Messages

6001

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 locks up when a gcode file is missing?

« on: March 06, 2011, 10:38:53 AM »

I don't think Mach was ever made NETWORK aware so there are no error codes or exists that deal with failed networks.

I don't know of any workarounds for that problem.

(;-) TP

6002

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto-height-compensation possible?

« on: March 06, 2011, 09:37:22 AM »

The only way I know that it will work is to prescan the surface then import that surface into your cam then overlay your object over the surface then merge the two together to create a new object 3d file that accounts for the material surface irregularities.

Not an easy task.

Now that said somone here WAS working on a software sytem to do what you want. I'll see if I can find it.

(;-) TP

6003

General Mach Discussion / Re: Stepper stalling during tapping on BP Series1 mill

« on: March 05, 2011, 08:41:39 PM »

Even if you don't have the spindle speed index signal IPR works fine it just assumes that what you programmed for spindle speed is what it is.(;-)

Do not try to sync the spindle in mach mill as it is broken on the mill side and it messes up the G84 tap cycle.

To test further you can always program the tap cycle as a sub program and let it run. That would simulate the cycle but do it as straight gcode.

(;-) TP

6004

General Mach Discussion / Re: Stepper stalling during tapping on BP Series1 mill

« on: March 05, 2011, 12:03:09 PM »

You may want to try programming the G84 in Feed per Rev mode. I vaguely remember a problem with g84 and feed per min mode where mach could violate the max accell rate at times. It would also trip my servos here and they are 1kw drives.

FPR mode makes it much easier to program the cycle with(;-) and never had a tripping problem in FPR mode.

ALSO N42 motors are famous for mid range resonance problems. Gecko drives have a setting for them other drives may not.

Just a thought, (;-) TP

6005

General Mach Discussion / Re: any recommendations for pendant / mpg?

« on: March 01, 2011, 09:55:33 PM »

oH YEA, Test firing the torch after clearing the tip, Also restarting a cut mid line requires sneaking up on the cut line by starting the program then refiring the torch on the fly at the right spot(;-). Once you loose spark and the cut stops it is sometimes hard to restart in a spot that has already been cut. The torch does not want to restart in the open gap.

Also to do simple cutoffs I use the torch start to start the torch then hit slow jog to trim off scrap from the plate

(;-) TP

6006

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Re: Spindle speed control when changing direction

« on: March 01, 2011, 06:48:01 PM »

yOu can also modify the M3/M4 macros to allow the spindle to WAIT for it to stop before continueing.

(;-) TP

6007

General Mach Discussion / Re: any recommendations for pendant / mpg?

« on: February 27, 2011, 05:14:02 PM »

IAN for plasma it does not take many features. I use fast/slow jog, set axis 0,0,0, THC up/down , move to clear part and fire torch/stop torch.

(;-) TP

6008

General Mach Discussion / Re: any recommendations for pendant / mpg?

« on: February 27, 2011, 11:44:25 AM »

Hi Ian, If it is a simple pendant then PETERS mODIO. iT IS STONE COLD DEPENDABLE. (my favorite)

The USB has more funtions at hand BUT every once in a while it gets a little flaky on the usb side with mach.

IF it is a fancy dancy pendant with a lot of bells and whistles then the USB would be easier to work with as it has more functions all ready  to go.

6009

General Mach Discussion / Re: any recommendations for pendant / mpg?

« on: February 26, 2011, 11:53:50 AM »

HI IAN, I have not seen any GREAT pendants for plasma use other than the ones I have purposely built. All the normal ones eventaually fail due to the metalic dust from the plasma cutting process.

The ones I built ARE dustproof/waterproof and have lasted.

one was from a modio unit and the other was a pokey unit.

(;-) TP

6010

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach's Future?

« on: February 23, 2011, 03:53:29 PM »

I may be wrong BUT I don't think the new Mach4 will be a free upgrade. I had heard in the past that Mach3 was the last of the freebies.

(;-) TP