Messages

5651

FAQs / Re: Need help mach 3

« on: October 03, 2009, 09:55:48 PM »

Open the Mach folder in windows and you will see a number of files with the extension of XML. Copy the file and rename it to like madmacs.xml and post the file.

What version of Mach are you using?

Yes you can run dry run Mach such that the DRO's will show and that is done by disabling your drives in the config or via a setting on the driver.

Did you ever configure Mach before trying to run the system?
You need to assign pin numbers to the step and direction of each axis in Ports and pins. The pin you assign in config
is the pin# of the cable.

Are your drives and BOB wired correctly?

RICH

5652

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problems threading on the lathe

« on: October 03, 2009, 09:41:02 PM »

ART,
Here's some more testing data for you. I have attached pictures of the two test pieces along with

data for each.
The tests were done using my new pc.
Two pitches, namely .025 ( 40 tpi ) and .1 ( 10 tpi ) were done. The leads increase for both at
.0075"/inch.Now the prior tests with a borrowed pc were for .050 ( 20tpi ) and the lead error on those
was basicaly 0.009" / inch.I will do another test with mine at .050 but i think that you could say the
following: The lead error seems to be a constant 0.008" / inch increase.
 
These threads basicaly all had a single scribed lines.Test #2 ( the .1" pitch ) had two scibed lines
and my best quess is that it happened around the tenth pass or so based on the depth. The graphs
show per pass the led error for each thread root. So you can actualy see the changes between
groups of threads or revolutions. Additionaly there is a list of noted rpm variations from the threading
diagnostics and test#2 data it shows specifics during that threading pass #.

Look the info over and if you have any questions just post.

By the way, for days i have been checking my spindle rpm and it always tested 115 rpm, today 120
rpm ( and read with three different indicators ) . Not even going to mention why i think that is so,
and no, i didn't check the house voltage today. 

RICH

5653

FAQs / Re: Need help mach 3

« on: October 03, 2009, 01:41:30 PM »

First confirm that the PP is working. In windows go to devices and check that it's installed correctly and make note of the what the address is. That's the address you use in the configuration. If there are two address then you may have to try each one. Then try and see if the motos move. If they do not, then check and see if you have a signala comming out of ithe pp cable. If you ise a volt meter you should see a change in the voltage from high to low, or use a tester and see if any light scome on the tester.
I assume ou have all else configured correctly.

Post your XML file and someone will have a look.

What version of MAach are you using?

RICH

5654

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problems threading on the lathe

« on: October 03, 2009, 10:46:34 AM »

ART,
I am loading software onto the pc so won't be till later today for actaul tests.
Till then,
RICH

5655

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problems threading on the lathe

« on: October 03, 2009, 09:40:00 AM »

ART,
I replaced the ver .027 of Mach.exec in the Mach directory with  the file you posted ( Mach3threadOct2 )  from reply #460 and that works and the version now say's .028.
( The original installation of .028, had me really going nuts as i thought something was wrong with the new pc's PP or installation of it ).
So I assume all is good now. 
RICH

5656

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problems threading on the lathe

« on: October 03, 2009, 12:51:19 AM »

Art,
I am back to using ver .027.    If there is a problem that with using that version let me know. Ver .028 was a mess.  Four installs and a few hours of agrivation and back i went! It  just would not send a signal out the PP. Couldn't run the machine! I think it didn't like the address of the PP and few other things.

John,
Yes, slaving the spindle to Z would be nice if possible in Mach and have used it that way with another program. Maybe the SS will provide for it some day.

RICH

5657

General Mach Discussion / Re: I can't seem to get Backlash Compensation to work...

« on: October 02, 2009, 12:08:24 PM »

Just something very quick as i got to go.
Since the backlash is taken you still can have axis issues gain or decrease. Now if i wanted to create the perfect circle i would do some testing at that particular diameter and actualy chang my steps per unit to accomplish it.
That's how i get a close tolerance bearing fit using the mill. But normaly this would not be something you would  do as it's really not practical and you need to test.
RICH

5658

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problems threading on the lathe

« on: October 02, 2009, 11:57:42 AM »

Art,
I need to digest what you posted.
I am using rev .027 and will update to version .028.

I need to do a few things ( paper boy decided to put the f'n paper through the front window   , so first things first ).
I fixed my pc problem, new pc put together and it is solid! So need to play some, but this pc is showing only 1 or 2
change in the driver test and is as good as the one i borrowed. So this gives us a comparison with another solid pc.

The lead is always increasing for the thread test recently done.

  Can you note the kernal frequency your getting on the diags page, if its very close we can eliminate that I think.. unless if 225 off, in which case thats the .9%..?

ANS: My screen ( lathe screen ) dosn't show the kernal speed. I think chip modified a mill screen  to show it some time ago and will try and find it. If you have a screen with it on it post it and will use it.

  Do you have any way of telling externally what the real spindle RPM is when you have a reading on the screen?
ANS:Yes, I am using a Hasler Speed Indicator which reads to within 1 or 2 rpm and is quite consistant. I always let the spindle run a while and then try check the rpm before, during, and after a test if i can . That's the best i can do.

If you select a higher pitch..say .5 , is the lead error still the same amount or does it scale with the pitch selected?

ANS: I haven't done enough testing to really say. I'll think about the pitch selection and range and see what i can come with like .025,  .050, .1 as they are easy to measure on the toolmakers microscope. I am trying to stay at one selected rpm, minmizing axis influences.

As far as the screw and nut, yep the nut will go on. But it depends on the nut length. I know i can tap a piece
and then do a thread on the manual lathe with a min of backlash and it will track the thread very accurately. So say you have a nut 3/4" long and a fine thread, the nut would bind. Sort of like putting a metric nut  onto an imperial thread. But let's not divert away from the testing.

Later,
RICH

5659

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 and SMI (System Maintenance Interrupt)

« on: October 02, 2009, 10:16:46 AM »

Try what Hood just posted. Depends on the computer. I use a Dell Optiplex GX520 and it is a great machine for everything, except, the signal quality out of the pc is bad. It works great with a SS, but, out of the PP, can't
run the machines worth a hoot. I tried everything and nothing fixed the signal quality out of it.

So I did what I should have done a year ago.

Yesterday i fixed the problem permanently by having a new computer put together and it is rock solid!
I need to do some more testing and I will post in near future with info on the new pc.
RICH

5660

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 and SMI (System Maintenance Interrupt)

« on: October 02, 2009, 08:18:35 AM »

Mach uses a driver test to inform you how stable your computer is. Your deeper into the computer workings than i know anything about and also don't use EMC or Linux.  Different computer systems provide different quality of output pulses.
RICH