Messages

11

SmoothStepper USB / Smooth Stepper Driver Problem

« on: June 10, 2011, 04:46:18 PM »

Can anyone help me on this one.  Running XP Pro, SS, PMDX-126 BOB, steppers.  When installing SS driver during installation I get the message "The file 'ftdibus.sys' on FTDI USB Disk is needed."  I can not find file and driver will not load correctly.  Help please!!!!!!!!!!!!!

12

General Mach Discussion / Re: Spindle RPM Readout Problem - S True not stable

« on: March 28, 2010, 01:49:15 PM »

Problem resolved on my machine.  Never could get S True to read correctly using ver .038.  RPM readout was not stable even though spindle rpm was constant as verified by tach.  Understand Art has been working on drivers for the faster computers and mind just did not like the new drivers (speed on mine is 1.7 Ghz).  Anyway, reinstalled .032 and everything works like a charm.  Thanks to all who tried to help solve the problem.

13

General Mach Discussion / Re: Spindle RPM Readout Problem - S True not stable

« on: March 17, 2010, 07:34:06 PM »

When I start spindle the rpm comes up to rpm, say 400 and remains mostly constant then will drop to 377, back immediately to 400, stay there 20 sec or so, then maybe drop to 355, back to 400.  I've tried different debounce and index settings with the same result.  Right now they are set on 500 and 10.  My slot is 4.5" dia.  I calculated min. slot width at 0.143 at 3000 rpm (used as max) and originally set it there.  RPM was not stable and increase slot width to 0.8 and worked fine until updated Mach3.  Any suggestions on the debounce and index settings?  How about the slot width?  Would go back to earlier verison but did not save when updated.

Hood,  will send you the xml via pm.

14

General Mach Discussion / Re: Spindle RPM Readout Problem - S True not stable

« on: March 17, 2010, 05:55:15 PM »

Will give it a try.  Maybe Art can address the problem with a fix for us that still have the "slow" computers.  I use the S True display to set spindle speed using VDF manually with pot.  With it not steady, makes it a little more difficult. 

15

General Mach Discussion / Re: Spindle RPM Readout Problem - S True not stable

« on: March 17, 2010, 05:31:42 PM »

Actual spindle rpm is steady.  Checked with tach.  Also no change in motor sound.  My concern was that before downloading latest Mach3 versions, the rpm readout was steady.  Wias not sure that the variations in S True readout and actual spindle rpm steady if it could impact Mach3's thread cutting.  Spindle averaging is enabled.

16

General Mach Discussion / Spindle RPM Readout Problem - S True not stable

« on: March 17, 2010, 01:37:39 PM »

The problem I am having and can not seem to solve is the the Spindle True readout is not stable.  I am using CNC4PC's C3 Index Pulse card.  When I was using Mach3 VerR3.042.032 everything worked fine.  I could set the rpm with my VFD (using pot) say at 400 rpm, verify with rpm reader, and S True would read 400 rpm and vary only 1 or 2 rpm.  Since I downloaded later versions (currently have VerR3.042.037) the readout is not stable.  For example, at 400 rpm, it will hold 400 for a few seconds, then fluctuate down  (varies each time to different values 360, 375, etc) and then back to 400 rpm.  I've searched thru CNCZone and Mach Forum for threads and also read the document "Threading On The Lathe - Mach3 Turn".

Any suggestions?  Need to cut some threads, however with the readout not stable, don't want to attemp until solve problem.

17

General Mach Discussion / Re: Sherline Related- Rotary Table as Indexing Tool Turret - Spindle as Indexer

« on: January 31, 2010, 03:35:27 PM »

Here's a 4th axis made from mini-lathe spindle using small servo motor.  (Reason spindle is raised is to match height of a larger tailstock I already had) 

18

Works in progress / Re: Three Page Lathe Screen

« on: January 26, 2010, 09:03:58 AM »

Swap the axis and use Mach Mill as it' only a one shot deal.
RICH

Good point.  Had not thought of that.  I'm learning Screen4 by adding auto probing functions to a new screen in Mill and found it easy just to add the Axis Cal to the lathe screen.

Phil, you noted that you did not need as you added ballscrews.  I found that on both mill and lathe (both with ballscrews) that the calculations for "steps for inch" in a perfect world would be perfectly accurate, however due to slight variance in mechanicals, etc. most of the time actual will differ from calculated.  Not much, but it's an ego factor to be as accurate as possible.

19

Works in progress / Re: Three Page Lathe Screen

« on: January 25, 2010, 06:56:19 PM »

Thanks, got it working.  Had the New Screen folder under turnbitmaps.  One thing I did to the 1024.lset (saved as new new .lset) was to add the "Axis Calabration" feature found in the mill 1024.set to the lathe .lset.  Sure makes step per inch fine tuning much easier.  Just throwing it out there.

20

Works in progress / Re: Three Page Lathe Screen

« on: January 24, 2010, 09:56:24 PM »

Phil,

Like the "big" toolpath display and decided to download the .lset and bitmap files.  Placed .lset file with the other .lset files and the bitmap files under the turnbitmas.  Screen loads however the buttons do not show.  The buttons are active if I click on spot.  Any suggestion on how to get buttons to show?