Messages

31

General Mach Discussion / Re: Limit switches lost

« on: December 01, 2015, 03:23:37 PM »

It is usually something simple. Fortunately this time, cheap too.

32

General Mach Discussion / Re: Limit Switches

« on: December 01, 2015, 09:19:21 AM »

Limit override is an option on the diagnostics page.

33

General Mach Discussion / Re: Ethernet and computer question

« on: November 30, 2015, 05:23:53 PM »

   Sorry to ressurect this thread but I see mention of using the intel Atom mobo.

   Hood, you mention it has a great stable driver test in 1 thread though you use yours via Ethernet controllers or other. Is it possible that it is a 5 volt output on its PP? I am trying to sort an issue and need a fresh NEW computer but want to use a PP.

34

General Mach Discussion / DriverTest evaluaton?

« on: November 29, 2015, 08:10:16 AM »

That gives me plenty to pursue.
Thanks for all of the input.


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35

General Mach Discussion / DriverTest evaluaton?

« on: November 28, 2015, 08:01:12 PM »

Rich, I appreciate the reply. These driver test results were images I got off of the net and not actually mine. That being said, mine look no better and have plenty of spikes too.

I did a fresh install of XP today and it did seem to remove the click of the stepper. I gained no speed though.

Rich, did you ever add a parallel port card to yours or were they always the stock Dell PP card?


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36

General Mach Discussion / new computer can't jog faster than 50 ipm?

« on: November 28, 2015, 03:52:31 PM »

I have been very happy with old computers and Mach. The price is fantastic as well as the forum. It is just when odd unexplainable things get in the way, it is frustrating.


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37

General Mach Discussion / Steppers and machine sounds bad, but not when rotating the toolpath

« on: November 28, 2015, 03:48:45 PM »

Oddly enough I always get a system excellent result. Even on a computer that make my steppers stall.
I just posted a thread in regards to that test and what to make of it.


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38

General Mach Discussion / Re: Steppers and machine sounds bad, but not when rotating the toolpath

« on: November 28, 2015, 02:17:10 PM »

Are you referring to the DriverTest.exe? It is in the Mach3 folder.

39

General Mach Discussion / DriverTest evaluaton?

« on: November 28, 2015, 11:25:34 AM »

Is there a particular mobo that you are familiar with that performs better than another?


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40

General Mach Discussion / DriverTest evaluaton?

« on: November 28, 2015, 11:07:18 AM »

   I am having an issue quantifying just what is responsible for smooth and fast motion on a PP based PC.

   I have always used computers that met the minimum requirements of Mach 3. Some PC's propel my machines to seemingly unuseable speeds and others stall, same controllers, same settings in Mach. Just different PC's.
   I have used the optimization steps in Mach and checked and or changed my port status etc.

   Many times during the pursuit of speeds attained prior I would hear a clicking coming from the steppers.
   I have only read a few other threads that mention this. In my case it always sounded mechanical and had me adjusting gibs and bearings, lubricating, cleaning etc. Never to improve.
   Just lately I was finally smart enough the remove the steppers from my lathe only to find the sound was still there. I drove the axis by hand and was amazed at the smoothness and lack of effort required to move any of the axis'.
   Friction is not causing my stalling issues. Nor are the speeds I am asking of the steppers.
   Changing the acceleration has no effect nor turning the toolpath on or off.

   Searching the forums for a specific mobo, RAM, graphics card with guaranteed success almost impossible. Is it the software? The parallel port itself? A graphics card? I cant imagine it is luck of the draw.

   I realize that I could use a motion controller of some flavor. I have a few. However my stubbornness makes me pursue WHY? As mentioned above I have had great success with the PP. No need to change if I can find out why.

   Here are 2 different screenshots of the DriverTest results, not mine just pics from the net. Looking at the results of the tests and the signals. Which would be the better computer to use and why?
   Both are testing at the same speed.  
   Both claim system excellent.