Topics

11

SmoothStepper USB / where to mount the Smoothstepper?

« on: February 28, 2013, 05:52:59 PM »

I just purchased the ESS. Where are you guys mounting your boards?

In the computer itself? CNC control cabinet? Or just laying out in the middle of both computer and CNC cabinet?

12

General Mach Discussion / losing steps on Z. Yes another thread about this. how to troubleshoot

« on: February 11, 2013, 08:38:49 PM »

My Z randomly misses steps. seems to only do it on rapid Z retract, so then I lose my zero... amd BAM. Into part or table I go. Yes I do have my velocity and accel set pretty low.

Problem is it's not repeatable. it only happens when I'm 55minutes into a 1 hour job and it slams my $175 indexable cutter into the vise. Yeah me.

I've searched this board... and most of the time it's a mechanical issue. this isn't.... been down that road.

Would posting my XML help? Could switching to Sherline mode help? Does Kernel speed have any effect?

13

General Mach Discussion / limit switches triggered after sitting idle for a few minutes

« on: January 30, 2013, 03:03:10 PM »

I'm using latest version of Mach... when machine sits idle for a few minutes I need to reset because it says limit switch has been triggered.

Is this normal... or is there a way to see what switch has been triggered to see if I have a faulty switch?

14

General Mach Discussion / faulting Z problem fixed?

« on: September 26, 2012, 02:13:23 AM »

Had a Z that didn't fault with a simple G code up down test program... but when I went to my run a CAM program it would fault, and lose steps.

Short answer I seemed to fix it by disabling the backlash compensation. It hasn't faulted yet... and I've confirmed it by turning backlash comp back on... it will fault everytime. Turn it off it doesn't fault.

Also when chasing problem I lowered my accel values from 15 to 8 to even 1. When my accel values were under 3 the Z travel was not going to a set 0 point on my dial indicator I rigged up to monitor Z travel Even when Gecko didn't register a fault. Back up to 5 or higher Z would travel correct distance. Why is that?

15

General Mach Discussion / using the driver test

« on: September 26, 2012, 12:42:46 AM »

when running the driver test... with nothing else on... i get 45000

when I run it with Mach3 on and powered up... just minimized... I get 25000

Do I set my kernel speed to 25000 then, or 45000?

16

General Mach Discussion / burned a servo

« on: September 11, 2012, 10:26:15 PM »

i goofed... burned a z axis servo. moved machine and left gibs tight from when i lifted it, and started to re-tram Z from move. Axis moved just fine... but little servo got real hot until I realised what I did.

it's a industrial hobbies (RF45 style) mill. It has Gecko 320 drivers,Mach3, and servos.

After i realized what I did, shut off machine to allow servo to cool (it was still working fine) when I restarted it Z no longer worked.

I replaced servo, and new one faults when limit on Gecko is anywhere over 30%. Gain and damp have no effect at all.

I swapped driver from a working axis... and Z acts bad still.

I replaced encoder, still doesn't work. Did I burn out a prarallel cable or parallel card? I'm stumped and need to get this running again, any suggestions greatly appreciated!

Mach3's DRO does show movement, but no movement from servo

17

General Mach Discussion / backlash comp, pendant and mdi difference

« on: May 28, 2012, 11:54:08 PM »

I have .004" backlash in my z.

I tuned it out with backlash compensation, and was verifying it with my Vista CNC pendant.

I then decided to check it with an mdi command. It was spot on with pendant, but overtravels by a thou with mdi.

Why would this be?

18

General Mach Discussion / after tripping a limit swith, what to do about making them active again?

« on: May 13, 2012, 10:49:09 PM »

I tripped a limit switch... screen pops up in mach and I hit reset on screen, them back off tripped switch, then hit flashing reset button again.

 I then proceeded to home machine and it went past my trip switches.

What is the procedure for this to not happen again? It's like the limit switches were disabled.

(I did uncheck watchdog earlier in the day because it seems like people were having problem with this. I have newest version of mach... should I keep watchdog enabled?)

19

General Mach Discussion / kennametal .5" indexable mill cutter

« on: March 19, 2012, 10:00:43 PM »

I don't know where to post this, so I'm trying here.

Looking for an indexable milling cutter.

My requirements are needs center cutting, and .5" size.

Anyone ever use one?

20

General Mach Discussion / changing units on dro from .000 to .0000

« on: March 08, 2012, 07:07:32 PM »

I've searched for 1/2 hour on forums on how to do this... I've seen it before but just can't find it.

My dro's currently read 0.000, I would like to get the tenth to show up so they read 0.0000. How do I get the extra tenth to show up on my screen?

I'm using the 6 axis blue screenset if that matters at all.