Messages

5091

General Mach Discussion / Re: Switching from Mach3 to Mach4

« on: March 08, 2018, 01:39:47 AM »

Hi,
it is sold as an OEM package and is doing very well, it would appear that many OEMs prefer it to LinuxCNC.   If you want to get in on the action you can in the
form of Mach4Hobby.

If you don't like programming or refuse to do it then Mach4 is not for you. If on the other hand you are prepared to learn Lua etc then you can have a really professional
and extremely capable system, your choice.

Craig

5092

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 Pendant

« on: March 08, 2018, 01:18:25 AM »

Hi,
what pendant is it? Do you have a manual?

I have a VistaCNC unit and it is connected via USB to the PC and so doesn't require a parallel port at all.

Craig

5093

General Mach Discussion / Re: Switching from Mach3 to Mach4

« on: March 08, 2018, 01:09:46 AM »

Hi,
a post processor is part of the software suite that makes up a CAM program. NFS do not provide post processors for other companies CAM programs
and never have.

In order for NFS to survive they have made software which is sufficiently flexible and robust so that OEM's can use it for their products. OEMs are prepared
to invest the time and energy to transform the basic Mach4 package into a tailored commercial product. If you wish to transform Mach4 into a flexilbe and
capable solution for your plasma/engraver you too will have to invest the time and energy just as OEMs do, and yes, you will have to be good at it, 'whizz'
might be a bit over the top.

Craig

5094

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Motor Configuration Problem

« on: March 08, 2018, 12:46:25 AM »

Hi,
I'm not familiar with the Hicon, I use an ESS.

When configuring the ESS it also makes assignments in Machs core plugin as well. I suspect that the settings you wish to make should be done
in the Hicon plugin and it will set certain items within Machs core.

Craig

5095

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Motor Configuration Problem

« on: March 07, 2018, 10:25:28 PM »

Hi,
what is your active motion controller? Sounds like you don't have one at all.

Craig

5096

General Mach Discussion / Re: New Install Problems

« on: March 07, 2018, 07:23:20 PM »

Hi,
when you say very slowly do you mean the axes moving slowly or the PC not keeping pace?

Do the DROs move at the same pace as the axes? What does the feedrate DRO show?

If you MDI some G0 moves, do the axes move at the maximum rate you programmed on the motor tuning pages?
If you MDI some G1 moves do the axes move at the current feedrate or some small fraction of it?

Craig

5097

General Mach Discussion / Re: New Install Problems

« on: March 07, 2018, 04:52:01 PM »

Hi,

Changing the arc radius setting in fusion360 post processor.

This suggests that you are using fusion 360 which is a 64 bit program and to my knowledge wont run on 32bit
PCs. If that is the case then your PC will also be 64bit. In which case Machs parallel port wont run.

Can you confirm what OS your PC is running? If its 64 bit what external motion controller are you using?

Craig

5098

General Mach Discussion / Re: Windows 10 update causes erratic movements

« on: March 07, 2018, 12:56:14 PM »

Hi,
I operated Mach for several years with two parallel ports before I bought a SmoothStepper. The SmoothStepper allows smoother motion which allowed me
to increase the speed of the motors 25% without losing steps and the motors are quieter and run a little cooler. Also means that I can use just about any working
PC rather than a parallel port desktop machine and Mach is very much less susceptible to interuptions than with a parallel port.

Craig

5099

General Mach Discussion / Re: Windows 10 update causes erratic movements

« on: March 07, 2018, 12:43:18 PM »

Hi,
a parallel port MUST be run on a 32 bit OS Windows7 or earlier.
Mach will run on either 32 or 64 bit but to use 64 bit then you will need an external motion controller like a SmoothStepper or a UC100.

Craig

5100

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3,ESS, Boss 5 limit switches not recognized

« on: March 06, 2018, 10:12:39 PM »

Hi,

I played with that a little and my motors got very labored while jogging

But changing active lows etc for input signals should have no effect on the motors. That is a totally separate
issue.

Craig