Messages

6271

General Mach Discussion / Re: Strange motor speed on reversing....

« on: May 04, 2009, 02:22:55 PM »

thedude,
Just a few comments.
Walk before you run. Make sure that motor tuning is right, steps per unit are correct, backlash is set setup properly.
Play around some with the lathe doing some simple stuff .........without any sophistication....................................
like fooling with the tool tables, setting up homing without switches, etc.
If you don't have an indexer, a repeatable tool changer the value of all that sophistication will only make doing something simple into a barrage of questions on why something is not comming out correctly.

What i am alluding to, is that if you make one of a kind stuff, constantly changing tools / the angle of the tool changer etc you can find the sophistication to be a pain in the neck.

RICH


 

6272

General Mach Discussion / Re: Strange motor speed on reversing....

« on: May 04, 2009, 11:49:46 AM »

thedude,

1.) Setting the machine coord home (without home switches)

I just posted a little how to on this in "Members Docs". For a mill.

As far as all the other questions i'll get  back later on.
RICH
 

6273

Members Docs / HOMING A MILL ( WITHOUT LIMIT SWITCHES )

« on: May 04, 2009, 11:41:07 AM »

Here's a example on setting up  a machine for homing when you don't have limit switches.
Just remember that this is "soft" and not "hard" ( as if you actually had switches).
FWIW,
RICH

6274

General Mach Discussion / Re: Xbox 360 controller plugin won't load . error says defective also says Mach4.

« on: May 04, 2009, 11:16:33 AM »

Simpson36,
There is an updated plug-in  which can be found in the Downloads section for the XBOX360. Suggest you download it and use that one.
RICH

6275

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 Installation Woes in Windows XP

« on: May 03, 2009, 10:44:33 PM »

Attach an XML for someone to take a look at.
RICH

6276

General Mach Discussion / Re: Bizarre Problem with new computer...Need Help

« on: May 03, 2009, 10:38:15 PM »

KC,
Just looked at your xml.
You have some pins which are outputs being used as input ( the bottom of the screen defines which pins should be used ).
You should see a voltage change on the pin when you jog and change directions.

See if disabling the Y switch ( pin#11 is used there ) and see if that makes a difference.

BTW, Step and direction pulse to the Y drive is via pin 4 & 5. So with a bad pin#11 MACH may be getting confused on what is happening.  

You can always add a PP card to the PC and use the 2nd PP  for the switches.

Let me also note that i have a DEll GX520 and that adding a 2nd PP card should have been a no brainer. Well
long story short, took (3 ) different PP cards, and finaly someone sent me a driver that worked with that one.
Even the one purchased from Dell didn't work! What a pain for something so simple!
RICH

6277

General Mach Discussion / Re: Bizarre Problem with new computer...Need Help

« on: May 03, 2009, 06:47:31 PM »

What happens if you swap the cable from say x to y axis motor?
RICH

6278

General Mach Discussion / Re: Z axis 0

« on: May 03, 2009, 11:31:46 AM »

Jim,
Just a thought. Disable your Shuttle Pro and do the same routine you posted using the keyboard for jogging and see if there is any difference.
RICH

6279

General Mach Discussion / Re: Xbox 360 controller plugin won't load . error says defective also says Mach4.

« on: May 03, 2009, 08:43:56 AM »

simpson36,
Can't speak for Lee but will give some suggestions.

1. Is it the controller working in windows? Check Windows Control Panel>Game Contollers and see what the status is. Activate it before doing the check. Would assume it should say OK. I am using the wireless but i know  someone that is using the XBOX 360 usb and has no problems that I'm aware of. I'll see if I can get in touch with him.

2.In the directory where Mach3 is installed, Mach3>PlugIns see if the DLL file is there. You may want to check
 using Windows Seach for the file name XBox360Controller.dll and see how manny versions you have on the computer, get rid of all of them, and reinstall the Dll again.

3. You probably know this, but, remove the Joystick and ShuttlePro dll's from the PlugIns's directory, then
you only have one controlling device and Enable / config the Xbox contoller. 

Again, I'm using the wireless , have used it in 3.042.020, .024, .027, can't speak for Lee.

FWIW,

RICH

6280

Tangent Corner / Re: LCD Monitors-too cold/hot?

« on: May 02, 2009, 09:44:29 PM »

Dave,
Not sure how compact or close the pc and the monitor, but...... here is the thought ....
In a bag / enclosure with just a light bulb to keep them at some temperature...
wouldn't cost all of a buck a month....

Please don't ask what to do in the summer. 
RICH