Messages

291

General Mach Discussion / Re: CamBam export g code into Mach3

« on: July 27, 2012, 03:46:16 PM »

CamBam does have limited CAD capabilities. For simple 2D projects I just use Cambam, for more complex things I use another CAD package save it as DXF (or STL) and import that into CamBam. For 3D work you will want to use another program for the design.

292

SmoothStepper USB / Re: FTDI USB Driver Error

« on: July 23, 2012, 04:05:48 PM »

OK, so it seems like the router motor is creating a lot of noise. What type of router motor do you have? Is it a handheld router? Do you have it plugged into the same electrical circuit as your PC/stepper drive box?

There are two main points of focus with problems like this:

1) Stop the noise at its source. Using a line filter on the AC line to the router motor will help keep the noise from feeding back into the mains (AC line).
2) Stop any noise in the mains (AC line) from getting to your PC/stepper control. I use a 10A line filter before my PC and stepper drive box.

The ferrites can help quench any noise that is being carried by a single cable.

None of these are a 'one size fits all' fix, but they all typically help. Since you know what the source of the noise is you are on your way to solving the problem.

293

SmoothStepper USB / Re: FTDI USB Driver Error

« on: July 23, 2012, 10:54:18 AM »

This type of problem is typically caused by electrical noise disrupting the USB communication. Try this: Keep your spindle turned off and 'cut air'. Do you still have the problem?

294

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Trouble with smooth stepper

« on: July 01, 2012, 10:38:50 AM »

How about posting the code you are using to do the threading? Maybe it is just a GCode problem?

295

SmoothStepper USB / Re: ESS Device Option not present

« on: June 28, 2012, 03:42:03 PM »

You do NOT manually change the file type. You just double click on the file and it will be installed.

296

SmoothStepper USB / Re: SS problem with the second port

« on: June 15, 2012, 11:41:09 AM »

In the SmoothStepper configuration you have to tell it how you are using pins 2-9 (input or output). Since these are dual purpose pins, and for compatibility reasons with some breakout boards, these pins also do not have pull up resistors on them, they have weak pull-down resistors. Depending on what device you are communicating with you may need to add pull up resistors.

297

SmoothStepper USB / Re: ESS works on one PC but not another

« on: June 06, 2012, 11:36:00 AM »

Did you configure your IP setting for the Ethernet port on the PC? You have to set the PC to default to the same subnet as the ESS. Since you are seeing a 0.0.0.0 from ipconfig it sounds like that might be the cause.

298

SmoothStepper USB / Re: ESS works on one PC but not another

« on: June 06, 2012, 10:13:08 AM »

The most likely cause is your firewall is blocking the communication. You have to allow both the configurator and mach through the firewall. Also, if you have a newer PC with a Gigabit Ethernet port it will be able to 'auto crossover', i.e. it can talk with an Ethernet device directly over a regular Ethernet cable. Older Ethernet ports cant do that and will require a cross over cable.

Also, the first time you fire up Mach with the ESS you will get the message that it can't find the ESS, you have to go into the ESS configuration and set the IP address, if it connects it will save the IP address in your profile. If it does not connect it will never save the IP address you just entered.

299

SmoothStepper USB / Re: SmoothStepper losing communication with Mach3 on Spindle on/off

« on: May 31, 2012, 10:13:56 AM »

I already installed a "zero phase reactor" by my VFD

even though the VFD has a built-in EMI Filter

A line reactor is usually installed between the VFD and motor, the line filter is before the VFD, so you have a good start to solving the problem. Is your VFD in a metal case (that is earth grounded)? Also, are you using 'VFD cable' between the motor and VFD? Is the VFD powered by the same circuit as your PC/controller?

If you have an oscilloscope I would suggest looking at the AC line feeding the VFD. It might be that the built in EMI filter is not enough. You can also add ferrites to your USB cable: http://www.soigeneris.com/Ferrite_for_USB_cable-details.aspx, also take care to route the USB cable away from noisy sources like AC and stepper cables. Also, using an external power source for the SmoothStepper can help: http://www.soigeneris.com/MeanWell_PS_05_Power_Supplies-details.aspx.

 In testing I have done I found that power disturbances find their way right onto the 5V USB bus. I added a line filter before my PC/controller this combined with the external power supply helped to keep the USB SmoothStepper from being affected.

300

SmoothStepper USB / Re: SmoothStepper losing communication with Mach3 on Spindle on/off

« on: May 30, 2012, 04:45:33 PM »

Motors generate a lot of electrical noise, especially when starting/stopping. If you are using a relay to control the motor then you'll get some arcing on the relay contacts which also generates a lot of electrical noise. I put a line filter on all the Taig/Sherline system I sell to take care of this problem and to keep the noise from finding its way back into the PC. Take a look at:

http://www.soigeneris.com/Line_Filter_and_Switch_Box-details.aspx is the complete filter box, and
http://www.soigeneris.com/Line_Filter_Kit-details.aspx is just the line filter itself.

I suggest mounting the filter as close to the motor as possible. If you have a simple induction motor (no speed control) then the filter should be placed inline with the AC line feeding the motor, on the Taig I mount them on the Z column where the factory switch box is. If you have a motor that uses some sort of speed control then the filter would be placed inline with the AC feeding the speed control.

Hope that helps...