Messages

21

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Macro doesn't change Feedrate

« on: March 23, 2013, 03:42:02 PM »

Hi all,

I am setting up a bed-type tool changer where I need the spindle to go down to a set Z-height, then move Y+ to put the tool away.  I have the macro all finished (Actually I found it 99.9% finished online) but I can't set the feed to be nice & slow when it puts the tool away.  I can't see the error, what am I missing?  Macro attached.

tx,

dh

22

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Ethernet Smoothstepper

« on: March 15, 2013, 04:11:36 PM »

OK, I got it sorted.  The ip thing was a red herring - I looked at the xml code and it was/is set to 10.9.9.9.  The problem was the ESS Config page, I needed to set port 3 pins 2-9 as "OUT".  And we're in business!!!

23

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Ethernet Smoothstepper

« on: March 15, 2013, 03:43:47 PM »

yep.  When I open the Techno.xml its a glorious thing.  When I open the Taig.xml I get nothing.

24

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Ethernet Smoothstepper

« on: March 15, 2013, 03:31:28 PM »

Ok, it looks like the ESS's IP won't stay set to 10.9.9.9.  Every time I open the IP Config utility in Mach3, it is reset to 255.255.255.255....

25

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Ethernet Smoothstepper

« on: March 15, 2013, 03:22:16 PM »

Hi all,

I have two CNC's (a Taig and a Techno) hooked up to Mach3.  A new 64-bit computer meant buying an ethernet Smoothstepper (ESS).  I was reluctant, but now that it's up and running - HOLY COW!!  I have the Techno all set up and it is like a Ferrari now!  No more hiccups or anemic signal - this thing FLIES!!!!!  Absolutely worth the $200.

But the Taig hasn't moved yet.  I have 2 of the ESS's LPT ports dedicated to the Techno and various clamps.  They are working properly as Ports 1 and 2 in Mach.  So, I assume the Taig should be pointed at Port 3, but that's not working.  BTW the Taig is on a Xylotex board, the Techno is on a g540.

Any ideas?

26

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 + G540 + TechnoCNC = stalling. Tried just about everything...

« on: January 30, 2013, 05:09:02 PM »

Yep - even slower it still stalls.  It's like the data stream just 'hangs' mid-stream.  Is there any chance the LPT port isn't allowing enough data through?  Again, I do get the driver watchdog error....

dh

27

General Mach Discussion / Mach3 + G540 + TechnoCNC = stalling. Tried just about everything...

« on: January 29, 2013, 07:46:31 PM »

Hi all,

I am having an issue with an old Techno machine that is now running off a Gecko G540.  It will quite often stall during toolchanging, but jogs around happily.  I have tried various Kernal speeds (using a Dell P4 2.4, 2G RAM).  I've tried the Sherline mode.  I've tried 0-5 Pulsing on step and dir.  I've tried disabling the driver watchdog (because I do get the watchdog error occasionally - especially on the bad stalls).  Motors are tuned as follows:

X = Steps/Per 10666 (pretty sure this is correct)  70 to 120 in/min, accel = 9.1 in/min
Y = Steps/Per 10666 (pretty sure this is correct)  70 to 120 in/min, accel = 9.1 in/min
Z = Steps/Per 10666 (pretty sure this is correct)  50 to 70  in/min, accel = 9.1 in/min

Interestingly, a relay box is occasionally also slow to respond.  Attached is a vid of the problem - this time on the Z-axis.

28

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help: M6 macro acts weird

« on: January 24, 2013, 01:04:21 PM »

SUCCESS!! 

By adding a commutating diode to each solenoid, I eliminated back-EMF pulses which were causing my problems. 

Again - thanks to everyone for chiming in.  Although it ended up not being a Mach issue, I never would've figured it out without your help!

dh

29

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help: M6 macro acts weird

« on: January 21, 2013, 04:39:28 PM »

Just a followup - cause I know you guys are staying awake at night wondering...

I opened my relay BOB and watched the LED's on each relay.  I then ran M101 (activate Sig 1) and M103 (activate Sig 2).  Then M102 (DeActivate Sig 1) and I see that the RELAY for sig 2 remains active, but the clamp still releases.  This leads me to think the solenoids are wired incorrectly - which is entirely possible because I built this whole rig myself.  They share a common/ground, so maybe that's the issue (?).

So, now I'm diagnosing my solenoids.  Many thanks to everyone here.  If nothing else, I learned a lot about macros!

Cheers,

dh

30

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help: M6 macro acts weird

« on: January 16, 2013, 07:10:38 PM »

Hi guys,

Ok, we are getting there!!

I made the following macros:

M101 - ActivateSignal (Output1) Cyl on
M102 - DeActivateSignal (Output1) Cyl off
M103 - ActivateSignal (Output2) Clamp on
M104 - DeActivateSignal (Output2) Clamp off

They all work as expected in the MDI.  I went in to my post processor and put M103 at the beginning of the Program Start string (M103 G00 G49 G40.1 G17 G80 G50 G90 G64 G20).  Then put M104 at the very end of the program. 

In Mach3, I changed the flood and mist outputs to 3 and 4 respectively, then disabled them in the OutputSignals section, just to rule them out....

However, the M6 script still DeActivates Output2 despite there only being a command to DeActivate Output1.  Same problem as before...    

Attached are my Mach3 xml and M6 macro....