Messages

8121

FAQs / Re: Joystick

« on: April 05, 2010, 02:53:49 AM »

Hi Larry,

There are a number of possible joystick solutions in the 'Plugins section' here http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/board,30.0.html

Just a word of warning:-

Because joysticks and hand-held controllers tend to be used much closer to the machine than the keyboard is normally used extra vigilance is required to ensure your personal safety.
There have been a number of cases reported where the data stream has been unexpectedly interrupted (such as accidentally pulling out the USB plug) and one or more of the machine axis has run away out of control. The lesson here is “take care and don’t get too close” when using these devices.

Tweakie.

8122

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help with code problem

« on: April 05, 2010, 02:12:15 AM »

Glad you got it fixed Nathan. 

Tweakie.

8123

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help with code problem

« on: April 04, 2010, 02:27:36 PM »

You need to pause the macro to give Mach time to catch up.

Try this:-

While IsMoving()   
    Wend
Call SetDRO(0,0)


Tweakie.

8124

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help with code problem

« on: April 04, 2010, 01:34:32 PM »

It was almost right.
Try:-

Call SetDRO(0,0)

Tweakie.

8125

FAQs / Re: PCB Boards

« on: April 03, 2010, 06:25:31 AM »

Hi Hollydog,

Yes, it is pretty easy to do it this way provided you can accept 'isolation routing' for the finished PCB.
Rather than explain the whole process here, this is a link to the way I have done it  http://www.cooperman.talktalk.net/files/15.htm

If you need to remove all, or just some of the unwanted copper then a program such as CopperCAM could produce the toolpath but this route produces a large GCode file with even larger machining times involved.

Tweakie.

8126

General Mach Discussion / Re: Shop Sabre Mach3 Set Up

« on: April 02, 2010, 10:50:37 AM »

Hi Bill,

Ignore my previous ramblings - I have just been informed that the 2 Shop Sabre machines I was involved with the relocation of each had the WinCNC controller boards fitted as standard. 
So it should just be a case of downloading the manual, identifying the step and direction and limit switch pin connections etc and configuring Mach to supply the pulses.

Tweakie.

8127

General Mach Discussion / Re: Shop Sabre Mach3 Set Up

« on: April 02, 2010, 09:44:38 AM »

No not necessarily - If the machine is genuinely configured to run from WinCNC (which would indicate that it may have already been modified), then WinCNC outputs step and direction signals to drive the machine in a similar way to Mach. Thus with a bit of sorting the pin allocations and timing it should be capable of running with Mach.

Tweakie.

8128

General Mach Discussion / Re: Shop Sabre Mach3 Set Up

« on: April 02, 2010, 04:08:14 AM »

Hi Bill,

Generally the Shop Sabre machines have their own motion controller built-in and so Mach is not required for their operation. If you plan on stripping out the electronics and rewiring it then use axis controllers which accept step and direction signals to achieve Mach compatability.

Tweakie.

8129

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: My first attempt at a CNC build.

« on: April 02, 2010, 03:52:15 AM »

With regard to your limit switches - It is better to run two wires because the machine frame is not always all at the same potential (moving axis for example may only be electrically connected to the main frame via the slides bearings). Also ground loops are a potential source of noise pickup and subsequent problems. Don't forget to used screened cable (grounded at the controller end only, preferable to a single point ground connection).

Tweakie.

8130

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: March 30, 2010, 03:14:44 AM »

Welcome to the forum Luis.

Looking at your excellent work I think we will all be learning a lot about art from you. In return, the forum hosts many skills in CNC and any problems with your machines or software you post here are sure to be resolved quickly.

Tweakie.