Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / Video window?

« on: January 01, 2014, 04:14:32 PM »

Thanks to the help I got here my new installation is coming together so now it's time to add some bells and whistles. I've got a system running Windows 7, an eithernet SS and Mach3 version 3.043.062. Ive got a video camera from cnc4pc that I'm tring to get working. I keep seing references to a video screen in mach3 on the forum but I can't find it. I tried the cameraplugin from K.Dietz but it can't load the camera driver? Does mach3 come with a built in video screen or is there another one I can try? Bob

2

General Mach Discussion / How do you associate inputs & outputs to OEM codes?

« on: December 22, 2013, 11:28:35 AM »

Im setting Mach3 for the first time and I must be missing something obvious.  I have a few user inputs and outputs wired up. They're defined in ports and pins and work correctly in the diagnostic screen or the outputs flip if I toggle output high/ low in the setup screen. How do I assign a function to the inputs and outputs. They are all just duplications of functions on the screen and have OEM codes like a reset input and a reset pilot light output, hold, start, etc. Can some one point me in the right direction please?

3

General Mach Discussion / Encoder count help please

« on: November 20, 2013, 07:20:48 PM »

I'm converting my Supermax knee mill from its failing Anilam control to Mach3. I'm using an Intel Atom processor, ethernet SmoothStepper, Cncdrive DG2S16035 drives and AMT10X modular encoders. The encoders have user selectable resolution and will be mounted on the servo motors. I think  my math works out like this assuming the encoder set to 1000 and 200"/min rapids.
5 turns per inch lead screw x 1.5 motor to leadscrew ratio = 8 motor turns per inch x 200 inches per min = 1,500 motor turns per min x 4 pulses for quadrature output = 6,000 count per min
6,000 count per min x 1,000 encoder count = 6,000,000 pulses per min = 100,000 pulses per sec or 100 Hz.
First, is my math straight? Second, is 1000 count where I want to be or should I set the encoders to something less? 500, 512, 800 are also available settings.

4

General Mach Discussion / What buttons on your control?

« on: November 28, 2012, 04:59:25 PM »

The Anilam on my Supermax an I are about to part ways.  It looks like I'm headed for a Mach3 control with an eithernet smoothstepper and new drives for my existing servos. I'm new to the game and my only experience with a CNC is the Anilam so I'm asking what buttons are the most useful for the control I'll be building. I'll be using a keyboard, touch screen and a MPG. I'm sure some of the most used functions are handier on buttons. What are your "must have" buttons?

5

General Mach Discussion / Ethernet and computer question

« on: November 18, 2012, 03:14:33 PM »

New guy in the planning stages here. I’m thinking about converting my Supermax with Anilam control to MACH3 using an Ethernet Smoothstepper to control the various drives and I/O. I’ll be using a dedicated computer for the machine control but would like to connect it to the network for file transfers from the other computers running Dolphin CAD/CAM. Should there be 2 Ethernet cards in the machines computer, one dedicated to the Smoothstepper, and one to the main network so other network traffic doesn’t interfere with the machine control. Is that even possible? Any recommendations for a compact computer for in the machine? Thanks Bob