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« on: June 23, 2013, 04:31:37 AM »
Hi, I had the same problem in the depths of winter down in my workshop, it was damp and cold which didn't help however here is a guide I wrote for myself if it happens again. All this started after a Mach upgrade which we all like to blame but red below and you might find an answer.
Finding solutions to 5v control faults.
A sort of diagnostic fault tree.
Don't assume MACH program is at fault (I firstly blamed the upgrade)
For example I have seen lots of users including me with limit switches or E stop being activated mysteriously, so before blaming Mach and going on Mach forum with a new topic follow this simple check list
Your machine stops for no apparent reason with the Status Box showing Limit switch activated, E stop activated or other unknown error message.
Investigate the following
Are you working in a cold shed or workshop and decided to put a heater in, I did and the condensation was massive. (not good news for 5v control systems and computer mother boards).
Firstly look at the Diagnostic page of Mach to see if any input/output signals have been activated then investigate offending switch or fault. If nothing shows up there could be lots of reasons for your program stopping
If no errors seen on the diagnostic page then you have an external influence causing the problem especially if you have 5v control circuits
First physically check for
Loose BOB cable connections?
Loose wire connections on your machine?
Damaged switches or wires to control circuits?
Damp, swarf or oil on connections and switches?
Checked you earth connections, tighten if needed
Are any 5v signal wire near any power wires or transformers if yes move them?
all OK then
Is your computer performing correctly, check the driver with the driver check file in your Mach folders for any spikes in the signal (see tutorial videos)
Check you computer connections and look for loose or bad connections
Have you changed anything or switched on nearby equipment (vacuum cleaner) that may cause electronic noise
Faulty florescent lighting nearby
Addition equipment nearby causing electronic noise
all OK then
Its time to try a few changes in Mach (note your setting before changing)
Test the signal with Mach driver test and look for spikes in the signal
Change the de-bounce figure and check to see if the fault have been corrected
Un-tick the “use Watch Dog” box in the general setting page then check to see if the fault had been corrected. If not reinstall original settings
Now you have a problem, mine was solved by noticing a overheating capacitor on the spindle drive card, giving out electrical noise so replaced it, with the help from Hood I repaired it, now all is fine
(FINGERS CROSSED).
Hope this helps
Jim