Messages

8151

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Tool Zero for XY&Z?

« on: June 24, 2010, 03:25:17 AM »

Hi,

Very interesting question - I just tried this and it seems to work OK.
I presume GetVar(2000) would return the X and GetVar(2001) the Y positions.

Tweakie.

8152

General Mach Discussion / Re: QUESTION ABOUT FEED HOLD and spindle stop

« on: June 24, 2010, 02:12:28 AM »

Hi Rene,

I have to admit this is above my head - as much as I would really like to understand Mach / Sewing / Embroidery machine control, as yet, I have no practical experience of this usage. (I do read all related posts here and on the zone in an attempt to get an understanding but I think there is no substitute for practical experience - I have just got to build one of these machines and try to get Khalid to share his software).

I do favor the usage of VB screen buttons to make the Mach screens more suited to an actual machine and because these buttons are so easy to re-program 'trial and error' can be used for the operation sequences entered into the buttons to find / establish the perfect combination.

Tweakie.

8153

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Y, U, V Change X DRO

« on: June 24, 2010, 01:55:44 AM »

Hi Csaba,

Perhaps someone else can figure this one out but I really can't understand exactly what you are doing or just why you would use multi-axis software / GCode just to control one machine axis.

I know it's not resolving your problem but I would like to understand (assuming it's not totally beyond me) exactly what you are doing with this machine.

Tweakie.

8154

General Mach Discussion / Re: QUESTION ABOUT FEED HOLD and spindle stop

« on: June 23, 2010, 06:44:01 AM »

Hi Rene,

I think you have answered your own question here. The usual sequence is :-

Feed Hold - to stop program
Stop - to stop spindle
Start Cycle - to resume (but you have to restart the spindle manually)

If you feel inclined you could create two extra VB screen buttons to perform these tasks, perhaps in a better way (Pause / Resume).

Tweakie.

8155

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Y, U, V Change X DRO

« on: June 23, 2010, 05:21:34 AM »

Hi Csaba,

Not quite sure what you are saying here.

Y300 will move the Y axis and DRO
U300 will move the A axis and DRO

Could you perhaps explain in more detail please ?

Tweakie.

8156

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 & Calculator

« on: June 23, 2010, 05:12:58 AM »

Dave has an excellent memory - Auto Calculator is under the 'Operator' menu tab.

Tweakie.

8157

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

« on: June 23, 2010, 05:06:09 AM »

Thank you guys, you are most kind.

This project still has a way to run so, with your permission, I will continue to bore you with pictures of my progress - The adventures of Tweakie.

The next part of the project is to add some form of temperature control / monitoring and provide for an automatic shut down in the event of tube over temperature. I am currently only running the laser for relatively short periods of time and at low power settings whilst monitoring the temp rise with a handheld surface contact probe. I perhaps should admit that the forced air radiator I am using is a bit overkill and so far I have not yet recorded a temp rise above ambient. However an automatic system will enable longer operational periods of the tube without causing any anxiety and it just has to be done.

Tweakie.

8158

General Mach Discussion / Re: Enternal E-STOP Leds

« on: June 22, 2010, 12:52:14 PM »

Hi Johnv,

As Ian said Mach deactivates all outputs in reset. So when Mach is running your output #2 is used to keep the LEDs off - when Mach is in reset the output #2 is deactivated and the LEDs come on. Simple.

Tweakie.

8159

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

« on: June 22, 2010, 11:51:14 AM »

Hey Guys,

More stuff - latest picture, taken this week.
Shows the new laser air assist pump and spindle VFD, stowage for spindle motor (when not in use) and change to laser current display - the rotary axis is only fitted occasionally and can't really be classed as 'bolted on'.

               

You guys must be getting fed up with this thread by now - I must think of something new 

Tweakie.

8160

General Mach Discussion / Re: Enternal E-STOP Leds

« on: June 22, 2010, 09:46:07 AM »

Hi Johnv,

I think PeterF is correct you need to do a little reading but to get you started......

I haven't actually tried this but the following code placed in the macropump should do it.

If GetOemLED(800)=True      'reads the reset LED
ActivateSignal(OUTPUT1)      'turns on output #1 (or whatever output you choose)
Else
DeActivateSignal(OUTPUT1)    'turns off output #1
EndIf

Tweakie.