Topics

11

Mach4 General Discussion / Jogging while doing a tool change?

« on: October 22, 2017, 05:12:11 AM »

Hello

I'm a very happy Mach 4 user, just tidying up the last part of my system.

I have one of these tool length setters as in the attached file - it works great and seems to be very repeatable. I use the DaztheGas M6 auto tool change script as to measure the tool length when I change tools - this works great on my smaller tools that hit the tool length setter OK - ones that are small enough to align with the probe as programmed in the script.

When I want to use a facing cutter or a fly cutter they are too big to hit the tool length setter and need alignment so a tooth will hit the setter this is where I need some help please. Ideally I would like to pause the the auto tool change, jog to adjust the position of the tool to be above the setter and then continue with the tool length probing. I have tried to do this but I can not take control of the machine to jog it around during the M6 command.

Is there any way to do this that you guys know of? Or any other suggestions - I could go back to the manual tool change if needed but I would like to probe the tool length during a manual change is that possible? 

Thanks for your help.

Steve

12

HiCON Motion Controller / Servo feedback for accurate homing?

« on: July 08, 2017, 03:06:21 AM »

Hello Guys
Could someone please let me know what add on's I need on top of a standard HiCON controller I would need to use servo index signals to home my machine.
Thanks
Steve

13

Mach4 General Discussion / Lua code for coolant buttons?

« on: April 08, 2017, 12:12:30 AM »

Hi Guys

I have almost finished getting my control panel up and running I have all the buttons working except for my Coolant Control ones.

What I need to know is what Lua command do I need to run in my signal table for:

Mist On

Flood On

Coolant Off

I can call mc.mcCntlGcodeExecute for M7, M8 and M9 but is this the right way to do this?

Thanks for any advice

Steve

14

HiCON Motion Controller / Connecting a 5 Volt Probe

« on: March 01, 2017, 07:10:51 PM »

Hello
I have a probe that has a 5 volt output that goes to zero when it is active. Can this be connected to the Integra and what would be the best way to do this?
Thanks
Steve

15

HiCON Motion Controller / Connecting MPG's

« on: February 21, 2017, 07:42:40 PM »

Hi Guys
I have a lathe that I am upgrading to the HiCon Motion Controller. I have most of it sorted out in my mind with regard to connecting inputs except for my MPG's
I have two MPG's - one dedicated to x axis and one for the Z axis.
The MPG's run on 5 volts and have the following terminals; A+, B+, A-, B-, 5V and 0V.
My question is what port / connections on the HiCon should I use to connect these to, and being 5V is the something special I need to do to connect them such as resistors or such?
Thank You
Steve

16

HiCON Motion Controller / Pokeys Pendant

« on: February 18, 2017, 04:12:51 AM »

Hello Everyone
I have a Pokeys based pendant and I am wondering if there will be any issues running it at the same time as a HiCon controller in Mach 4?
Thanks
Steve

17

Mach4 General Discussion / Setting Spindle Speed Range

« on: May 23, 2016, 03:42:34 AM »

Hi Guys
Could someone please let me know what is the method for setting the Spindle Speed Range - I can see it on the diagnostics page but is there a method for normal use on the run page. I have a Charter Oak clone RF45 with a six speed gearbox and will need to change ranges after some tool changes. Is there an "M" code or something?
Thanks
Steve

18

Mach4 General Discussion / Spindle Feedback Ratio

« on: May 20, 2016, 03:04:37 AM »

Hello Guys

I have Mach4 - latest version - going through an Ethernet Smooth Stepper with their latest plug in, driving my spindle through a PWM signal.
The motor behaves wonderfully and seems to be very accurate to the commanded speed.
I have an index input signal from a slotted optical switch which I also believe works well.

My trouble is wildly varying spindle speed read out on my screen. When I look at the machine diagnostics page I see the Spindle Feedback Ratio changing constantly - it is set to 1 in the config settings and I just want it to stay at 1.
Is there any way it can be locked at 1?

Thanks
Steve

19

General Mach Discussion / Is Calibrate Spindle Working?

« on: April 30, 2012, 01:27:49 AM »

Hi
I was wondering if someone could check if the "calibrate spindle" function is working for them in version r3.043.062? I has worked very well for me in the past - I can't remember the version of Mach I used then but a move to the Ethernet Smooth Stepper has seen some hardware changes for me and a move to a later version of Mach and I would like to recalibrate my spindle speeds. My symptoms are that the spindle doesn't start during the auto calibrate process. I should say that I do already have it going when I start the auto calibrate but it stops at the first speed command (which is zero and it should stop then) and doesn't start again at the higher test speed commands.
Thanks
Steve

20

General Mach Discussion / KSI Labs Centipede Controler Board

« on: July 14, 2011, 05:52:06 AM »

Hi CNC Friends

It's time for my second machine build and I have been looking at my options.

I have been studying the KSI Labs Centipede Control Board and Breakout Board combo and by reading what is on their web site   http://www.ksilabs.com/   they look very good. Has anyone had actual experience with them and would like to report back what they have found.
Thanks
Steve W.