Messages

141

General Mach Discussion / Link to "hooking up input & Outputs" Video tutorial not working

« on: April 23, 2007, 05:01:44 AM »

I can't seem to make the link to the above tutorial. The others seem to work ok but not this one.
I am trying to find details of how to wire up the specific pins on the parallel port to the various components and was hoping that this video would walk me through it. I also tried looking in the pdf written copy but couldn't find the info there, so If someone could advise the page number I would appreciate it.

Thanks ...Richard

142

General Mach Discussion / Re: Denford Triac ATC - guidance on updating to Mach3(?)

« on: November 28, 2006, 04:41:08 AM »

Collected the machine yesterday. Got it home and it wouldn't fit through the door 
Not much chance for sub-micron work when I couldn't measure to the nearest inch!
Had to strip off the two rear control panels and even then it was a tight squeeze.
I will have to put it to one side for a few weeks until I finish re-assembling my Smart & Brown lathe, as I don't want too many things in bits at one time, but after that I am sure there will be plenty more challenging questions for all you experts out there in Mach-land.

Thanks ...Richard

p.s. anyone got any spare BT35 toolholders?

143

General Mach Discussion / Re: What do you get extra for paying for the licence?

« on: November 25, 2006, 03:35:25 AM »

Like I said Ynneb, it is a difficult question to raise without coming across as, as we would say politely in England, 'cheeky.'
I was just wondering if you got more wizards etc. The question might have been better put if I had asked what was omitted from the trial version over the full version.

From my original post ..."thanks to all those who have put their time into such an outstanding product".

...Richard

144

General Mach Discussion / What do you get extra for paying for the licence?

« on: November 24, 2006, 07:58:30 PM »

Don't want to sound too cheeky, but what do you get for paying for the licence?
I am completely overwhelmed by the free download of Mach 3, and was wondering just how much better it could get by paying up?

thanks to all those who have put their time into such an outstanding product.

...Richard

145

General Mach Discussion / Re: Denford Triac ATC - guidance on updating to Mach3(?)

« on: November 19, 2006, 09:17:28 AM »

The deal is done! 
Collecting the machine on Tuesday so will get some more of the spec and condition posted then.

Thanks to everyone so far

...Richard

146

General Mach Discussion / Re: Denford Triac ATC - guidance on updating to Mach3(?)

« on: November 18, 2006, 08:48:32 AM »

Thanks for your input John S & Chaoticone.
The prices for the components seems ok, even if I budget a shade higher by purchasing them in England. Usually $700 ends up equaling £700! With prices in this area I can afford to put that into it straight away and not have to save up my pennies for months on end.
Question is can you all cope with the endless requests for advise?

...Richard

...Clueless in Yorkshire

147

General Mach Discussion / Re: Denford Triac ATC - guidance on updating to Mach3(?)

« on: November 18, 2006, 05:31:04 AM »

I think it is good advice to ignore the toolchanger for the time being.
I appreciate that even if I get the machine for next to nothing the upgrade will cost. From your (anyone's) experience just how much will it cost? This is what I really need to know. Will the StepmasterNC 'box' look after the XYZ for $299USD or is there a 'special box' that will cost £1000's? All I need is an idea as I really want to buy this machine to run as my own and not pass-on on ebay. If I can't afford the upgrade then i'll say no to the Triac as I don't want it stood idle as a nice conversation piece.

Thanks ...Richard
Bradford
England

148

General Mach Discussion / Re: Denford Triac ATC - guidance on updating to Mach3(?)

« on: November 18, 2006, 04:17:55 AM »

Here are a couple of pics of the machine.

149

General Mach Discussion / Re: Denford Triac ATC - guidance on updating to Mach3(?)

« on: November 18, 2006, 03:32:45 AM »

Oh no ...getting very worried with all this talk of I/O and PLC's 
I understand that if I want to get this thing going then I will have to spend some cash, something even someone from Yorkshire has to accept from time to time.
I have been looking at a 'boxes' from a company called Conqueror (CNC1) which costs £600, or card only (MPC5) for £399, and also one from StepmasterNC at $299USD but if you can point me in a better direction I would be glad to accept your advice. If the Mach people have worked in cooperation with a 'box' builder please point me down that road.
If it can only be made to work by buying and programming a PLC then i'll probably pass on the machine; Mach3 (superb), I have already had it working in simulation and have drawn, uploaded dxf into Lazycam, and run the program from my laptop, but I have no experience whatsoever on programming.

http://www.stepmasternc.com/stepmasternc10606_010.htm
http://www.eaziform.co.uk/phpwcms/index.php?cnc1

Thanks again ...Richard

150

General Mach Discussion / Denford Triac ATC - guidance on updating to Mach3(?)

« on: November 17, 2006, 03:04:15 PM »

I am really new to this CNC stuff so would appreciate a bit of help.
I have been offered a Triac ATC from September 1994, which is currently at an engineering works that is closing. The machine has a couple of bashes on the cabinet and must be considered as a non - runner as I haven't seen it powered up. Price was originally £800 but dropped to £400 as I couldn't see it powered up but I think I could get it for £250.
I am guessing that the original electronics will be junk as the machine couldn't be powered up, but that suits me fine as after downloading Mach3 it looks incredible and, therefore, I need to know just how much I will need to spend to get the machine up and running.
For anyone not familiar with the Triac ATC, it has X,Y,Z axis with another motor rotating an 8 point tool holder. The tools are selected pneumatically, the motor just indexes them int position. Not sure what controls the spindle motor speed though.
Would like to be able to upload dxf drawings as I am not familiar with G code programming etc.
Don't really want to learn by mistakes again so would appreciate any help.
Is there a 'box' I can buy that fits in between my computer and the Triac that will control all the axis and tool changer, vary the spindle motor speed, trigger the pneumatics to select and lock in the toolholder and that will not cost me the price of a new Haas? There is a pneumatic/electric box on the machine which I guess looks after the toolchanger, I think it will just need a trigger signal.
Finally, I could do with any help asap as I will have to sat yes or no to the machine next Monday or Tuesday.

Thanks ...Richard