Messages

11

General Mach Discussion / Re: losing probe signals with USB game controller?

« on: February 03, 2010, 08:05:55 PM »

Here is the downloaded script code I copied for my z axis set button.  If anyone sees anything missing or a problem, please let me know.

Rem   VBScript to probe in the z axis

If GetOemLed (825) <> 0 Then       'Check to see if the probe is already grounded or faulty
   Code "(Z-Plate is grounded, check connection and try again)" 'this goes in the status bar if aplicable
Else
   Code "G4 P1"         'Pause 1 seconds to give time to position probe plate
   PlateOffset = GetUserDRO(1151)   'Get plate offset DRO
   CurrentFeed = GetOemDRO(818)    'Get the current feedrate to return to later
   Code "F4"         'slow down feedrate to 4 ipm

Rem   Probe in the z direction
   ZNew = GetDro(2) - 2      'probe move to current z - 2 inches
   Code "G31Z" &ZNew
   While IsMoving()      'wait for probe move to finish
   Wend

   ZNew = GetVar(2002)       'read the touch point
   Code "G0 Z" &ZNew       'move back to hit point incase there was overshoot
   While IsMoving ()
   Wend

   If PlateOffset <> 0 Then
      Call SetDro (2, PlateOffset)   'set the Z axis DRO to  plate thickness
      Code "G4 P0.25"       'Pause for Dro to update.
      ZNew = PlateOffset + .25
      Code "G0 Z" &ZNew       'put the Z retract height you want here
      Code "(Z axis is now zeroed)"    'puts this message in the status bar
   End If

   Code "F" &CurrentFeed       'Returns to prior feed rate
End If

12

General Mach Discussion / Re: losing probe signals with USB game controller?

« on: February 03, 2010, 02:23:03 PM »

"Greg has done a lot of work on this correcting possible problems that could occur, depending on the current Mach settings in force when the script is envoked and perhaps the best for me has been the addition of the G90 to this line Code "G90 G31 Z -15 F" &ProbeFeed 'Probing move at ProbeFeed rate."

Is this line to be added or changed in the blue screen mods that I downloaded?  I haven't made any changes to what I installed.  What effect does the G90 code have in this instance?

"Other related factors (which have been well discussed on the Zone)  include residue on the tool shank or in the collet, partially insulating the tool from ground and also how good is the earth connection of the spindle shaft through its bearings ?."

Don't think its a Mach setting issue, as it worked 99% of the time.

My spindle is double insulated from the frame; therefore I have a stiff battery clip that I apply to the collet.  You can see it on the URL given in the first post.  As I said, this is clipped and tested to see the green "LED" light come on on the screen, and once it does, the Z setter button is clicked, so while a poor connection might be possible, I believe its highly unlikely.

At any rate, this method of setting the Z has proven to be unreliable for me, so I've gone to a different method that is just as easy, but without risk.  It also works with tips that are non conductive like pens, diamond point engravers, etc.

My game controller is a wired USB, not wireless.

13

General Mach Discussion / Re: losing probe signals with USB game controller?

« on: February 03, 2010, 12:24:39 PM »

Well, each time it happened I touched the plate to the bit to see the light come one, and then clicked the mouse to run it.  I suppose it is possible that in the meantime the connection became poor, but I really believe that is unlikely.  It worked for me many times as well, but it also ruined a couple of expensive bits.  In any case, setting the Z axis in this manner is proven to be unreliable for me, so I am using a different method.  

Not trying to point fingers, but I though Artsoft ought to know that there are problems occuring.

Also, it was a wired USB game controller, not wireless.

I am just using the mods I downloaded for the blue screen set unmodified - what is this G90 code - do I need to edit the script for setting the Z?

14

General Mach Discussion / Re: losing probe signals with USB game controller?

« on: February 03, 2010, 08:44:52 AM »

I don't know if my problem is related to the game controller or USB or not.  When it only happens once in a while, any hypothesis is hard to test.  I have:

Mach3 latest version, XP SP3, motherboard type parallel port, G540 as the BOB, and a Logitech game controller.  I have seen the failure mode when using either Keygrabber or the latest version of the key aliasing software from Logitech.  Networking and virus checkers are disabled while Mach3 is running.

I can't afford to keep losing bits, so I've gone to a different way to set the Z, the one shown on the cover of this months Digital Machinist.  Is there some way to check on reported bugs and their status or place in the queue for fixing?

15

General Mach Discussion / losing probe signals with USB game controller?

« on: January 31, 2010, 03:20:25 PM »

Hello,

Does anyone know anything about a bug where probe signals are lost, perhaps while using a game controller as a pendant?

I have ruined two bits now.

I use a touch plate and the blue screen mods to single click a zero Z axis setting.  I ALWAYS touch the plate to the bit to see the green "LED" come on.  After having worked 99% of the time, on two occasions now, after testing the connection, the bit touched the touch plate, and kept on going.  Luckily, I was near the estop, but it ruined the tip of the bit.  The first time, I assumed it was my carelessness, but after the second time, I went in another direction and built a Z Zero setter, as shown at

www.liming.org/cnc  on page 5,

based on the one shown on the cover of the recent Digital Machinist magazine.

Since then, on a thread in CNCZone, I learned that others have reported seeing lost probe signals while using Keygrabber.  I do have a USB Logitech game controller hooked up, but I am using Logitech's key programmer, not keygrabber.  Anyone know about any problems in this area with either keygrabber or Logitech's stuff?

16

Mach4 General Discussion / Introducing myself as requested!

« on: June 12, 2009, 12:42:08 PM »

Hello,

I am new to this stuff as of March when I went to a woodworking show and saw a "Carvewright" there.  I loved the idea of it (I am not new to computers - I started when the user interface was punching holes in cardboard.) but I thought that machine was too much money for what you got.

I returned home and spent a lot of time learning what's happening here, and bought my Mach license bundled with Cambam.

My router table build log is at http://www.liming.org/cnc

I would love to hear any comments on the router table or the website log.

Real Soon Now I should be posting my own obligatory First Cut movie on You Tube, if I can only figure out why the motors wont' turn!

I must say I've really enjoyed the process of building this thing!

Thanks to Art, and everyone who makes this stuff possible!!!

17

General Mach Discussion / Scan to cut part

« on: May 04, 2009, 01:19:20 PM »

Hello all,

I am just completing a router table, and just purchased Mach3 and Cambam, so I although I am no stranger to software, I am a real newbie at CAM, so be gentle.   

My need is to scan a piece of paper or cardboard of contrasting color with the background that is cut out in the exact dimension of the part to made - a template.  I then need to cut out a part (from 1/4 inch plywood or 1/8 inch plastic, etc.) that matches the outline of the template.

I have many of these to do, so a simple procedure is important.

I have tried many options, including massaging the scan with both Photoshop and Illustrator to get a .dxf, but that is problematic because I have to go to a friends house since I don't own that pricey software.

I was hoping that Lazycam might help here, but I can't seem to get it to do anything useful, probably due to my unfamiliarity with it and the lack of documentation.  Not putting it down, its just that its early for that.

Could someone please outline the steps involved to be able to do such a thing? If some other software is needed, could you recommend something you've used to do this?

I know this may seem elementary to some, but I don't seem to be able to find the right direction to go.

TIA,