Messages

11

General Mach Discussion / Re: Feed problem

« on: October 21, 2010, 11:24:04 AM »

You need to specify a feed rate. For example enter into the MDI   G1X100F50, assuming you are in feed per minute mode (G94) and your units are metric, the X axis should move at 50 mm per minute. You can adjust the F50 to whatever is suitable.

Neptune

12

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Smooth Stepper MDI problem

« on: October 11, 2010, 07:18:03 PM »

I went through Jeffs set up guide before I installed the smooth stepper. I have experimented with changing the values in the SS setup page but then reset them to the calculated values.

I have all my XML settings documented. The new XML was cloned from the standard mach 3 Turn profile then edited with my settings.

The machine has been running today for around 10 hours on several part programs and everything else is running well.

Neptune

13

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Smooth Stepper MDI problem

« on: October 11, 2010, 03:55:13 PM »

Just to say, upgraded to version 3.042.040. The situation is the same as before.

Neptune

14

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Smooth Stepper MDI problem

« on: October 11, 2010, 10:31:45 AM »

Thanks thosj,

It's a good point and worth a try. I will update this evening and post the results.

Neptune

15

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Smooth Stepper MDI problem

« on: October 10, 2010, 01:21:48 PM »

Hi guys

No macropumps or brains. The only other plugins were video window and turn diagnostics which I have removed from the plugins folder. I have started a new profile from scratch but problem remained. I have also swapped out the computer with a spare, No change.

However I have moved forward with this. Firstly I discovered that M3, M4, M5 ans S word worked normally from the MDI input, it was only G code that wouldn't work. I changed the keyboard from  a USB type to a PS2 but problem remained.

Then I discovered that if I had a G code program loaded, the MDI input would work in all respects. But I could not load a G code program after I had tried to input an MDI G code because I would get an alert every time I tried (See atachment).

To explain better, there are 2 scenarios:

1.  Start up smooth stepper, try to input G0z20 into MDI, nothing happens, system is locked up. Press Estop and Reset, system is working normally except for MDI input. Try to load a part program, get SS alert as attachment.

2.  Start up smooth stepper, load part program (any of several), everything is working normally including the MDI, no alerts.

This has solved my problem really, I don't understand why it is the case and whether it is just the way it works or if it is specific to my setup.

Anyway, thanks for your help and I will be running with SS from now, if there are any further developments, I will keep you posted.

Neptune

16

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Smooth Stepper MDI problem

« on: October 09, 2010, 10:51:28 AM »

No worries.

The problem is the same with the standard screenset. Also the screenset currently in use works fine under PP control.
I'm glad I'm not the only one working late nights.
Thanks for your help

Neptune

17

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Smooth Stepper MDI problem

« on: October 09, 2010, 07:10:42 AM »

Hi Hood

Mach Vn. R3.042.035  SS USB Driver 2.08.02  SS Plugin v015ogx2.m3p

I am just really trying to commission the changeover to smooth stepper. I have run several part programs successfully, the problem only seems to be with the MDI.

What I am trying to do is take a cut to set my X datum. G1Z-20F50 neither the axis or the DRO move. If I then try to jog, nothing happens unless I press Estop and reset, then I can jog again normally.

XML attached

Thanks, Neptune

18

SmoothStepper USB / Smooth Stepper MDI problem

« on: October 09, 2010, 05:40:22 AM »

Hi

I recently changed to smooth stepper on my lathe. Everything seems to work fine except I cannot run anything from the MDI. Jogging works fine, running G Code from files works fine, but if I try to run a single command such as an axis move from MDI, the system locks up and I cannot jog or start spindle. all controls are dead. Pressing Estop then resetting clears the fault and everything is then back to normal, but if I try again to enter anything via MDI, the same thing happens.

Grateful if anyone has any ideas.

Neptune

19

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: New people welcome !! Come in here and introduce your self!

« on: June 04, 2010, 04:42:56 PM »

Maddog

I just read your problem with axis limit error when machining a pocket. I don't know if this will be of any help or not, but I get a similar problem on a Bridgeport EZtrak. When programming arcs I sometimes get a "command exceeds machine limits" error when it is obviously not true.

Through trial and error I found that changing the start or finish position of the arc by 0.01mm would solve the problem. A Bridgeport service engineer told me that this was also a problem on the Boss machines and was due to the way the software rouded up positional dimensions.

When milling a pocket with 4 arcs in the corners, the error only seems to occur on one arc. and it is a matter of trial and error to determine whether a 0.01mm adjustment needs to be added or subtracted and whether it should apply to the start or the finish or the radius of the arc.

The EZtrak uses conversational programming and I now get round the problem by using blend line commands instead of mill arc commands wherever possible and the problem doesn't seem to occur.

20

General Mach Discussion / Re: Threading no go?

« on: March 30, 2010, 01:20:01 PM »

Is your CPU speed greater than 2.1 GHz. If so you will get a negative spindle speed if you are running mach on version R3.042.032. Updating to the current release should solve the problem.

Peter