Messages

11

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 & Aspire tool paths not the same

« on: April 12, 2016, 07:18:22 PM »

Could be a bunch of things. Make sure you have the right PP selected with Aspire. I run Aspire gcode - Mach 3, ESS, Gecko 540 with no problems.  If your XML is corrupt this will cause boat load of strange problems. Seeing your PC went belly up if might be good to start with a fresh XML. Didn't say if you are using the parallel port or a external controller.

12

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 driver doesn't restart after WinXP wakes up from sleep mode

« on: April 08, 2016, 11:11:32 PM »

Go into Windows system settings ---> device manager, open the device you are using ---> then click the "power management" tab and make sure "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" is not checked.

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General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 G-code Bug

« on: March 17, 2016, 05:07:44 PM »

What software are you using for the gcode? The gcode you attached is using a generic post processor. What does your cnc machine require for a post processor? Also I would not use mach V.066 it has known problems. Use Mach V.062.

14

General Mach Discussion / Re: Reference Home Error

« on: February 17, 2016, 09:16:21 PM »

It's not a question of who set it up and he's not there anymore excuse. You seem to be stuck on who to blame and NOT addressing how to correct the issue. Can't run a xml setup for an ESS and Gecko in place for a C10 and expect it to work properly. Not going to happen pal....    

15

General Mach Discussion / Re: Reference Home Error

« on: February 16, 2016, 04:55:55 PM »

The XML is configured for a ESS and Gecko 540.  You say you are using a C10 directly to PC PP. Something isn't right.

16

General Mach Discussion / Re: STEPS PER help - losing my mind

« on: February 11, 2016, 05:06:04 PM »

I agree Overloaded. Nothing is perfect and calculations are good enough to get you close. Then adjust counts per based on actual measurements. If 20335 gets you to one inch then so be it. 

17

General Mach Discussion / Re: CNC mill has mind of it's own

« on: February 10, 2016, 12:03:15 PM »

ESS= Ethernet SmoothStepper sold by Warp9. It's a external controller card. Don't get the USB version as it has a history of problems.

Clearly something has changed in your pc to start causing the problems. Could be as simple as the PP card is failing. Even though Microsoft stopped supporting XP it's still sending out updates. I have another Dell 8400 running XP Pro connected to the internet that I use for AutoCad work that last month got a bunch of automatic XP updates. Surprised me!  Could be one of the updates is affecting Mach 3.

Try rolling back to a previous date where you know the PP issues didn't happen.

18

General Mach Discussion / Re: CNC mill has mind of it's own

« on: February 09, 2016, 05:16:02 PM »

I am using a old Dell Optiplex, 2 gig, running xp. I had the same issues using the PP connected to a Gecko 540. Tried everything to solve it and no luck. Finally went to ESS and never had the problem again. I read someplace that certain Dell Optiplex models use a 3.3v PP output which could be your problem although mine was 5v. I suspected the PP on Dell Optiplex are handled differently in BIOS than other pc brands. I gutted my Dell of all unnecessary programs, antivirus and startup services except what is needed to run Mach 3 and use a USB stick to transfer files. Especially make sure the automatic update are turned off as this can eat up tons of processor time.  

19

Building or Buying a Wood routing table.. Beginnners guide.. / Re: Chinese spindle performance at low speed

« on: January 26, 2016, 12:43:41 PM »

UL or CE is a safety rating which means the VFD has to meet specific standards. If you get a year of service out of a Haunyang VFD consider yourself lucky. Most Chinese Ebayers list a 2 year warranty sales gimmick.... Good luck getting a warranty replacement from China. They are very RF noisy because they lack circuity found in higher quality drives to prevent or reduce RF interference. Automation Direct sells a nice 3hp VFD for a reasonable price. Unless you are cutting thick material with heavy cuts and fast travel chances are 3hp (2.2kw) is overkill. Typically general wood working cnc a 1hp or 1.5hp is more than enough.

Anytime a VFD is used it requires shielded motor cable... and only shield grounding at the drive end. People use 3 wire SJO extension cord type cable from a big box store and wonder why their cnc machine goes crazy when the drive is turned on.  

20

General Mach Discussion / Re: MPG

« on: January 26, 2016, 12:21:41 PM »

Just connecting a 100ppr wheel isn't going to work. You need to get a pendant that has the driver, Mach 3 plug-in and means to select the axis. Vista iMach is good but there are quite a few on the market.