Messages

2681

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Looking for source code or free program to generate a Gcode Toolpath

« on: July 31, 2013, 08:45:43 PM »

I just checked and Feedhold works fine in a SUB routine HERE. 

Just a thought, (;-) TP

2682

General Mach Discussion / Re: MDI INPUT

« on: July 31, 2013, 08:08:10 PM »

Hood has the idea. Use a macro than loads/runs the defined program then you can use the P parameter to define what program to run

Example

M100 P1         Calls the Macro that does the work orf load and run and uses the P to define what program you want to use. If using a music scale just define 1-9 as notes and call as needed. I do something similar with engraving text.

OR as Hood notes uses seperate buttons to do the scale

OR use a Wizard to define and write it all out in Gcode.

If you need help it sounds interesting to do a wizard(;-) I can help.

(;-) TP

2683

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Need a way to zero my part

« on: July 31, 2013, 07:35:55 PM »

You normally do any positioning/referencing BEFORE the program starts and for good reason. It is very simple jog X to the ref point then press zeroX same for Y. Or adjust the dro to the offset of you tool.

Or you could use G92/G52 to offset the fixture.  

Or you can use #vars in place of real values where then you can vary the values .

Don't discount the accuracy of a decent home switch many can equal or better the accuracy of the machine it is installed on. +/-.001 would not be a problem for most.

 Most real CNC machines use an absolute encoder that always knows where it is +/- 0.00002.


SO do you want to do this at the start of every program as part of the master program  or just when you want/need to as a seperate process such as a macro or seperate Gcode program?

(;-)TP  

2684

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Code for repeating 5000 times

« on: July 30, 2013, 09:51:04 PM »

(;-)

(;-) TP

2685

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Need a way to zero my part

« on: July 30, 2013, 09:50:00 PM »

Limits have nothing to do with quad pulses. Limits will set a ref position if you are using them. If not then manually ref home the axis to create a point of reference.

I think you are a bit confused on how things mach work. You cannot cut at 180 IPM so what is the point.

Just a thought, (;-) TP

2686

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Need a way to zero my part

« on: July 30, 2013, 03:09:44 PM »

Change that rapid to a G1 and try it.  (;-) or lower the rapid speeds

You really need to fix the machine and with what you have I don't see a reason why it will not work correctly. The drives are closed loop it should error out with a loss of position. You may have a loose coupler or pulley allowing it to slip.

IF you insist on re zeroing the fixture each time then simply Ref home the machine and apply the proper offset to zero the fixture to user zero on XYZ at program start add in a G28.1 to ref home.

Just a thought, (;-) TP

2687

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Code for repeating 5000 times

« on: July 30, 2013, 02:58:08 PM »

M98 P17 L50
M30

o17
M98 P18 L100
M99

o18
G1 Z.38 F50
Z0
M99

2688

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Looking for source code or free program to generate a Gcode Toolpath

« on: July 30, 2013, 02:29:54 PM »

No offense but is looks like a complicated way to avoid learning Gcode and fixture offsetting.

Just a thought, (;-) TP

2689

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Need a way to zero my part

« on: July 30, 2013, 02:23:08 PM »

Are you using a fixture? Vise? to hold the part?

(;-) TP

2690

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Looking for source code or free program to generate a Gcode Toolpath

« on: July 29, 2013, 03:52:32 PM »

The only true way to see IF it will run and what it looks like would be to load it up in MACH3.

Any 3rd party tool path software would have to know exactly how MAch3 handles such things.

Just a thought, (;-) TP