Messages

71

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2

« on: February 10, 2012, 04:05:51 AM »

Hi Tweakie,

I entered M7 (I think it was 7) in the MDI box…pressed enter and the MIST LED came on.  Looking at
MACH3 diagnostics screen, this is Output 4.  I need Output 2 and 3 to operate.

How do I tell the G Code to operate Output 2 and Output 3 on LPT2 (and any others I decide to use) and
then turn them off?

I'll use the MDI line for now, until I know what the Codes are.  You're right...I prefer to use M Codes as opposed to
VB and CB.  I'm getting there, but slowly!

Keith

72

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2

« on: February 05, 2012, 02:48:58 PM »

Hi Tweakie,

I have now found that the LPT2 output didn't have enough current to drive the relays on the ATC controller.  I have 5.05v but wouldn't activate them.
So, I tried an older laptop with a parallel port.  Used the simple ParMon program to set pins 14 and/or 16 on/off.  It worked fine!!  So I knew it wasn't
the ATC controller at fault.  I recently tried something else...i have a spare TB6560 driver/stepper board, the same type that runs the motors, limits
and spindle etc.  So, I hooked this up temporarily to the PSU and LPT2 port.  I used the TB6560's onboard single relay (same one as I'm using for
my Kress spindle). I also connected one of the air solenoids to the relay on the TB6560 with 24v 

In Mach3, I set the P&P's accordingly....clicked Output 2 'On' in Mach3 and the relay activated!!

Now I'm getting somewhere.  I'm going to order a C36 BOB from Arturo, so that will replace the TB6560 used only for this test.

What I am now getting stuck with is, how do I activate the relay in the post processor?  I assume I'll use the Activate/DeActivateSignal(OutPut*********)
somewhere??  How do I get Mach3 to know that I have a second LPT port, with regards to the air solenoid.

I have looked on you website with interest, but it's losing me.

I have also got another question about a tool length sensor, but I'll post that in another thread.

Thanks

Keith

73

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2

« on: November 25, 2011, 01:29:02 PM »

I was wondering if there is a breakout board that I could use in between the LPT2 input and the STG101 controller?

If so, could you point me in the right direction as to which one would be suitable.  I haven't really studied breakout boards before!

Thanks

74

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2

« on: November 23, 2011, 03:51:04 AM »

This is weird...firstly, I used a separate PSU instead of the 9v battery.  The voltage was 5.23v and this operated the relays
perfectly.

I thin decided to make up an LPT cable with only the wires required...ie, 25, 14 and 16.  Tested this with the 5.23v PSU and
it worked fine.

Connected the 3 wire LPT cable to LPT2 and the ATC controller, started up Mach3 and checked the Ports & Pins and then tested
the system.  

NOTHING!

Tested the voltage at pins 14 and 16 and it's as before...5.05v.  Back to the PSU or battery, and it works fine!

I have swapped LPT2 for LPT1 and reconfigured the Ports & Pins to port 1 but this doesn't work either.  

Would current have anything to do with it?

75

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2

« on: November 21, 2011, 03:24:43 PM »

Hi Tweakie

I have checked the voltage on the pins.  It's 5.05v.  It seems to be a bit erratic however.  The on/off is actually the 'Flood' switch, so
I can use this to operate.  I can't get Mach 3 to work though.

If I swap for the 9v battery again it works fine.  Just wondered if I should try a 5v battery.

One thing I did notice on the parallel cable was that on pins 15 and 16, there was also 5.05v, even when there shouldn't be??

Frustrated...yes!

K

76

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2

« on: November 21, 2011, 06:36:03 AM »

Great,

So I assume I should hook my voltmeter to pins 14/16 of the LPT2 and the other to ground, and then check for +5v yes? 
I'll report back my findings later this afternoon.

Will the parallel cable length/quality make much difference?  I think it's about 2m or less, but only a simple
inexpensive type.

K

77

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2

« on: November 21, 2011, 06:15:04 AM »

BTW - Forgot to mention...stunning stuff on your website!

Keith

78

General Mach Discussion / Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2

« on: November 21, 2011, 06:11:21 AM »

Thanks for the prompt reply.

I'll check the voltage shortly.  I was getting frustrated yesterday as to why it wasn't functioning.

You could well be right...as both functions work correctly with the test battery.

However, you advising testing the voltage at LPT2 by 'jogging'...I assume I'll need to set the appropriate
pins in the Ports & Pins for LPT2?  As currently, it's just set for the ATC controller (pins 14 and 16).

Keith

79

General Mach Discussion / Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2

« on: November 21, 2011, 04:43:10 AM »

Hi all.

As a relative novice (returning to hobby CNC after a few years!), I have a question about a recently purchased Auto Tool-Changer
and LPT2 port.  The ATC controller is from Sorotec Germany, although made by USOVO...

(http://www.usovo.de/shop/Tool-Changer-and-HF-Spindles/Tool-Changer-Systems/Controlling-Systems-Adapters/Controlling-System-STG101::541.html)

I have the Kress 1050 spindle and the tool-changer system.  I also have installed a second parallel port (LPT2).  The CNC controller is the simple but perfectly adequate 4 axis TB6560.

I have tested the STG101 ATC controller with a 9v battery and the two required functions work correctly.  That's the signal for the tool-changer on the Kress and the signal for the pivoting cover on the 6 way magazine...

http://www.usovo.de/shop/Tool-Changer-and-HF-Spindles/Tool-Changer-Systems/Tool-Holder-Magazine/Tool-Magazine-SK15-with-dust-cover::561.html

These are pins 14 and 16 at the STG101 controller.  As mentioned, they work fine when tested with the 9v battery.  

When I connect the STG101 controller to LPT2 and set the pins accordingly in Mach 3, sometimes it works but most of the time it doesn't!!   It is very random, although most of the time it doesn't work.  I have checked and double checked the settings in Ports & Pins but cannot find the reason why I have the problem.

I am also using the excellent 'Ultimate Screenset' from Mach Motion.  However, I have tried Mach 3's default 1024 screenset which makes no difference.

Any ideas on this problem would be most welcomed!

Keith

80

General Mach Discussion / Re: Current Hi/Lo setting?

« on: August 02, 2011, 05:28:25 PM »

Hi Rich,

Thanks for that.  I'm only using a very cheap and probably low quality 4 axis drive board, based on the TB6560.  Whilst it's at the lowest end of the quality scale, it's perfect in getting my
new machine 'up and running'.

http://reprap.org/wiki/4_Axis_TB6560_CNC_Stepper_Motor_Driver_Board_Controller

Keith