Messages

2061

General Mach Discussion / Re: Msgbox function...

« on: January 28, 2016, 03:31:38 PM »

No need, gotta love Mach and VB

Here is my button script, no need for a macro as all the macro script can be run direct thus...

Dim Msg, Style, Title, Response

If GetOEMLed(804)<>0 Then Exit Sub'make sure code is not running

Msg = "Please Remove The Torch And Move Z To A Safe Height" 'Define message.
Style = 1 + 64 + 256 'Define buttons.'Style = vbokcancel + vbinformation + vbDefaultButton2 buttons.
Title = "Torch Consumable Change" 'Define title.
Response = MsgBox(Msg, Style, Title) 'Display message.

If Response = 1 Then
  Code "G91" 'switch To incremental mode
  Code "G00 X22.00" 'position probe switch
  Code "G90" 'switch To absolute mode

  ActivateSignal(OutPut3) 'triggers the probe cylinder

  Code "G28.1 Z10.000" 'probe the surface
  Code "G92 Z#15045" 'apply the probe switch offset from settings screen DRO

  DeActivateSignal(OutPut3) 'raise the probe
  Sleep(200)

  Code "G91" 'switch To incremental mode
  Code "G00 X-22.00" 'put the axes back To where we came from
  Code "G90" 'switch To absolute mode
  Code "G00 Z0.00"

  Msg = "Replace Torch After Changing Consumables" 'Define message.
  Style = 0 + 64 + 0 'Define buttons.'Style = vbokonly + vbinformation + vbDefaultButton1 button
  Title = "Torch Consumable Change" 'Define title.   
  Response = MsgBox(Msg, Style, Title) 'Display message.

  Code "G00 Z1.00"'raise torch to 1mm

  Msg = "Verify Calibration With 1mm Feeler Gauge" 'Define message.
  Response = MsgBox(Msg, Style, Title) 'Display message.

  Code "G00 Z20.00"'raise torch to safe height ready for work
End If
 
The need for this is due to my "after-market" IHS probe method, as the probe is not done by the actual torch now, any change in torch position - new consumables, switching to the 30A unshielded from 45A shielded parts etc, upsets the reference between torch nozzle and probe switch - the "switch offset".

My little script here prompts me to remove the torch, runs a IHS sequence against a heavy reference plate (a 3" disc of steel I have), parks the Z axis at Z0.00 then prompts me to replace the torch after fitting new parts etc, the torch is clamped up with the nozzle touching the reference plate. It then moves to Z1.00 so I can verify the setting with a feeler gauge if wanted then it moves to my safe-Z height.

Sounds complex, takes seconds and i get super accurate IHS and another useful button on my screen

I do a lot of VB6 programming at work and this version of VB is very close so it's fun to mess with.

2062

General Mach Discussion / Re: Msgbox function...

« on: January 28, 2016, 01:56:30 PM »

Hi TP,

Nah message bar is naff I want the full Yes / No features on this one

Couldn't refresh my memory how i correctly call a macro from a button script could you

Researching now....

2063

General Mach Discussion / Msgbox function...

« on: January 28, 2016, 01:07:34 PM »

Can the msgbox function be invoked from g-code or something like a button script only?

I am tarting up my new probing system with a little g-code block that will likely get called from a screen button.

I have no idea how the msgbox works but i need to prompt myself with something a little more prominent than the M00 (please do whatever) message

Could someone point me to a snippet that would go in a screen button, prompt a response then run a block of code presumably from a macro?

I need to tell myself to remove the torch, then run the code block, then tell myself to replace the torch and then run another code block.

Thanks

2064

General Mach Discussion / Re: Physical buttons for plasma

« on: January 28, 2016, 10:25:23 AM »

I read all the manuals - CandCNC produce more manuals than a library can handle but they are very confusing at times

I used google to research the Anti-Dive as I can't find it mentioned in a manual but there is plenty info out there on the 'net.

The two seem to do totally different things so running both anti-dive AND tip-saver is Ok.

I will check my settings for each one and have a play, I think tip-saver is the important one as my table does not slow much on corners unless i tell it to and thats not the same thing so i'm ok with that.

2065

General Mach Discussion / Re: Physical buttons for plasma

« on: January 28, 2016, 06:09:59 AM »

Ah, but what I mean is this...

Set volts to say 90v because thats where you reckon it should be...
Start the cut and the THC reads 98v so tells Mach "Send the torch down.."
Mach drops the torch but as it so close to the surface the volts only reach say 94v,
The THC shouts "I want more, drop the torch again..."
Mach says whatever and this loop continues with the Z dropping but the volts not changing anymore because they can't.

Sounds spurious but on thin material with the 30A consumables its very easy to do.
Mach or the THC should see the repeated DOWN calls AND the fact that volts is NOT changing and say "I'm not allowing that anymore", maybe even lift the Z a mm or so.

Found it, it does exist, its in the Mp3000 settings screen and is what CandCNC calls Tip-Saver. It (should) work if you set it  to a value that keeps the torch just off the plate, so if normal volts is 90, the tip-saver is set for 2% this means once it reaches 88.2v it will stop further downward movement. Of course you have to know what value will keep the torch off the plate but it sounds good.

I have no idea what my one is set for but I know for a fact that its not as low as 2% so will be playing with that I think.
There is also max and min volts limit which i think I have set at 200 & 50 but no idea what the actual max and min cut voltages are for the PM45??

2066

General Mach Discussion / Re: Physical buttons for plasma

« on: January 27, 2016, 04:46:34 PM »

didn't know it existed

Personally, i think a standalone THC would likely be the best option all round, something that can devote 100% of its life to maintaining the torch height without worrying about cpu load, buffer capacity, parallel port speed and so on.

2067

General Mach Discussion / Re: Physical buttons for plasma

« on: January 27, 2016, 04:33:40 PM »

I guess it would have to be an advanced standalone THC that drives the Z directly then, this would bring all the needed parameters under one roof;)

Ah well, it was just an idea....

2068

General Mach Discussion / Re: Physical buttons for plasma

« on: January 27, 2016, 04:21:31 PM »

OK That said MAYBE  there is a way. 

  TP

You see, thats the sort of thinking I like

I know it's OP error, I just put my PLC systems programming hat on for the evening - you know, the one that tells me if it CAN happen it WILL happen AND the machine should block it if possible:)

The same as pressing the "dry run"button while running code - a simple fix in the end and a button that now does nothing when it shouldn't - the BEST kind of button in my mind

2069

General Mach Discussion / Re: Physical buttons for plasma

« on: January 27, 2016, 03:41:54 PM »

Ah, but what I mean is this...

Set volts to say 90v because thats where you reckon it should be...
Start the cut and the THC reads 98v so tells Mach "Send the torch down.."
Mach drops the torch but as it so close to the surface the volts only reach say 94v,
The THC shouts "I want more, drop the torch again..."
Mach says whatever and this loop continues with the Z dropping but the volts not changing anymore because they can't.

Sounds spurious but on thin material with the 30A consumables its very easy to do.
Mach or the THC should see the repeated DOWN calls AND the fact that volts is NOT changing and say "I'm not allowing that anymore", maybe even lift the Z a mm or so.

2070

General Mach Discussion / Re: Physical buttons for plasma

« on: January 27, 2016, 03:12:40 PM »

HI Dave.

IF the arc volts go uP then the torch goes down

If the Arc volts go down the torch goes up

Anti corner lock blocks torch down ( Mach3 function)

Anti Gap lock blocks torch down across a void ( THC control function)

What else would you think it needs ?

I would start with the Corner lock at %90 it will vary as to your machine and it motion charectoristics

(;-) TP

Thanks TP, most likely my misunderstanding or the mixture of terminology.
I guess Anti corner lock is the Mach3 Anti-dive??
Anti gap lock sounds like the CandCNC Tip-Saver??
I know meant-dive is not that high so i'll play with that.

I was thinking of something that would sense the fact that the THC is asking for tip down BUT the volts are NOT changing - the torch has started riding on the plate, this can happen easily on 30A consumables as there is only a 1.5mm cut height so if you were maybe 2-3 volts or so off, it would drop onto the plate and then keep trying to drop the torch until it trips a limit or the torch falls off the mount. Just wondering