Messages

1701

General Mach Discussion / Re: simulate probe

« on: January 31, 2010, 05:47:30 AM »

If your simulation Mach hasn't got the PP driver loaded then:
Although the emulated mode (using hot keys) will light the digitize LED, if you do a G31 it won't work as you might expect when you hit a key (i.e. stop and record position into the gcode params)
Solution is to load the PP driver even though you have no actual machine attached.

Cheers

Ian

1702

General Mach Discussion / Re: Negatating variables in G-code.

« on: January 27, 2010, 06:08:00 AM »

Hi

are you saying you can do this in another dialect of gcode? Certainly a cursory look at the NIST RS274/NGC Interpreter syntax (which I believe Mach conforms to) suggests that it doesn't support simple negation of parameters. Looks like you're stuck with either 0- or -1*. Not very satisfactory I agree.

Cheers

Ian

1703

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to setup a output trigger in the mach blue screen

« on: January 24, 2010, 12:31:10 PM »

Hi Dave

This IS the set I thought you were using. The spindle on/off is there near botton right. (see attached image)

Cheers

Ian

1704

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to setup a output trigger in the mach blue screen

« on: January 23, 2010, 12:46:37 PM »

Hi Dave

I thought you meant the blue screens here http://www.machsupport.com/screens.php by "The InsomniaX" which have a spindle on/off on the main (program) screen. Seems strange that whatever screenset you're using has a flood button but not a spindle button - anyway - there you go.

Also - not sure if you know already but you can turn the spindle on/off with M3/M5 in your gcode if that's any use.

Cheers

Ian

1705

General Mach Discussion / Re: How to setup a output trigger in the mach blue screen

« on: January 23, 2010, 05:26:57 AM »

Sorry but I have to ask - what's wrong with using the spindle button to start the ... erm... spindle?

1706

General Mach Discussion / Re: Motor Heat

« on: January 23, 2010, 05:15:21 AM »

To paraphrase Hood and rrc1962 - RTFM 

2) MOTOR CABLES: The motors connect to the G540 via male DB9 connectors. The four motor wires
connect to pins 6 and 7 for one motor winding, pins 8 and 9 for the other motor winding. The current
set resistor connects to pins 1 and 5. The motor cable should be a 4-conductor cable and it can be
shielded or unshielded. If a shielded cable is used, connect the shield to either pin 2, 3 or 4. Pins 2, 3 and
4 connect to ground inside the G540.

3) CURRENT SET RESISTORS: The current set resistor programs the axis drive current (0 to 3.5A) to
match the rated phase current of the motor being used with the axis. Each axis requires a current set
resistor. The resistor can be from 1/10 W to 1/2 W in size and 1% to 5% tolerance. The current set
equals 1,000 Ohms per Amp of motor current. Example: A 3.3A per phase motor requires a 3.3K resistor;
a 1.5A per phase motor requires a 1.5K resistor.

Cheers

Ian

1707

General Mach Discussion / Re: Jerking with short segment G-code

« on: January 22, 2010, 12:43:57 PM »

am I missing it? looking at your code in #1 there are no A axis moves, just x,y,z. Also can you explain what your a axis is supposed to be doing with regard to your coating requirement - and why tangential? - just trying to get a grip of the problem.

Cheers

Ian

1708

General Mach Discussion / Re: Plasma Kerf Angle

« on: January 21, 2010, 05:53:06 AM »

The undercut edge of the kerf caused by the CW swirl should be on the metal you don't want and the straight(er) kerf edge should be on the metal you do want.

So if you want the square, cut round it CW but if you want the square hole then cut round it CCW.

i.e. the kerf (which is always in the bit you don't want) should allways be to the left of the bit you do want with respect to the direction of travel. (if that makes sense  )

That said, I don't think this is why your kerf changes in angle. I reckon it's more likely to be explained by the paragraph "Irregular bevel (positive and negative bevel on the same piece" a tad lower down in your article.

(I'm assuming you're using THC ?)

1709

General Mach Discussion / Re: Wiring FL60STH86-3008B 8 wired stepmotor HELP!!!

« on: January 19, 2010, 02:07:03 PM »

Option 1 is correct - option 2 is completely wrong as you'd be connecting both ends of each coil together.

Cheers

Ian

1710

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Shapes 2d V2

« on: January 19, 2010, 01:14:45 PM »

I can't figure out how to save or retireve the g-code or if it is even generating it. 

Never used this particular wizard but I remember reading somewhere here that you need to make sure you've entered a value into every field - even if it's zero and you want zero - enter a zero. Don't know why but defaults don't seem to work too well in wizards.

You'll know whether it's made gcode without having to switch back to mach because when you hit the gcode button it'll show in the toolpath window (of the wizard). I had a quick play and sure enough it didn't seem to make gcode at first but once I'd typed something into every field it worked.

Is there a place to discuss or ask questions about Shapes 2d V2 by German Bravo? 

I reckon here's fine

Cheers

Ian