Messages

31

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach2/3 Hardware requirements?

« on: August 13, 2006, 07:25:45 AM »

Bummer,
I just checked my computer and it's actually a Pentium 3 running at 600MHz, so I guess that won't do!
I already have two computers and don't fancy spending on another! Looks like Mach software is out of the running then.

Cheers,
Dave. 

Art told me in an email that Mach 3 really needs a minimum of 1gHz CPU.

32

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach2/3 Hardware requirements?

« on: August 11, 2006, 01:12:06 AM »

Brian,
I have an 800MHz Pentium 3 running Windows XP Pro SP2, will Mach 3 run OK on that? Can't remember how much RAM it's got, I think 500MB, maybe less.
I would prefer not to have to strip down Windows as suggested on the Mach site, so the alternative is I could create a dual boot with Windows 98 version 2 and run Mach 3 on that.
Any comments on that scenario?

Thanks,
Dave. 

Mach3 may be to much for that computer But you can test it if you like Mach2 and 3 can be on the same computer ...


Hope that helps
Brian

33

General Mach Discussion / Re: What causes lost steps?

« on: August 11, 2006, 12:53:23 AM »

What you describe sounds like a variable resistor (known as a 'pot') for adjusting something on the axis. Each axis has a pot to tune the steps to the particular motor in use - it may be that the previous motor on that axis was different to the ones you are using now.

It could be a reference setting for the current the motor gets. That would probably cause the problems you describe. If it is a current reference be careful you don't set it too high as you could damage components on the board  - check out the Xylotex.com web site for info on that about their boards.

Cheers,
Dave.

This is lost steps Slow down the axis a bit and slow down the accel's. this is the first step.. what do you have for a stepper driver?

I figured it out although I am not sure what I did! I have an older camtronics board driving my motors. I looked at the board and at each axis there appears to be the same setup as far as chips, resistors and things.
ONe of the things is a small whitesh gray rectangle with a very small flat head screw in it. I have no idea what they are or do but turning that screw stopped the problem. Turn it one way and the motor stops turn it the other and it goes.
As you can tell I am new to this. LOL.
It was driving me crazy because it worked fine, I buy mach3 and vcavre today, fire them up and the machine does this!
That srcew must have worked its way loose I guess.

Anyone want to enlighten me as to what I did? I can post a picture if need be.
Thanks for the help.

34

General Mach Discussion / Re: Total Newbie question

« on: August 10, 2006, 08:19:43 AM »

Barry,
The URL you gave doesn't work. Are those guys still in business? I'm in Oz too Canberra) where did you get your steppers and other stuff?

Cheers,
Dave. 

I got my drivers from www.lowcostretrofits.com.au they have a great website with prices etc and I found them great to deal with. I am a total dope as well but I found reading all the posts a great help with understanding this whole CNC thing
Barry (Aussie)