Messages

481

General Mach Discussion / Re: New computer MOB needs Parallel port

« on: December 06, 2010, 10:30:41 PM »

Some PCI LPT cards will work and some won't. You'll want to make sure you get one with 5V outputs. Also make sure that the card does not take any drivers, it must be a true parallel port not a printer port.

The other option is to use an external motion control board such as a SmoothStepper, KFLop, etc.

482

Mach3 under Vista / Re: Will MACH3 ever support 64-bit systems? Officially? FYI, it's 2010

« on: December 02, 2010, 07:56:45 AM »

Or, you can just use a KFlop, SmothStepper, etc and not fool around with all this VMWare stuff.

483

SmoothStepper USB / Re: If you have noise issues this might be worth a try

« on: November 24, 2010, 02:24:23 PM »

Do a search for VFD wire. I found this right off the bat: http://www.houwire.com/products/belden.asp

The not running files of a network or thumbdrive is a general Mach 3 tip, it is true no matter if you use the parallel port, a SmoothStepper or any other motion control device. Networks and tumbdrives can cause unexpected read delays for Mach which will throw it off.

484

SmoothStepper USB / Re: If you have noise issues this might be worth a try

« on: November 24, 2010, 12:31:27 PM »

Can i just put a cap across the motor if so what would i need

Bad idea. You can cause a very dangerous situation by not using power rated caps when trying to filter an AC line.

There are two different things at play here. One is that when the relay switches it will create heaps of noise, the other is that the pump motor itself will create a lot of noise. If you are controlling the pump with a 10A relay I would guess it is a 1 HP or less pump so a line filter like I carry, and an arc snubber across the relay contacts would help a tremendous amount.

I was trying out a few different brands of arc snubbers a while ago, I may still have one laying around. If you want to try the line filter I'll throw in an arc snubber to get you fixed up.

485

SmoothStepper USB / Re: If you have noise issues this might be worth a try

« on: November 24, 2010, 12:00:59 PM »

VFDs are even noisier than a regular induction motor. Wiring layout is VERY critical, you can even get 'VFD' cable to run from the VFD to the motor that is really well shielded. Go here: http://www.soigeneris.com/Documentation-content.aspx and look for the 'Installation Tips' in the SmoothStepper section. Also make sure you are NOT pulling the file from a USB drive, a network file, etc...

486

SmoothStepper USB / Re: If you have noise issues this might be worth a try

« on: November 24, 2010, 11:02:00 AM »

There are three phase line filters as well, they will cost about $100 USD or so. How are you turning the motor on/off? Are you using a VFD on it?

487

SmoothStepper USB / Re: If you have noise issues this might be worth a try

« on: November 24, 2010, 10:39:20 AM »

Sounds like you have noise problems. Often the culprit is the spindle motor or the wiring layout. Electric motor put out a lot of interference, especially when starting or stopping. A relay switching an inductive load, like a motor, will also produce a lot of interference. Try running your machine without the spindle motor running and see what happens.

488

Mach3 under Vista / Re: Mach3 & Win7?

« on: November 22, 2010, 05:24:11 PM »

Mach itself will run on a 64 bit machine but the parallel port driver will not. So it will run on your office machine for test purposes just fine. If you want to use a 64bit OS for the CNC PC then you'll need to use an external motion control card that will work with Mach and the 64 bit OS (SmoothStepper, Kflop, etc.)

489

SmoothStepper USB / Re: If you have noise issues this might be worth a try

« on: November 22, 2010, 01:26:30 PM »

Yes, it has exactly the same effect.

490

General Mach Discussion / Re: Problem with Backlash...

« on: November 18, 2010, 09:35:03 AM »

When using backlash comp every axis has to stop when any axis is changing directions. If you don't do that then your just changing the position of the backlash error. Think about travel around a circle counter clockwise (anti-clockwise for any Brits) as you hit the 3 O'Clock position the X-axis will need to reverse, if Y does not stop you will have a small straight line while Y keeps moving and X is trying to 'catch up' by taking out the backlash.

open loop backlash comp is not a cure for a loose machine, it can help in some cases but will cause problems in others...