Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / Motor tuning window won’t open

« on: January 12, 2020, 04:11:06 PM »

I got a new cpu installed in the mill and did a new install of Mach3 R3.043.062 and everything seemed to be ok. I found my old profile and got it loaded. But the motor tuning window won’t open. I shut down Mach a couple times and restarted the cpu. Still won’t open. Do I need to uninstall and reinstall Mach3? Am I missing something?

2

Mach4 General Discussion / Can’t load g code files

« on: January 12, 2020, 10:47:27 AM »

I just downloaded Mach4 on my laptop to run as a simulation device. I am trying to see it I am ready to move up from Mach 3 and want to run a couple parts thru it. When I go to load g-code only the demo files are there like roadrunner. I took one of my text files from Mach 3 and copied it and pasted in mdi mode and it runs. Went to edit g code and pasted it there and saved it but I still can’t find it when I go to load code. I can find it when I go to edit code. Is this something because it is a demo mode of Mach 4 and when I buy a license it will work or an install error.
Don

3

General Mach Discussion / Losing computers

« on: January 01, 2020, 08:04:01 PM »

Is it just me or do I just buy junk but computers don’t seem to last me. I have the computer mounted in the control cabinet. There is an intake and a servo amp fan. Most the time my machines sit, most the time for 3-4 month at a time. The shop is heated but not air conditioned, but it seldom gets over 85 degs here. I usually buy used high end cpu that come off lease from large companies. I am running Mach3 on Windows 7. I just lost another one. Should I be doing things differently? Maybe get a laptop and just run the Ethernet cord to the machine and bring the laptop in the house with not it use? My mill has an Ethernet smooth stepper, any problems with Windows 10? The computer in my lathe I think still works but I haven’t fired it up in 2 years so who knows. So you get an idea of the time frame between uses. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Don

4

General Mach Discussion / Mirror probing

« on: March 30, 2019, 08:55:18 AM »

I have never done any probing. How user friendly is it? I need to probe and cut a mating part. Basically the matching convex to a tapered radius. Just for multiple one offs of different parts, I doubt I will ever reproduce the same part.  I am trying to decide which way to go. Probing or build a tracer attachment.

5

Bargain Basement / c32s, c53, c34dg, and misc other boards

« on: May 07, 2017, 12:58:57 PM »

Cnc4pc boards. All used for testing only or never used.
C32s dual port multifunction board  was $186 new $125
C53 third port expansion for encoders was $76 new $50
C34dg for dugong drivers was $12 new free with purchase or make offer
Cnc drives brake unit was $28 new free with purchase or make offer
Rj45 shielded bobs. 3 free with purchase or make offer.

USA only. Shipping actual cost or free usps priority mail shipping for everything for $175. Pics available upon request. Figured I would offer here before going to eBay.

Thanks
Don

6

General Mach Discussion / Drive fault input

« on: March 04, 2017, 08:21:42 PM »

I might be having a brain fart but I can't seem to figure this out. My servo drives give off an error signal, where do I put this to stop Mach3 from a drive fault?  Everything else makes sense but I don't see anything in the list of inputs. I wired it to a pin but how do I set it in mach? It is seperate from the drive enable. The drive has step,dir,enable, and error.
Thanks
Don

7

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Any vfd experts here?

« on: January 08, 2017, 10:22:24 AM »

This is on a full sized hurco mill with bx controls, 3hp with the vari-drive. I picked up a hitachi wj200 single phase input drive. Right now I am just using the drive as a phase converter and it is set at 60hz. Plan was to use the drive later when retrofitting the whole mill later. If I leave the brake on ( with bx control the brake automatically turns off when you turn on the spindle and on again after it shuts off) when the spindle goes to stop the brake grabs as it is ramping down and the CPU locks up. I assume it is the regen power from not allowing it to slow on its own. Don't use the brake and no issues, so I just don't use the brake. Well the other day I starting a job using aluminum and starting running at higher speeds. Not the vfd, that never left 60hz. I turned the vari-drive up to near max 4000rpm. When the spindle stops the same thing happens. I assume it is because with the vari-drive maxed out there isn't much drag on the spindle from the belts and the coast is longer. Anytime over 3000 rpm this happens and never under. There is an emi filter ahead of the drive and one ahead of the CPU power supply. Nothing between the drive and motor. Do I need something? Do I need a brake resistor for the drive? Or do I just need to adjust the parameters on the drive for ramp down or something else? Is this common with low end drives like these?
Thanks
Don

8

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Encoder mounting bushing?

« on: June 30, 2016, 06:10:32 PM »

I goofed and got my new encoders. They are 6mm and the old ones were .250". Before I order some new couplings, any way to sleeve them. A quick search came empty.
Don

9

General Mach Discussion / Where download test I/o?

« on: January 09, 2016, 08:40:46 PM »

I did a search and cannot find it. Where is Scott's test I/o for mach3?
Don

10

CS-Lab / CSMIO/IP-A 4th axis step/dir

« on: October 27, 2015, 06:44:02 PM »

If I deside to get of of these to drive my existing servo drives, can I configure it some how to use a step/dir signal for my a axis?  Basically I would like to use my existing servo system but add a rotary axis using and extra dc servo drive and motor that accepts step and direction signals.
Thanks
Don