Topics

11

General Mach Discussion / ATC code help

« on: February 27, 2016, 06:44:46 AM »

I'm sure this subject has been discussed many times before, but I need help with setting up my ATC.

I have a Kress spindle with a Sorotec ATC, and a 5 position linear tool holder.  The M/C coordinates for each of the
5 tool holders positions are as follows...

         T1 - X6.83     Y61.61
         T2 - X6.83     Y96.45
         T3 - X6.83     Y131.23
         T4 - X6.83     Y166.05
         T5 - X6.83     Y200.25

The Z height is -50mm (M/C).

As I am fairly new to this, I have tried a VB script with the following code.  Having sourced some ideas from this
forum.  The script is just to select one tool.

If GetSelectedTool() = GetCurrentTool() Then
End
End If
If GetSelectedTool = 1 Then
Code "G53 G0 X40"      
Code "G53 G0 Y61.61"      
Code "G53 G0 X6.83"        
Code "G53 G1 Z-30 F500"
ActivateSignal(OutPut4)
Sleep 1000
Code "G53 G0 Z-50"
While IsMoving()
Wend
Sleep 1000
DeActivateSignal(OutPut4)
Code "G53 G0 Z-30"
Code "G53 G0 X40"
Code "G0 X0 Y0 Z0"
End If

If I omit the first four lines (and the last End If)...it sort of works!  But with the first four lines in, it doesn't do
anything!  I actually don't understand the first four lines....so if someone could advise, that would help.

Also, if I run just the code from line 5, it sort of works...BUT...the ATC opens the drawbar before moving, which
I'm puzzled!

I can't see what is wrong with the simpler code...

Code "G53 G0 X40"      
Code "G53 G0 Y61.61"      
Code "G53 G0 X6.83"        
Code "G53 G1 Z-30 F500"
ActivateSignal(OutPut4)
Sleep 1000
Code "G53 G0 Z-50"
While IsMoving()
Wend
Sleep 1000
DeActivateSignal(OutPut4)
Code "G53 G0 Z-30"
Code "G53 G0 X40"
Code "G0 X0 Y0 Z0"

What am I doing wrong?

Regards.

12

Screen designer tips and tutorials / VB Script to buttons...

« on: December 13, 2015, 11:47:42 AM »

Is there a way to 'Execute a Basic Script' to a button, but as a TOGGLE instead of two separate On/Off buttons and two
scripts?

I have a switch that I would like to run my dust extractor with....and I have set the Basic Script to ActivateSignal(OutPut2), which
works fine.  But I also need to turn it off...but preferably with the same button!

I guess I cannot do it with one button, but will need a second button to run DeActivateSignal(OutPut2)..?? 

13

Finished Screens / New Touch Screen - mill

« on: December 13, 2015, 06:11:30 AM »

I thought I'd show off my new Touch Screen set.  I have yet to add Offsets and Diagnostics screens but quite
pleased with the results.

14

Screen designer tips and tutorials / Screen Set display error...

« on: December 12, 2015, 04:26:50 PM »

I've worked for hours on a new screen set but having modified a few buttons just now, the screen set displays
incorrectly.  The 'Image Button' now obscure the background master image.  See attached.....

I have tried rolling back a few backup versions but they do it too.  I thought it might have been a graphics memory
and rebooted...but not so!

Any ideas how I can fix this.

15

General Mach Discussion / Tool positions and offsets help

« on: December 09, 2015, 04:50:05 PM »

As I am quite new to this, I need help with setting up my machine.  As you can see from the attached image, I have an 8 position ATC
and a vac table.  I have set the Soft Limits to X Soft Max...525, Soft Min...0 and Y Soft Max...550, Soft Min...0.

This seems to give me the correct fixture offset that I need.  So my X0, Y0 is just about at the corner of the working envelope.

I have set my Fixture offsets to X190 and Y40 (Machine Cordinates X0, Y0), so that seems correct.

However, the bit that I'm puzzled with is the ATC tool positions.  For example, T1 has its center at X41 and Y88, from Machine Home
or X-190, Y-40.  How do I set the positions of the Tool Holders?  If I jog to T1 for instance, the DRO on my pendant says X41 Y88 but
if I enter X41, Y88 in the MDI, it moves relative to the working area, not the tool holder!!

I'm confused!!  

16

General Mach Discussion / Jog Mode default...Cont.

« on: December 05, 2015, 04:16:51 PM »

Is there a way to set the Jog Mode to CONTinuous instead of STEP?

17

General Mach Discussion / Auto Tool Changer help....!

« on: January 31, 2015, 04:03:03 PM »

Hi all,

Still very much a newby here, but I'm wanting help with setting up my Auto Tool Changer.  It's a Kress 1050 Spindle and Usovo
ATC, with 8 positions.  I also have a tool-length sensor mounted close to the 8 way tool rack.

I'm also using Sheetcam v6.0.15, with the Mach3 post.

Does anyone have a similar ATC and tool-sensor that could assist with some settings for Mach3?  I can obviously change the
positions of the individual toolholders.

Many thanks
Keith

18

General Mach Discussion / Auto Zero error

« on: January 04, 2015, 10:28:24 AM »

Hi everyone.

Fairly new to Mach and (hobby) CNC, so excuse the question.  I did search for previous posts, but only found a few and they didn't really help
with my problem.

I have the 'Auto Zero' checked, in Homing/Limits but they don't work!

I have just three DRO's (X,Y and Z) on my custom screenset.  However, I have swapped to the default 1024.set and the Auto Zero doesn't work
on that either.

What am I doing wrong?

Keith
 

19

General Mach Discussion / Reversed machining

« on: March 03, 2013, 05:45:04 PM »

Not sure if this has ben posted before, as I wasn't sure what the 'Topic' would have been listed as..but here goes...

Has anyone come across a situation where Mach3 has machined something in reverse, WILST it views correctly in the toolpath display.

It's actually not reversed but machined as if it's been done from the back. 

I am new to this and thought I'd do some experimenting with the machine I have just built, buy machining my name.  I used 3mm plastic and pocketed the 20mm high letters at 2mm.  Whilst it appeared to machine OK, it wasn't 'till it had finished that I realised that something wasn't right.

The letters were as if it had been machined from the underside!!

The view in Toolpath Display was fine.

Has anyone come across this before?

20

General Mach Discussion / Screen size

« on: February 24, 2013, 05:12:08 AM »

I am running Mach3 v 3.043.037 with a custom screenset, based on Mach Std Mill (Calypso Ventures).

It's running fine but the question is...why does Mach3 not fill the screen?  It always allows for the
Windows Status Bar along the bottom, so hence the Mach3 layout cuts off the bottom buttons.

I have tried everything, including Auto Screen Enlarge but nothing seems to cure it.

OR...does it always allow for the Status Bar and I haven't noticed it mentioned in the manual?

The image attached, shows what I mean.  The Windows Status bar would be underneath the Mach3
screen.