Messages

7191

General Mach Discussion / Re: continuous motion and tangential cutting problem

« on: November 18, 2010, 03:27:36 AM »

I don't use tangential control but I do use a rotary A Axis. There were some issues between different versions of Mach and the function of 'Rot 360 Rollover and Ang Short Rot on G0' (General config page). Have you set these functions correctly ?
I believe this was all sorted a while back so it my be worth checking that you are using the latest lockdown version.

Tweakie.

7192

General Mach Discussion / Re: Question about parallel port/PARMON

« on: November 18, 2010, 03:17:06 AM »

Currently mine shows all green (lo) except pin 12 red (high) when i first boot up MAch3.  when i start hitting the  jog keys 2,4,6 go to red and stay that way and 3,5,7 change back and forth with the jogging. all this time pin 12 stays red.  Is this what it should look like?

That's what mine looks like so I would say that your pp is OK.

Also, does anyone know if using a 6v supply that puts out 8v fry a breakout board?

8 Volts is above the max figure for most 5 Volt IC's.  How did you measure the voltage ?
If you measured the supply open circuit and got 8 Volts then there is a good chance it did no harm but if you measured 8 Volts with it actually connected to the BoB then it is better than even money that you have fried it.

Tweakie.

7193

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

« on: November 18, 2010, 02:31:42 AM »

Hi James,

Welcome to the forum.

You need to post your question under the General Discussion topic and perhaps be a little more specific about your machine to get the best forum response.
(I would be inclined to replace all the electronics with Gecko drivers, keeping your existing servo's - just a thought).

Tweakie.

7194

General Mach Discussion / Re: Unwanted Router Starts...Kinda scary!

« on: November 17, 2010, 07:43:20 AM »

As Gerry has said, you should always follow the correct procedure when starting up and shutting down your machine. Always start Mach first.
I have, in the past, seen videos posted of machine runaways (axis as well as spindle) caused by a PC reboot.
Take care.

Tweakie.

7195

General Mach Discussion / Re: jagged curve

« on: November 17, 2010, 07:33:15 AM »

That is really terrible - looks like a mouse has been at it.

I think John's right. I have tried your code and the result is smooth but I had to reduce your F200 feedrate.

Tweakie.

7196

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to control the water coolant by mach3?

« on: November 17, 2010, 02:16:05 AM »

Thosj,

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_nkw=solid+state+relay&_sacat=0&_dmpt=UK_BOI_Industrial_Automation_Control_ET&_odkw=&_osacat=42899&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

Without going into too much detail, SSR's switch the load at the zero crossing point of the mains ac waveform and this eliminates the voltage spike often associated with mechanical relays. Less noise = happier machine.

Tweakie.

7197

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Very small parts, smallest possible engravings.

« on: November 17, 2010, 02:07:35 AM »

Come on Rich, there is only eight there and you know I need sixteen. 

Tweakie.

7198

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to control the water coolant by mach3?

« on: November 16, 2010, 02:58:36 AM »

Mongkol,

I have found that SSR's similar to this one are cheap and easy to use.

Tweakie.

7199

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Very small parts of another kind

« on: November 15, 2010, 12:06:32 PM »

Thanks for all the information Mike.

I had always thought of DeskCNC as working with it's own  proprietary controller rather than a creation tool for GCode to use with Mach.
I can see the need for an accurate and rigid machine construction for this small stuff. 
Keep up the excellent work and of course keep posting the pictures.

Tweakie.

7200

Show"N"Tell ( What you have made with your CNC machine.) / Re: Very small parts, smallest possible engravings.

« on: November 15, 2010, 11:44:52 AM »

Hi Glad,

I can't engrave brass, to be able to do it would cost mega bucks I am afraid. 
Small CO2 lasers, like mine, see all metals as being reflectors and the only chance you have is to change the appearance of a surface coating. Their saving grace is that they are extremely good with acrylics and can cut up to 10mm thickness.

Tweakie.