Messages

1

General Mach Discussion / Re: Delay after cycle start

« on: February 16, 2014, 12:12:42 AM »

Well I did a few experiments.  Tried the track pad = jerky movement.  Plugged in my old Microsoft mouse and never had a problem.  Very smooth.  Trackpad just doesn't seem like it is working correctly.  It just isn't reliable in terms of when it picks up my finger or not and jumps around.  It wasn't a cheap keyboard ( $60) , but me dropping it a few times could have led to these problems.

Glad I asked if it was normal.

I took a chance on the on board graphics, but in general I think the computer is performing well.

2

General Mach Discussion / Re: Delay after cycle start

« on: February 15, 2014, 11:12:21 PM »

It could be the keyboard.  Before I made the bracket, I dropped it more than once.  I was kind of using it as a pendant.

Graphics are onboard.  Ram is 2GB.  It's a really cool little micro computer called a Shuttle DS61.  It works

I'll try my regular keyboard and mouse from my big desktop.

3

General Mach Discussion / Delay after cycle start

« on: February 15, 2014, 02:11:32 PM »

My machine is working well and all good.  But I had a question regarding a delay that I experience.

I use a small usb keyboard that has a touch pad.  No mouse.  After hitting cycle start I try to normally move the cursor to the "reset" or "stop" button.  That way if anything looks like it is about to go wrong as the code starts I can click the left touch pad key and stop things.

Problem is I experience a second or two delay where I move my finger on the touch pad and nothing happens. 

Just curious if this is:

My computer Windows XP with Celeron G465 (too slow?)
Normal for Mach 3
Or maybe my touch pad?


Thanks,
DY

4

General Mach Discussion / Re: Spindle settings (again)

« on: October 17, 2013, 05:57:58 PM »

I still don't even really understand the whole pins and ports setting either.  What do step pin# dir pin# and setp pin and dir pin need to be set up for for a basic default setting?

5

General Mach Discussion / Re: Spindle settings (again)

« on: October 17, 2013, 04:32:55 PM »

Peter,

Thanks for the response.  I am using the exact 48v relays you use in your diagram.  I have Output#1 Port#1, Pin#17.  It does indeed turn on the relay and start the spindle.  My main problem is that M5 does not shut off the relay.  I cant figure out how to shut off the relay other than escape or estop type action.

6

General Mach Discussion / Spindle settings (again)

« on: October 17, 2013, 03:28:00 PM »

I am totally confused to say the least regarding having Mach3 control my spindle via Hitachi wj200 VFD.

I'm also using Ethernet Smooth Stepper.

Question 1:  Is there a default setup for the ports and pins for the spindle (just to get me started)?

I'm using output 1 to control a relay that gives the VFD a forward spin command. 
I'm also using the G540's 7 , 8 and 9 to give the VFD 0-10V
I can get the spindle to turn and I can even control the speed.

What I can't do is get it to stop.  When I hit M5 it slows way down but it is still getting 2 or 3 Hz and so spinning 120-180 rpms.

Question 2:  How can I get the relay to open and stop the forward command?  The only way I can do it is to hit escape and I can hear the relay click and the spindle comes to a stop.

7

General Mach Discussion / Re: Fresh XP install

« on: September 06, 2013, 05:13:05 PM »

Great, thanks.  Found it under "extra information"

8

General Mach Discussion / Fresh XP install

« on: September 06, 2013, 01:26:45 PM »

Hi,

I've searched far and wide for the "best" setting for Windows XP.  They all seem to point to the Artsoft page that used to list optimized XP settings.  That has now been removed.

Any suggestions on what the best setting are, which service pack, what to disable, etc? 

This will be a brand new formatted hard drive and the pc will only be used to run the CNC.  No internet, or other no necessary items.

I have Ethernet Smooth stepper if that makes difference.

Thanks to all those that can give suggestions or point me to some links that already show the correct install steps.