Messages

811

General Mach Discussion / Re: Machine settings and getting started

« on: October 06, 2016, 06:56:27 PM »

In you configuration:

1.You haven't defined / enabled any of the axes in ports and pins.
 I know nothing about your mill.
 Post information on the mill with specifics about that mill.

2.Not sure that the motor tuning is correct.
  I know nothing of your controller. Post information on it.

Until then,

RICH

812

General Mach Discussion / Re: Bridgeport Knee Mill Conversion?

« on: October 05, 2016, 05:41:29 AM »

I would suggest you size  to comply with  the National Electric Code and local code.
Amp draw can be measured if you have a snap around ammeter.

Ask a licensed electrician or electrical designer as they can tell you quickly all that you need to know
and save you the time of trying to interpret / read the code.   

RICH

813

General Mach Discussion / Re: Do i have to manually type in tool # when I do tool change?

« on: October 04, 2016, 06:43:05 PM »

The tool format is Txx for mill. BUT, for the lathe it's TxxYY where xx is the tool # and YY is offset.

Now note that starting ver 038  -  "TOOLDESC" label changed to reflect the description of the offset rather then the tool 
Then in ver 3.043.053 - Tool data is not displayed and used based on the offset number rather then the Tool number (mostly for turn).

Glad you got it working,

RICH

814

General Mach Discussion / Re: Reinstalling Mach3

« on: October 04, 2016, 02:12:33 PM »

What Windows version do you have?

RICH

815

General Mach Discussion / Re: Reinstalling Mach3

« on: October 04, 2016, 01:49:28 PM »

Curious as why you just ignored replies in your other threads and decided to reinstall MACH?

RICH

816

General Mach Discussion / Re: Do i have to manually type in tool # when I do tool change?

« on: October 04, 2016, 01:25:54 PM »

Attach your xml file.
What version Mach3 are you using?

In General Logic Configuration you have some options for tool change. Do you have Ignore Tool Change selected?

Try "T0404" for the tool.

RICH

817

General Mach Discussion / Re: Machine settings and getting started

« on: October 04, 2016, 01:09:38 PM »

shopmaster1,

Post the xml file that you are using.

RICH

818

General Mach Discussion / Re: speed setting with setup string

« on: October 02, 2016, 10:21:17 AM »

I use  a macro in the initialization to set the state of the machine so it is always consistent on start-up.
Here is an example of one and of course one can modify to suite for your machine and desires.

APPENDIX “C” –  INITIALIZATION MACRO

This is a macro that can be used to “reset” the lathe to a user preferred state. The macro should be reviewed and then modified for the users working preference. The macro must be placed in the proper turn profile folder and can be  used as an Initialization String, called in a program or implemented via the MDI line.
To modify the macro use the VB script editor available in Mach. See Section 10.9 in the “Using Mach3 Turn Manual” for additional info on macros.
This is the macro:

' ( M1111.M1S Macro )
' ( Needs to be installed in C:\Mach3\Macros\Mach3Turn Folder)
' ( Basic Default Location or as needed )
' ( Change it as you need to )
' ( For MM Units Replace G20 with G21 )
' ( For CV Mode Replace G61 with G64 )

Code "G18" '            Set X,Z Plane
Code "G20" '            Set INCH Units Mode
Code "G40" '            Cancel Cutter Radius Comp. 
Code "G49" '            Cancel Tool Length Offset
Code "G50" '            Re-Set All Scale Factors To 1.0
Code "G61" '            Set Exact Stop Mode
Code "G69" '            Cancel G68 Rotate Coordinate System
Code "G80" '            Cancel Canned Cycle Mode
Code "G90" '            Set ABS Mode
Code "G91.1" '         Set IJ's INC Mode
Code "G94" '            Set Feed Per Minute Mode
Code "M30" '            Program End and Rewind G-Code

RICH
 

819

Mach3 under Vista / Re: xml file for 3020T-DJ engraving machine

« on: October 02, 2016, 09:38:42 AM »

I personally just don't address any specifics anymore related to most Chinese sold stuff and in
particular their stepper drives / controllers.
Sorry, but they / distributors need to  support their products and quit making "fools" of us good
intentioned folks!

That said,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


1. Post your xml files so configuration can be checked for problems.

Open the Mach3 directory and you will see file types called "XML Document".
Make a copy of the one you are using for the machine.
Rename the file so it is unique ie; if Mach3MILL then change to say....ccr4mill.xml

To post the file:
Below the reply box click "Preview" button, when the screen opens up click the "Additional Options"
and you will see that you can browse to select an attachment and tehn click the Post button to post it.


2.In the mean time Run the "DriverTest" application as that will install the driver to Windows.
You will find the application in the MAch3 directory.

3.Make sure you have the port address correct in configuration.

4.Have a look at the available videos and manuals.
One in particular is Mach3 Tutorial - Setting up a basic three axis milling machine.

Link to new Artsoft site: http://www.machsupport.com/software/mach3/
Navigate via"  Downloads and Updates " to the "FTP Downloads" and you will find the file there.


5.You will need to set the ports and pins correctly to get motion.
  The Chinese have this so screwed up with their different boards, and possibly bad definiton
  of the axis pin outs.......and for this you are on your owne!

6.Assume that the motors and drivers work. There are ways to test components but get MAch installed
  and configured. You should have some type of documention for what you bought. Post "all" of it so
  folks don't have to spend time looking for the proper info. If nothing ask the vendor who sold it
  to you for it.

Until then,


RICH

820

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Rename A axis to U axis?

« on: October 01, 2016, 08:51:39 PM »

I haven't followed Mach4 for  some time now so whatever Artsoft will / wants / or decides to do is up to them.
They have option to do whatever and define the basis.

I also don't know the historical sequence of CNC as it has developed over time and just how the standards have evolved  addressing it all.
Different manufactures, proprietary code  / controllers all add to the confusion. But will say that definition of axes from a mathematical point of view have been around a long time.

I will say that my basis of knowledge is whatever is published by Smid on the CNC topic and frankly that is well recognized source.

It is interesting that over time the industrial complexity has evolved and the quest for more is always desired. Haven't seen anything for a 12
axis machine yet.............

BTW, in Mach3, ABC axes can be linear and not rotary  and Mach knows only what you tell it.
So in a sense you can have the equivalent of UVW, but, you can't use those designations for axis definition in the gcode dialect of Mach.

Interesting thread as one learns everyday. Frankly I am becoming "dated"    and I like it!
Simpler life these days my friend,   

RICH