Messages

151

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to connect buttons in Mach

« on: March 06, 2011, 01:41:08 PM »

Thanks, Hood.

Do you have any wiring diagrams or links to a diagram as a sample?

Thanks again,

Jackal

152

General Mach Discussion / How to connect buttons in Mach

« on: March 06, 2011, 11:10:07 AM »

I see these neat control  panels created by Hood and others, and was wondering about the buttons.

When you connect a button to  control for  "feed hold" or something, does it connect to the pin (example pin #18) & to the ground or where does it go?

The layouts and assignment to the pins look straightforward, but the wiring is cloudy to me.

Which way to assign the pin is a little confusing. There is Keygrabber, hotkeys, VB script <( is this really using a brain?) & then you have the PoKeys & Modbus.

A little help on the wiring part, and there is  a lot of info on ways to assign the control number to the button.

I really like the way Hood has his controls . Those track ball keyboards are too cool. Plus he has just the basic buttons that you need.

Hope this isn't too complicated, or stupid.


Thanks in advance,

JAckal

153

General Mach Discussion / Re: Anyone using the Ajax control system

« on: February 01, 2011, 12:25:15 PM »

Thanks Capt,
I appreciate the offer.

Jackal

154

General Mach Discussion / Re: Anyone using the Ajax control system

« on: January 29, 2011, 04:03:56 PM »

 I will definitely go with something else. You hear to many complaints about no contact or tech  help. The only tech help, is what the other members and users on the forum are willing to do.

JAckal

155

General Mach Discussion / Re: Anyone using the Ajax control system

« on: January 17, 2011, 10:51:32 AM »

Thanks Captain,

I thought maybe the Ajax would be easier & quicker. After further checking, there is very little support. Plus, when you figure out which system you need they change it, or the price and that throws you off.

I was wanting the Dc10 & 303b ( < I think??) set-up.  It was $1199.00 & after waiting a few weeks it goes up to $1495.00.

  While getting ready to order it, they tell me now the All-in-one had replaced it, but it is still available for a higher price. Then, after asking about the all-in-one, they don't have the manual out yet?

 Those Whale drives by DuGong look like the way for me. Using CNC4PC boards with the RJ45 connectors, they connect with plain CAT 6 cables. A simple plug-in. You can also tune the drives from a separate computer ( laptop).

Thanks for the info,

JAckal

156

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach XML Reader

« on: November 28, 2010, 12:25:28 PM »

Thanks for the reader. I need all of the help I can get on this stuff.

When someone asks "Look at your xml and see what this setting is".

It will be a lot easier to find &  understand.

Thanks,

Jackal

157

General Mach Discussion / Re: Need recommendation for geckos & BoB

« on: November 20, 2010, 05:05:28 PM »

Hood,

I e-mailed CNC4PC last night and early this morning Arturo Duncan replied with some info about the Whale3 that he sales.  He has a Break out Board  (C32) that he recommends for this, with a couple of other mini boards between the drives and BoB. All of this will connect with regular computer network cables & plugs. ( RJ45 connectors).

After looking at the wiring diagrams for the CNC4PC, it looks easy.   Almost as simple as connecting a phone and answering machine.

What really impressed me about Mr Duncan, is the fact that he has e-mailed me twice (x2) on a Saturday.  Most places you can't get in touch with them during the week.

This system From CNC4pc is the first I have looked at that didn't intimidate me. His layout and wiring are for someone that isn't an electrical engineer.

Thanks for the info, Hood.

When I get ready to set up the Mach3, I'll be hollering for help. 

Thanks,
JAckal

158

General Mach Discussion / Re: Need recommendation for geckos & BoB

« on: November 19, 2010, 05:20:44 PM »

Hood,

Thanks for the info.

The factory drives on the Hurco whine until you home it out. It is aggravating (even with my bad hearing).

If I am looking at it right, you could use a laptop with the tuning program to adjust the Whales through a USB port, and not even have to mess with anything on your control computer that is running Mach3.

 Is this correct, or just wishful thinking?

JAckal

159

General Mach Discussion / Re: Need recommendation for geckos & BoB

« on: November 19, 2010, 08:43:53 AM »

 Hood,

I really  don't  care for the Geckos, but there is so much support ( company and individual forum) and have been around a long time. Some of the drives  in the review by Simpson, seemed like they might not be around after a year or two. My drawbacks to Gecko is: the constant singing or dithering of the drives, plus an oscilloscope is recommended to tune them. 

Those Whale 3 drives  look like they are exact for what my machine needs. While tuning through a USB port with the company software appears ideal.

The Whales are less than  $120 US dollar each. I would like to get some feedback from some of the Whale users. Those RJ45 ethernet  plugs would be an easy hook up.

Thanks for the info,

Jackal

160

General Mach Discussion / Need recommendation for geckos & BoB

« on: November 18, 2010, 02:02:46 PM »

I have a Hurco Knee mill KM3p. After looking at every system imaginable, the Mach3 & Geckos keep coming up. Now it's time to buy!!!!

My old servos are 90vdc and 12 amp continuous- 20 amp peak.

Which Geckos do I need for this? The 320, 320x ,or 340 ? I don't know enough about the different options to select one.They are on sale right now.

Also, The Break out Board. Which one???

CNC4PC, Bob Campbell, or Homann designs? Also which model? I've  read where ones  that have opto-isolaters won't work with certain Geckos, etc.

 I'll go with US encoders. Is there a preference for those? Do I need  differential type encoders or not?


I've checked with different companies they change  their products without changing manuals. You have to wait for a revision, or they don't reply for a week or 2 and you wonder how long they will be in business.

Geckos have been around a while, and people other than the factory can figure out the problems.

Same with Mach3, guys like Hood (among others) can set that up in their sleep.

Thanks in advance,

JAckal