Messages

1

Mach4 General Discussion / USB to Parallel port motion controller for Mach 4

« on: September 03, 2021, 11:56:54 AM »

Hi there, Just want your opinion on which USB to Parallel port controller to use. I'm currently using a PDMX 411, it is an awesome controller, however I can't get it to probe with my system. I've contacted Steve Stallings several times about the issue, but it hasn't been resolved. So my questions are, is there a better controller out there? Will I still have the probing issue with another brand of controller, Should I just upgrade the whole controller board to a USB Board, if so which one. Which company that sells the motion controllers has a excellent technical service? I've been using my CNC Mill for almost 20 years, however I'm not a expert when it comes to the electronics that run the motors. So what do you think?

Pat

2

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Regen Toolpath Hangs

« on: February 19, 2020, 09:29:52 AM »

Just curious MitchB, What program did you use to generate the .nc file. I use BobCad. v 28.

Pat

3

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Regen Toolpath Hangs

« on: February 18, 2020, 12:39:23 PM »

I'm having the same problem. I've uninstalled Mach 4 ver 4300 and reinstalled several times. If I run a engraving code from the wizard the cnc will generate the toolpath and will engrave. I've tried several programs that I ran before I updated to ver 4300 and they don't work. I know have gone back to version 3804 and everything works properly. I contacted Machsupport about a week ago, which they wanted me to send a .nc file, I have. I haven't heard anything from them in almost a week. So I'm hoping that they reply to my last email in the future. I'll check back to this post to see if anything has been done to cure this problem instead of using an older version.

Pat

4

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Can't get Mach 4 to open in Windows 10, but can in safe mode

« on: January 26, 2019, 08:03:20 PM »

Craig thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I tried that also without any success. Thanks anyway.

Pat

5

Mach4 General Discussion / Can't get Mach 4 to open in Windows 10, but can in safe mode

« on: January 26, 2019, 03:45:13 PM »

Hello there, I'm hoping someone can help me out with a problem of opening the Mach4GUI.exe file. About a week ago it all started, not sure if there was an update to Windows 10 or ? First off the computer I'm referring to is a dedicated computer used for my CNC Mill. I have a PMDX 411 SmartBOB that is connected via USB port. I have Mach 4 the latest download. So I only have two programs I added to this computer. Mach 4 and an antivirus software.  I also have downloaded the software for the SmartBOB. After many attempts to figure this problem I decided to reset my computer and reinstalled the programs mentioned earlier. Right after I did reset the computer the Mach 4 program worked well. However this morning I tried to ope the program and got nothing, not even a message. I've tried opening it by the Mach 4 loader app (which Opens), Icon from the desktop, and going to the file in the Mach 4 folder. Nothing! I have though went to safe mode and believe it or not the darn thing opened up. I wasn't able to connect to the mill, but i suspect that is because it was in safe mode. I thought than it was antivirus software, contacted them but was told it wasn't the software causing it to not open. So does anyone know how to resolve this?? Thanks everyone.


Pat

6

General Mach Discussion / Re: CNC mill has mind of it's own

« on: February 10, 2016, 12:18:13 PM »

okay I will roll back to a previous date and see if that works, If that doesn't I'm going to go back and reformat the drive and have a clean install of mach 3. Was wondering what files I should back up for mach 3. I assume the XML files?

Pat

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: CNC mill has mind of it's own

« on: February 10, 2016, 10:59:51 AM »

Hey GEH7552, I'm trying to figure out what ESS means. Also what is crazy about this is that the configuration I have , has been working for at least 3 years without any problems. So that has me wondering why would it act up all of a sudden? Thanks

Pat

8

General Mach Discussion / Re: CNC mill has mind of it's own

« on: February 09, 2016, 02:30:18 PM »

Here is an update of what I have done. Removed the internet connection (USB), Uninstalled the Anti-virus software (McAffe Live safe), When it happens I 've looked inside the CNC Control cabinet and felt the capacitor, motion controllers (they were cool), Felt axis motors(they were cool), looked inside the PC and didn't see anything wrong. So it is happening more often now. One thing I did notice was when the "X" and "Y" axis starts to shake I grabbed the "X" axis hand wheel to see if I could stop  it and I couldn't. I did feel though at times as if the axis motor wasn't locked up for a short interval and then it would lock back up. So one of my thoughts here is if the mill becomes labored with a plugged tooth (haven't seen it)or whatever, in other words the axis motors is pushed to its limits would this cause the problem. I'm guess I'm going to have to try a different computer. Anybody have any thoughts?

Pat

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: CNC mill has mind of it's own

« on: February 01, 2016, 12:18:08 PM »

Okay thanks for the replies I will try them all. As for a dedicated computer, that is what I'm doing. I have the Anti-virus software on the computer to help with any virus I may get with the other computer connected to my network. I like to be able to transfer files from the computer running the BobCad V27 software (which has anti-virus softeware installed) to the dedicated CNC computer. Do I need to worry about virus transferring from BobCad computer to the CNC computer? Also Hood do you mean the computer or the controllers overheating? I have cleaned out both of these but didn't look at the capacitors. However it is also something I will do anyways. Thanks for all the help I will let you know what I find out.

Pat

10

General Mach Discussion / CNC mill has mind of it's own

« on: February 01, 2016, 12:03:36 AM »

Okay I need a little help. I have been running the same CNC setup for about 3 years now without any really problems. I will list my setup below for those who wish to look at it. Anyways I can run a g-code for about 4 hours or 4 parts then the gremlins get a hold of the x and y axis. The Both of these axis start to jerk like the motion controller is losing the signal to the motors, but it never really falls short of the intended spot but goes long. If I'm lucky I get the CNC shutdown before it trashes the part. So I'm thinking that if I re-home the machine it should be off right? Wrong!!! It is on the money, I than check my zeros and they are right on. Even after I stop the g-code the x and y axis still jerk around, can even go on for 5 minutes, I assume it's running to end of the line of code. So my question is what the Heck is going on. I have replaced my wireless keyboard, updated my anti-virus, turned off my screen saver and still the same thing. I've read about turning off the tool path but it sounds like it's for programs with over 250,000 lines of code. This program has about 25,000 lines. Besides I have used this setup for years without a hitch. My next thought is to shutoff the anti-virus, go back to a restore point a couple weeks back, and maybe even the toolpath. Anybody have anymore ideas? Thanks for your help in advance.

Pat


Dell Opti-plex
Windows XP updated
Parallel Port run Mach 3
Gecko Motion Controllers
Mill - Drill Rongfu with ball screws
3 Axis Movement
Milling out pockets
BobCad V27