Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / Hotkeys for buttons on screen...

« on: April 22, 2009, 07:40:39 PM »

How would I set up a hotkey to zero the x and y axis values?

I want to be able to zero the DRO for X axis, by pressing "x" and the same for "y". How would I do this?

2

dspMC/IP Motion Controller / New control computer, cant get dsp software to work.

« on: April 22, 2009, 05:13:28 PM »

I dropped an I beam on my computer and its done.

I had my config files backed up on a flash stick, unfortunately that was on the side of the computer at the time and it got messed up too.

Anyways, replaced the head and went to re-install the software with no success.

I installed the dspMC software and tried to run the hardware ugrade tool so I could pull the config off the motion controller but I cant run either of the dsp programs. I get the error message:

"This application failed to start because the applications configuration is incorrect. Reinstall may fix the problem"

I reinstalled and restarted and no fix. I tried my old version of the dsp software as well as the new version. Any ideas why the software wouldnt run on a normal XP computer?

3

General Mach Discussion / Anyone even built a plasma/torch tube profiling machine?

« on: February 12, 2009, 02:17:32 PM »

I was thinking it would be quite easy. All i need is a worm reducer with a 4 jaw chuck driven by a servo and a single axis of movement to cut the profile. Just wondering if anyone has tried this and how the control could be worked to do this...

It could just be done by converting tubes into flat patterns and using the rotary axis as a flat axis, but the scale factor would have to be adjusted to ever tube diameters..

Any thoughts?

4

dspMC/IP Motion Controller / Analog inputs.

« on: February 09, 2009, 11:26:01 AM »

My dspMC is capable of 8 Channels Analog Inputs, Range 0..5Volts, 14-bit Resolution. Im curious as to how i would utilize this through Mach3.

It would be ideal for me to be able to utilize some of these inputs in my macros, just wondering if its even possible?

5

General Mach Discussion / Torch height control.

« on: February 09, 2009, 11:04:29 AM »

After a week or so of running my plasma table, i've realized a torch height control is going to be a necessity. Getting actual motion is no problem, however im wondering what would be ideal to control the motion. The plugin page lists a THC system from candcnc.com. But it looks like it only works with their BOB system. Im running the dsp Motion Controller, so that should make a difference with what i can run. Also the basis for my height control is a voltage feedback value from the plasma unit. Something like 50-300VDC. Which can easily be scaled for a 0-10V analog signal etc.

Does anyone know of any other solutions, is anyone else running a plasma with any other THC system?

Full Digital Torch Height Control Expansion Module

HUH?  What's this?  Because the DTHC is now a tiny plug-in module you can make ANY UBOB based product into a full blown Digital Torch Height Control.  Comes with a matching THC Sensor Card for interface to your Plasma cutter.
NOTE:  YOU CANNOT HAVE A ISS-O2 SPINDLE SPEED AND DTHC-Expansion Module plugged in at the same time.

Doesnt sound like it would work with my dsp motion contoller...

6

General Mach Discussion / Hotkey for "step mode" when jogging?

« on: February 04, 2009, 01:52:54 PM »

Every once in a while, i must slip and hit the wrong key when im doing something and the machine goes into step mode instead of velocity for jogging and the machine creeps along at like 2ipm trying to jog 1,10,100 inches etc.
When I hit tab and open the MPG window, i can see that "step" is lit up but when i toggle modes around, i cant get that to shut off unless i restart the program.

How do I shut off step mode while the control is running without restarting?

7

*****VIDEOS***** / 4'X8' Plasma Table

« on: January 30, 2009, 05:05:49 PM »

Click the pic:

8

General Mach Discussion / Modifying my M3 macro for arc initiate - Plasma Application.

« on: January 28, 2009, 12:01:46 PM »

My M3 macro currently looks like this:

ActivateSignal(Output3)
Code "G4 P5"
While IsMoving
Wend
DoSpinCW()

However, after "DoSpinCW" i want the machine to wait til it gets an input (arc initiated) before it starts moving. How do I write that?

9

dspMC/IP Motion Controller / Using dspMC and PPort together?

« on: January 28, 2009, 10:31:33 AM »

Is it possible to use the dspMC and Printer Port at the same time? As far as interfacing e-stops, indicator lights and MPG's it would be much easier for me to use the printer port inside my control head, rather than run 15ft cables to my electrical cabinet.  Is it possible to modify the dspMC plugin to run both?

If im wrong and you already can do that, what port number would the PPort be?

10

General Mach Discussion / dspMotion controller AND PPort I/O?

« on: January 27, 2009, 04:19:00 PM »

Im running a dspMC controller for motion and machine I/O. As far as interfacing, it would be convenient to use the Printer port on the control head for human interface ie, mpg.

If the dsp port is port 1, can i still use the printer port as port 2? or is it not possible to use both?