16 PM »

Don,

There is lots on the forum if you do a search for 'auto tool zero' or 'touch plate' it may seem difficult at first to set it all up but as you get into it then it becomes more doable. 

Tweakie.

7169

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help please...Problem with Ref Z when using touch-off plate.

« on: November 29, 2010, 11:02:40 AM »

Sorry Don I was getting confused between Ref Home and Auto Tool Zero. Changing your step values has probably altered your home position.

I, along with many others, use the Auto Tool Zero (as described in the second half of this page http://www.cooperman.talktalk.net/files/17.htm) perhaps you may consider this as a better way for tool zero.

Tweakie.

7170

Tangent Corner / Re: The first of the Winter Snow.

« on: November 29, 2010, 08:45:05 AM »

The Beer is all safely in the chiller and ready for consumption so it can snow as much as it wants now 

Tweakie.