Messages

31

Mach4 Videos / Re: Creating an M6 Toolchange in Mach4 (Part 3)

« on: June 12, 2018, 06:30:01 PM »

Here's hoping this update is still in the works. Thanks!

32

Mach4 General Discussion / "Screenset 2010"-like tool and zero macros?

« on: May 30, 2018, 06:47:00 PM »

After sitting on a license for several years I'm finally going to give Mach4 the old college try, but I'm pretty wedded to the simple and multi-tool zero functions in Gerry's 2010 screenset, as well as his X/Y zero to laser crosshairs feature.

I'm well aware that in cases such as this, Lua is my friend, and I'm no stranger to coding. However, there is never a point to reinventing the wheel so I thought I'd ask if anyone already has scripting similar in function. If not, time to knock the dust off my ol' friend UltraEdit.

(DaTheGas -- I've already seen your excellent youtube videos on modifying M6!)

Thanks!
-- Paul

33

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Was just given an Ethernet Smooth Stepper

« on: May 06, 2018, 09:45:59 AM »

Thanks all, you confirmed my beliefs.

JoeAverage: This guy bought a poorly documented (understatement of the century) 4*8 Chinese CNC. Before getting it up and running he did some research and decided against using the simple parallel port BOB and provided software due to bad reviews.

So he bought an ESS with an eye towards Mach3/4, then decided the Centroid Acorn controller/software better suited his needs. The VFD is a Shenzhen DK300 which was set up for discrete control and he wanted 0-10 analog.

The Acorn, the VFD, and the wiring had all been installed/configured incorrectly. The steppers and the spindle were inop. In the course of an afternoon I had to learn Acorn configuration and operation, discover how to reconfigure what appears to be the rarest Chinese VFD in existence, and debug/rewire hardware.

I earned my milk and cookies. ;-)

34

Mach4 General Discussion / Was just given an Ethernet Smooth Stepper

« on: May 05, 2018, 10:31:23 PM »

I did some work for a fellow to get his new CNC up and running and was given an Ethernet Smooth Stepper in thanks. When I bought my Mach3 license there was a special deal on licenses for the still new Mach4 and I bought both but have not used Mach4.
My old serial port PC is getting old and it is time for upgrading. My use is a three axis router. Is there any reason NOT to go with the Smooth Stepper? It seems that Newfangled recommends several notion control boards, but smooth stepper isn't on the list and I was wondering if there was a good (technical,) reason why.