Messages

91

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Smoothstepper firmware updates

« on: January 27, 2015, 04:52:54 PM »

That answers that. Thanks Jeff
Don

92

SmoothStepper USB / Smoothstepper firmware updates

« on: January 27, 2015, 07:33:59 AM »

I was reading somewhere that the smoothstepper updates the firmware as needed. Is this true and if so how does this work with a non enternet connected pc? I am researching motion controllers to upgrade my system but need to make sure any I even concider can be installed once by pulling the pc from the machine and taking it to a remote location to install the software then reinstalling it in the machine. Any future updates would have to be done thru a different pc and files transferred via flash drive, unless there aren't done very often. Then I can pull the pc again.  Any other option I should be looking at? They must support lathe threading.
Thanks
Don

93

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Pc requirements

« on: January 26, 2015, 07:33:15 PM »

Thanks I looked all over for that on their site.
Don

94

Mach4 General Discussion / Pc requirements

« on: January 20, 2015, 07:13:27 PM »

I can't find this anywhere, so I figured I'd ask here. My laptop crapped out and I am looking to replace it. Since I can't stand windows 8 I am looking at refurbished units with win7 pro. What are the requirements for reliably running mach4 thru a motion controller. I currently run mach3 but would like the option to upgrade later without replacing the pc.
Thanks
Don

95

General Mach Discussion / imach pendants

« on: March 22, 2014, 09:59:01 PM »

Any issues with them. I am looking for a pendant for manual machining and jogging. I will use my touch screen for running code. I don't have 2 inputs available to add a mpg and currently use the screen pendant, so I liked the idea of the usb based unit. Anything else to look into?
Don

96

General Mach Discussion / Re: Gcode won't start spindle HELP!

« on: November 10, 2013, 07:56:16 PM »

Mine was doing that the other day.  I shut down the cpu and restarted and now its' fine.
Don

97

General Mach Discussion / Shifting zero, losing steps??

« on: September 07, 2013, 11:28:26 AM »

Not sure but I assume I am losing steps.  As I turned my motor tuning way down and got the same results, so I don't think I have a stepper stalling issue.  If I run a square pattern, basically .010" off each side around a part for .250 or so whem I get done my zero has moved always in the same directions.  Was about .100 but I turned off CV and set it for exact and now it's about .010".  Any idea?  Pulse width problem? I changed the active hi state of the step pins and it got worse so I put it back.  Turned the motor down to a crawl and seems the same.  I was just cutting 2 sides and was rapiding on the no cut sides, I change those to G1's and got the same results.
Don

98

General Mach Discussion / Re: Spindle speed control

« on: June 29, 2013, 08:12:18 AM »

Ok now I am not sure what the heck is going on with this drive.  I install the new board and the spindle ran faster than the max it would with the pot.  When I was checking what wire was what with the pot in place I had 5VDC btw P1 and P3, P1 being the neg side.  On P2 I had the varing voltage so I assume that's the wiper.  I removed the pot put P1 and P2 on the boards output (after tuning it to 5V). Mach didn't vary the speed but mach did control the board properly.  So I go to check my wiring again, I disconnect the wires from the board but didn't reconnect them to the pot and turns on the drive.  The motor came on, I wasn't expecting that without anything connected to the give a signal to the drive.  While running I put my meter (digital) on the wires to verify what is what and as soon as I did the motor sped up.  So was that the meter signalling back to the drive?  Anybody have a clue to this before I put the thing back together with the pot so I can get a couple jobs out this weekend?  I assume I just have the wires mixed up and need to pull the pot out and see which is the wiper for starters (not the easiest to get to and just went by the factory wire tags were at a splice point) but started thinking maybe this drive is different that I thought.
Thanks,
Don

99

General Mach Discussion / Re: Multiple limits and homing

« on: June 21, 2013, 08:18:08 AM »

Thanks that was what I was hoping for.  I knew mach disreguarded the limits while homing just didn't know if it was all  limits during the whole homing process or an axis by axis basis.
Don

100

General Mach Discussion / Re: speed sensor/lathe threading

« on: June 20, 2013, 09:27:54 PM »

Ordered that board from cnc4pc along with a new pwm speed board.  I'll see how it works. I'm sure I will be asking some more questions when I get everything.  As for the backlash, this is a self funded project, so as the machine earns me some money I put it back in the machine.  Keeps me from getting in over my head.  Hopefully I can get some ballscrews to replace the old leadscrews as funds arise.
Don