Messages

11

General Mach Discussion / Jog Mod Change from Increment Change

« on: September 25, 2016, 06:39:58 PM »

I have a problem I do not know how to fix.  On one of my new machines when you click on the <Cylcle Jog Step> button on the jog screen it sometimes (about 1 in 4 times) changes the <Jog Mode> from Step to Cont.  So far I have caught it every time, but its going to cost me some work and a cutter sooner or later.  The mouse pointer is clearly NOT on the <Jog Mode> button and is clearly and fully on the <Jog Cycle Step> button when it happens.  It is a repeatable problem.  I have carefully made sure that the pointer is at the top right corner of the <Cycle Jog Step> button and still had it happen.

A little more testing shows it happens pretty consistently when it is showing the 4th decimal place precision.  The ten thousandths position.  Instead of advancing to the 1s position it changes from Step to Continuous. The next click then advances the step increment to the 1s position as it should.  

Weird.  I have copied a screen set from another machine to make sure its not a buggy screen set.  I have adjusted the mouse settings in Windows to make sure that's not the problem.  Suggestions?  Reinstall Mach?  Copy XML file from the other identical (more or less) machine I have? 

12

General Mach Discussion / What Exactly is the Acceleration Setting in Mach 3

« on: November 03, 2015, 12:46:06 AM »

What Exactly is the Acceleration Setting in Mach 3?

Seriously, I thought it was units per second per second, but I've had several people tell me I had it all wrong.  Recently I tested a machine (inch mode) at 100 in the acceleration setting and when I said I tested at 100iss they claimed that would be like deceleration of a hammer blow hitting a board. 

So what exactly does that figure in the motor tuning mean? 

13

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Move after program end

« on: October 22, 2015, 11:59:13 AM »

Thank you. 

This is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for.  I'll do some experiments with it today.  I already have hard coded macros written for tool changes that save current location, go to tool change location, wait for input, and return to saved location.  I've been looking for a something similar for program end.  Move to park position for easy unloading at program end.  G30 would not cut it for me, but the principal works. 

TODAY THE SEARCH FUNCTION WORKED FOR ME.  LOL. 

14

General Mach Discussion / Re: Run Inhibit - Based on Input

« on: September 29, 2015, 09:17:54 PM »

Ok...  Sometimes I forget stuff is there.  Looks like on General Logic Config page in the lower left corner is Program Safety Lockout.  Click the radio box then go to the ports and pins page and set input one on, and set high or low as appropriate.  Hook my trigger for the brake to to pin programmed to input 1 and I am good to go.  Preliminary testing on my passive test installation (no machine connected) seems to show that it does not allow jogging while locked. Well it is probably safer this way, but it isn't what I wanted.  Still it will allow for faster easier tool changes with just the spanner on the kwik lock collar.  

15

General Mach Discussion / Re: Run Inhibit - Based on Input

« on: September 29, 2015, 07:50:06 PM »

That makes sense.  I'll follow up on that line of thought. 

16

General Mach Discussion / Re: Run Inhibit - Based on Input

« on: September 29, 2015, 05:05:58 PM »

I am not using a custom button.  Well I wasn't planning to anyway.  I just want to inhibit the run button. Actually that might be the answer.  I'll have to download the screen editor again and see what is actually in the green start button.  I was thinking this would be more Mach native and less custom, but custom makes sense too. 

17

General Mach Discussion / Re: Run Inhibit - Based on Input

« on: September 29, 2015, 04:27:36 PM »

The spindle will not start with the brake activated.  Already addressed.  Move on to the actual question please. 

Do you know how to use an input to inhibit the ability to start or resume a job in Mach 3?   ie Pushing the start button does nothing if the brake is engaged, but jogging is still possible.  

18

General Mach Discussion / Re: Run Inhibit - Based on Input

« on: September 29, 2015, 10:59:37 AM »

I'm glad you finished with a smiley and a wink.

19

General Mach Discussion / Run Inhibit - Based on Input

« on: September 28, 2015, 08:03:46 PM »

I'm not sure where to go with this.  I've got a machine that's running pretty good right now, but I am about to put on a new solenoid valve operated pneumatic spindle brake.  I'ld like to be able to set the brake and inhibit spindle start or program run, but still be able to jog the machine if I need to.  I'ld like to add a mechanical push on / push off button to my control console to operate the brake.  The electrical part is easy for me to figure out.  I'm not sure how to configure Mach 3 to do it.  I've got spare inputs on my breakout board. 

I could just cut the input lead to the VFD with a relay, but that wouldn't prevent Mach from crashing a tool into a work piece if I forget to release the brake.  I could add a really annoying sounder and a blinking light, but again it doesn't actually prevent a crash.  My existing brake is tied to my E-stop switch, but I don't want to estop the machine for a tool change as it kills the job clock.  The new brake is strong enough to allow me to do single spanner tool changes. 

I know.  I know.  Beginner question right?  LOL. 

20

Screen designer tips and tutorials / Re: Execute Code With Buttons

« on: June 11, 2015, 07:55:07 PM »

One thing to consider is IF you are using a touch probe you can run it in what is know as protected move mode. THat is when you are not probing  just joggin or moving around to get into position to probe and the probe strikes an object the MACHINE will STOP motion to protect the probe..

Most higher end controllers have it and we have been able to somewhat duplicate it in Mach3 .  It can save your bacon if you get in a hurry and forget which way to push the jogstick(;-) ask me how I know.

Just a thought, (;-) TP

Nah, I never broke a probe or a wiggler from going the wrong way or going to far.  ROFL.  Yeah right.  LOL.