Messages

21

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Wheres my PWM signal ?

« on: February 15, 2017, 04:26:44 PM »

So what was the answer to the problem. ie how did you cure the problem.

Malcolm

22

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can this computer run mach3

« on: February 15, 2017, 04:19:47 PM »

Well, After altering so many pin setting I am totally confused the z-axis will drive downwards with G0 Z-2 but will not drive back up??.
The X and Y axis do not respond. It now looks as though it is not the voltages on the parallel port that are the problem but probably the pin settings, and yes, I have read the manual.

Malcolm

23

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can this computer run mach3

« on: February 14, 2017, 05:27:47 PM »

Today I checked with the computer shop who repaired my HP Invent and installed the XP system. I was told nothing they have done would alter the PP line voltages.
The battery had leaked but I was not told of any damage to the mother board.
Could of course be my setting up of port and pins, will check that again.

Malcolm

24

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can this computer run mach3

« on: February 13, 2017, 05:42:40 PM »

Craig,
I cannot see how XP will change the pin outputs from 5v to 3.3v, is this possible. I have no idea what the pin voltages were under W2000 but the mill part of the electronics has not changed (unless it has blown a fuse somewhere). The spindle runs OK on manual. I have taken a photo of the Driver Test screen on my tablet but so far failed to get it onto the PC.  The pulse rate variation I gave was taken from the Diagnostics screen not the driver test display.

Malcolm

25

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can this computer run mach3

« on: February 12, 2017, 12:51:55 PM »

Yes the pin numbering is reversed when compared to Mach3 manual, so the actual numbers are 2,4,6 and they are measuring at 0/3.3 volts depending on which (+/-) key is pressed. No idea what voltage the pins were at under W2000, I will have to check with computer shop as to whether XP or their repair might be responsible. It certainly ran reliably under W2000. I have not determined which pin controls spindle speed.

Malcolm- who is going out for the evening.

26

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can this computer run mach3

« on: February 11, 2017, 06:42:10 PM »

Hi Craig,
It actually says system excellent, with the green bar at about 50%.
I have checked voltages on the P port. pin8, 0-3.2v with Z+/Z-  using the jog keys.
pin 10 similar with Y+/Y- buttons.
pin 12 0-3.3v with X+/X-
Obviously this is the port at the back of the computer and is not the pins I had expected.
Not so easy to take a screenshot unless I use a camera; there is only the bare minimum of software on the machine.
One other thing that seems odd is the pulse rate shown on the diagnostic screen which varies from 1 to ~ 300

Malcolm

27

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can this computer run mach3

« on: February 11, 2017, 04:41:54 PM »

Well I have made the changes suggested by the Mach3 Optimisation guide. I think XP boots a little faster and the Driver test says everything is OK.
But the drive motors are still not responding.
I think I need to check that the Parallel port is live.
I am using config. P&P setting I had written down when everything was OK using W2000.
Very frustrating.

Malcolm Smith

28

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can this computer run mach3

« on: February 09, 2017, 06:46:44 PM »

Thanks for the replies.
I have found one guide suggesting changes to make using msconfig..
I have printed it out and will see what I can make of it.

Malcolm

29

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can this computer run mach3

« on: February 08, 2017, 04:20:49 PM »

Thanks for the reply joeaverage.
It is XP-service pack3 that is loaded but there is only 1gig of memory aboard. Just booting up is  dreadfully slow compared with W2000 and I can only put this down to XP overloading the system.
There is a minimum of software on the machine.
I have tried Driver test again. Without Mach3 being loaded the system tested as OK. I then loaded Mach3 and ran again and this time it gave the error Pulse Rate too fast, vectors not found. The display then disappeared. Reran and it gave a satisfactory result. This with the mill disconnected. I am not aware what parts of the system are tested.
The computer is an HP Invent e-Vectra if that means anything to anybody. It seems it is not possible to get hold of W2000 anymore hence using XP.

Malcolm Smith

30

General Mach Discussion / Can this computer run mach3

« on: February 07, 2017, 06:01:25 PM »

My pentium3 used to run mach3 using windows 2000. After battery problems due to a long period of no use it was repaired and was loaded with windows XP. This runs slowly compared with W2000 and I have not been able to drive my mill so far. It runs at 735Mhz. When my controller is switched on the spindle rotates at a reasonable speed but cannot be controlled. If I run driver test I get an error report 'Cannot find vectors' 'Pulsing too fast'. Pin settings do not seem to have any effect on the mill but do alter LEDs on the Diagnostics display.
Is this computer/XP not able to drive the mill or is it a setup problem?. Is a special parallel port requied.

T.M.Smith