Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: UIRobot UIM290405A Mach3 Breakout Board + Spindle Control

« on: March 11, 2012, 03:42:47 PM »

Thanks, good idea

2

General Mach Discussion / UIRobot UIM290405A Mach3 Breakout Board + Spindle Control

« on: March 03, 2012, 10:28:05 AM »

Hi everyone

I got my UIRobot UIM290405A Mach3 Breakout Board from Zapp Automation Ltd - Stepper motors & Stepper Motor Drivers - Servo motors and Servo Motor Drivers - Ballscrews & linear motion products. : and am currently bench testing, before I build it into an enclosure.

The manual (http://www.zappautomation.co.uk/pdf/UIM2901%20Mach3%20BOB%20120104.pdf) is translated Chinese, I guess but is really not very clear. For example the parallel pinout diagram shows X step/dir to be pins 3/2, but later in the Mach configuration, it shows an image with it as 2/6 !!

Anyway, right now I am trying to test the PWM spindle control, which I am hoping to use to connect directly to my Seig X1 controller, replacing the pot.

I have connected it to the parallel port, and with 5v power from USB, and 12v from a lead acid battery. I also connected the 12v bettery to the spindle control Vin and 0v, then connected my multimeter to 0v and Out.

First problem:
The output voltage range was reversed. So M5 was outputting 12v! I resolved this by setting Step Low Active on my spindle in Motor Outputs in Mach3.

Second problem (no solution yet):
With M5, or even Charge pump off (E-stop) the output voltage is still 5.2v! as shown in picture. M3S2000 makes it 12v as I would expect. (2000 is max rpm).





The voltage does get controlled by Mach3, but in the range of 5-12v.

I can't use this if the lowest is 5v. My spindle will never stop. Why is it not 0-12v?

Please help Thanks

3

General Mach Discussion / Re: Purchasing...

« on: October 08, 2011, 04:17:31 PM »

Thanks for your reply.

Just to clarify one more point; the standard version of LazyCam which is included with Mach3 does not have the pocketing features (will not post if a pocket is created) ?

4

General Mach Discussion / Purchasing...

« on: October 08, 2011, 03:48:06 PM »

Hi

I've been using Mach3 demo and LazyCam demo for a little bit, and I like it.
I have no other cam software right now, and LazyCam appears to do what I need in the short term.

The licencing and BETA status is confusing me though.
If I purchase Mach3, do I get LazyCam pro too, (its the pocketing features I need) or do I need to purchase that too, separately?

Thanks