Messages

7221

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: New Project for the shop.

« on: November 11, 2010, 02:18:48 AM »

Nice work Dave.

I have started taking bets now on who gets their project finished first. Your Router or Sam's mill ? 

Tweakie.

7222

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: AL54b (lathe) project from New Zealand

« on: November 10, 2010, 06:29:23 AM »

I think there is a lot more than three people following this thread.

I am just amazed at the speed and quality at which you are completing all this work. I guess you guys from the land's down under really know how to get stuck into the job. 

Keep it up, I can't wait for the next installment.

Excellent work my friend.

Tweakie.

7223

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

« on: November 10, 2010, 03:17:22 AM »

I think that the ‘Banding’ issue is going to have to go on the back burner for a while – it is not going to be easy to find the answer to this. After much checking and testing I am now convinced that it is not a mechanical thing which leaves software and electrical still to be investigated. I have had bit of a setback on the UPS voltage conditioner which, due to some regulation or another, has had to be shipped without it’s batteries so this is turning into bit of a drama.
I will find the solution to this banding issue - just not today.

Meanwhile, I have been fortunate to have some help from Dar303 who has shared the design for his RF laser controller.
From his layout, schematic and PIC hex dump I have made the PCB, programmed the PIC and tried it out with my Synrad J48. Excellent work Daniel you have done a really good job there.

I still have some more testing to do with regard to ‘pulse width’ and ‘pulse repetition frequency’ which both seem to affect power density in a similar way but each have a different effect on the work piece. Once this is complete I will have a better understanding of exactly what is required to get the best results from the RF tube under Mach control.

Tweakie.

7224

Tangent Corner / Re: Scary ??

« on: November 10, 2010, 02:19:36 AM »

I Just had a thought Jeff - Bet he wouldn't climb up there if I had done the welding. 

Tweakie

7225

General Mach Discussion / Re: RE: z-axis depth problems

« on: November 10, 2010, 02:12:34 AM »

Hi Stephen,

I Hope you find the problem easily.

Please report back when you have found it as we all like to know the solutions / causes to issues like this.

Tweakie.

7226

Tangent Corner / Scary ??

« on: November 09, 2010, 01:27:16 PM »

This brought back my memory's of bungee jumping.   
Watching this video, I found myself holding my breath when the guys got to the antenna part - see what you think (it's better watching full screen).

                                  http://www.flixxy.com/tower-climbing.htm

Tweakie.


             

7227

General Mach Discussion / Re: RE: z-axis depth problems

« on: November 08, 2010, 02:11:47 AM »

Stephen,

Just a shot in the dark but if it was lost steps (caused by whatever) then the finishing pass, with the small endmill, may have more small Z axis movements and thus show more error.

If you are satisfied that the problem is not mechanical then you should perhaps start looking for electrical noise and thoroughly check all electrics etc. (I know this is easier said than done   ) A search for electrical noise should bring up some suggestions.

Tweakie.

btw. Welcome to the forum.

7228

General Mach Discussion / Re: MACH Phone Home

« on: November 07, 2010, 02:42:25 AM »

What would it say ?

"Finished your job, are you coming into work tomorrow ?" perhaps. 

Tweakie.

7229

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

« on: November 05, 2010, 09:27:48 AM »

Hi Jen,

Welcome to the forum.
You need to post your questions under the General Mach Discussion area for maximum exposure.
You can download 'Parmon' from here http://www.geekhideout.com/parmon.shtml this is an easy to use parallel port monitor.

Tweakie.

7230

General Mach Discussion / Re: Load G-code program externally

« on: November 05, 2010, 03:13:22 AM »

Is there a way to do this without using the Mach API? 

I don't know how to do it but obviously there is a way because LazyCam does just that.

Tweakie.