Messages

291

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Plus or Minus ? What is the norm ?

« on: May 23, 2006, 10:02:35 AM »

I suppose it's really a matter of preference.  But, I think the Classical CNC traditionalists would tell you that if Lower left =home, moving away on the X & Y axis would be a positive value.  As far as Z is Concerned I think most dude have Zero when the cutter is all the way up and then go Negative to cut into the part. HTH.

Regards,
Sid

292

General Mach Discussion / Override limits button on settings page not workin'??

« on: May 23, 2006, 12:58:25 AM »

Anybody have an idea why I can't get that dog to light up?  Ver 1.84

Thanks in advance for any replies!

Regards,
Sid

293

General Mach Discussion / Re: "Analog Joystick"?

« on: May 19, 2006, 10:51:41 PM »

It wasn't difficult at all.  I just followed the directions that came with it.  PLugged the receiver into the USB port, launched the utility that loads when you install the driver and started assigning keys (Mach 3 Commands) to the functions on the controller.  It's really simple.

Regards,
Sid

294

General Mach Discussion / Re: Cant find any import commands in Mach3

« on: May 18, 2006, 11:11:17 PM »

Yeah, 1.9 is kinda new for all of us in that respect.  Version 1.84 has an import function under the file menu.  In 1.9 you use Lazy Cam to do the import and generate the code.

HTH,
Sid

295

General Mach Discussion / Re: "Analog Joystick"?

« on: May 18, 2006, 11:08:54 PM »

Yo Count,

I had some issues with the whole joystick thing.  After a little research I discovered there was a better and easier way.  Check out this link http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2225,CONTENTID=9069

I bought one og these and installed in my USB port.  Had this dog up and runing in about 20 minutes.  There are a ton of buttons and you can configure each button/joystick to control whatever you want.  It's cool- check it out!

HTH,
Sid

296

General Mach Discussion / Re: Spontaneous and unpredictable Estop requests...

« on: May 13, 2006, 10:12:20 PM »

LOL- I just read the post you wrote on the "homing not working thread".  Too bad I couldn't work my question into that thread-then you coulda had another 2 in 1.

Thanks Dude!

Regards,
Sid

297

General Mach Discussion / Re: Homeing All Axis not working properly

« on: May 13, 2006, 07:40:46 PM »

Weird, sounds like the Y axis switch is, in fact being activated (just at the wrong time/place). 

The next (X) axis should move until either you get to home on the first (Y) OR hit the esc key.  If I were you, I would try using the diagnostic page to play around with just homing the Y axis.  From that screen you can get Y to ref home and also see the state of the switch (i.e. when it is being activated.) Maybe that will help to determine if you have a problem with the switch accidentally being triggered to early.  (I had a prblem with some super sensitive switches once.  The vibration of my router would trigger one of my limit switches)

Regards,
Sid

298

General Mach Discussion / Spontaneous and unpredictable Estop requests...

« on: May 13, 2006, 07:32:52 PM »

Here's a weird one.  Program runs fine except every once and a while (usually when my back is turned for a second) I'll get an estop request and the machine will shut down.  I'll do a "Run from here" and continue and all is OK.  But where the heck does this estop request come from.

I thought maybe it was my cheap/Barney McGee limit switches?  Got new nice Honeywell's and nope same problem.  Perhaps bad wiring?  New wires installed- same problem.

So, I'm glancing through the bible, I mean the Mach 3 .pdf manual and on page 5-22 there is a little blurb about a "Use Watchdogs" check box.

Anybody know anything about this sitch and/or if I should check/uncheck this box to see what happens?  Any down side to disabling the watchdogs?

Thanks,
Sid

299

General Mach Discussion / Re: Homeing All Axis not working properly

« on: May 13, 2006, 07:19:47 PM »

Hmmmm, Something sounds weird about the way you are describing your problem.  Normally when you "Ref all Home" the first thing that should happen is that your Z axis should move to it's home position, then the Y, then the X.  You don't mention what happens with your other axis when you ref all home.  How about a little more information about what exactly happens and what your equipment setup is (i.e. how many axis, what kind of motors, drives).

Regards,
Sid

300

General Mach Discussion / Re: New guy needs help!

« on: May 12, 2006, 08:59:07 AM »

Sweet!  Thanks!

Sid