Messages

91

PoKeys / Re: does not get PoKeys57CNC running with Mach3 plugin

« on: July 08, 2016, 01:53:17 AM »

We at least updated the product homepage with links to related blog posts.

All information should now be available directly at https://www.poscope.com/PoKeys57CNC.

92

PoKeys / Re: does not get PoKeys57CNC running with Mach3 plugin

« on: July 08, 2016, 12:46:09 AM »

The .NET 3.5 is needed during the setup to register the communication library for PoKeys device that Mach3 uses. After installing .NET 3.5, you should re-run the setup to install it properly.

93

PoKeys / Re: does not get PoKeys57CNC running with Mach3 plugin

« on: July 08, 2016, 12:22:47 AM »

Hi, Holger

We are preparing the instructional page on how to setup the PoKeys57CNC from unboxing to moving motors, but we are focusing on Mach4 first. We will be updating the manuals on Mach3 also soon.

The Windows 10 is a bit special and we are looking for the best way to install PoKeys on Windows 10. To aid developers around the world, we are still using .NET 3.5, which does not come pre-installed on Windows 10. Even worse, Microsoft does not provide an installation file for it, instead, it must be installed as a Windows component in the Add/Remove programs dialog. As said, we are looking for a best way to solve this and will provide clear and simple instructions on how to proceed.

94

PoKeys / Re: does not get PoKeys57CNC running with Mach3 plugin

« on: July 05, 2016, 11:45:07 PM »

Note that this is not official PoLabs support forum. We have a ticketing system for support, available via our homepage.

Anyway, did you follow the instructions in the 'PoKeys Pulse engine v2 and Mach3 plugin manual (6.3.2016).pdf' (https://www.poscope.com/index.php?route=product/product/download&download_id=83&product_id=87) ?

Only kbd48CNC keyboard is configured in PoKeys application, nothing else. PoKeys application may be used for testing, but not for configuration. We have no reference to using PoKeys application in the Mach3 plugin manual.
That said, all configuration of the PoKeys device in Mach3 is done via extensive PoKeys Mach3 plugin settings. You don't need to check or change anything using PoKeys application (don't forget to close it before starting Mach3!).

95

PoKeys / Re: does not get PoKeys57CNC running with Mach3 plugin

« on: July 04, 2016, 02:13:40 AM »

1. No pins and ports should be setup in Mach3 Port&Pins dialog
2. The PoKeys57CNC must be used with 'External 4ch with IO' option. We fixed that to avoid confusion.
3. With default settings, PoKeys57CNC should run after a Mach3 restart. No need to change anything in Mach3.

Make sure that you update to the latest firmware and use the latest Mach3 and PoKeys plugin for Mach3.

96

PoKeys / Re: 57CNCdb25 Fast_USB Driver Not installing for Mach4

« on: July 02, 2016, 12:55:42 AM »

Hi, Roger

We will work on making it more clear - it is a standard PoKeys setup package named PoKeys v4.2.1, PoBlocks, Mach3 plugin (18.6.2016).exe

97

PoKeys / Re: Beware Pokeys 57E is NOT a stand alone BOB

« on: July 02, 2016, 12:54:42 AM »

The PoKeys devices were not originally designed specifically for working with CNCs, but based on a very positive feedback from the CNC community, we started adding features to support such operation. These were all done in a form of firmware updates, which means that all customers that bought the cards, got new functions for free (we had to transition to newer 57 series hardware to give us more space for the growing firmware). PoKeys57E is now an ethernet-based general purpose I/O device and does not feature input/output protection circuits since it would limit other functions of the device. There are people (like danilom and others) that used PoKeys57E as brains and designed their own break-out-board for it to be 'prepared' for CNC world.

However, as you may have noticed, we (PoLabs) offer PoKeys57CNC device, which is designed for CNC. It offers some level of I/O protection (we are not using optocouplers on all IO) and its functionality is designed for CNCs.

98

PoKeys / Re: 57CNCdb25 Fast_USB Driver Not installing for Mach4

« on: June 30, 2016, 11:00:13 PM »

Install PoKeys configuration software first and update the firmware. The software also comes with a USB driver.

https://www.poscope.com/index.php?route=product/product/download&download_id=122&product_id=87

99

PoKeys / Re: Utter PKey57CNC install FAIL

« on: June 21, 2016, 12:07:23 PM »

Guys, no need to start an argument here.

We managed to solve the problem Jon had and we will look into it in more details to determine what went wrong the first 'six' attempts.

100

PoKeys / Re: Utter PKey57CNC install FAIL

« on: June 19, 2016, 01:24:28 AM »

Hi, Jon

Regarding the plugin - the PoKeysDevice_DLL.dll​​ is a communication library that needs to be left where it is. It is registered in your system as ActiveX/COM library, which is then used by other applications to access the PoKeys device.
If 'PoKeys plugin' option appeared in the Mach3 plugins list before you used the file from the previous message, then your PoKeys setup did the job and copied the correct file to a correct location. You should not use this library as Mach3 plugin by copying it to Mach3's Plugins folder manually. The manual for Mach3 plugin is available here: https://www.poscope.com/index.php?route=product/product/download&download_id=83&product_id=87

Since the plugin supports multiple devices and each device must be configured to someone's needs, Mach3 will not just use any device by default. You must add it and configure it. Make sure that you don't have any other application open, that is accessing the PoKeys device.

I suggest reading the following blog posts:
- http://blog.poscope.com/pokeys57cnc-getting-started/
- http://blog.poscope.com/mach3-tutorial-first-steps/
- http://blog.poscope.com/mach3-setup-tutorial-first-movements/
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