Messages

121

General Mach Discussion / Re: Read and write to Z DRO?

« on: October 08, 2016, 04:16:08 AM »

When running a macro in mach3 there is a pause in motion when executing a macro as it compiles then executes

G92 z0 is the way to do it without a macro and therefore motion hesitation

G5x offsets... you only work in one of them at any time, and the way to get around this is copy the z axis dro var to another variable number, then when you want to remove the offset, subtract one from the other and reset to the new g92 offset...

Confusion is relative to task and perspective... vars are very handy if you code your own gcode... I don't really but my application doesn't use g5x offsets really

I can write the code down for you if you want? (No point if no interest)

122

General Mach Discussion / Re: Moving to a new PC

« on: October 08, 2016, 03:35:59 AM »

It's because all files and folders are in one folder... no DLLs moved to the windows system folders and no registry settings saved.... essentially a stand alone programme all run from one folder

123

General Mach Discussion / Re: Any help / suggestions please?

« on: October 08, 2016, 03:32:21 AM »

I am confused, will you end up with a usb ss or an Ethernet ss at the end of your rebuild?

The reason is because the uss suffers from ground loop issues potentially.  You really need to check your wiring with the USBSS including the usb lead that connects to the pc.... make sure that there is no continuity between the outer sheild and the  ground of your cnc case

The ess is less susceptible but can still suffer from secondary side ground loop issues.... use a separate 5v power supply for the ss and you should be fine but do not join all grounds or zero volt lines together

124

General Mach Discussion / Re: Read and write to Z DRO?

« on: October 08, 2016, 03:04:19 AM »

G92 Z0 ?

That var is read only I suspect

125

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Rename A axis to U axis?

« on: October 01, 2016, 04:23:54 PM »

This may be what is called an out of band axis (or axes), sorry out of my depth.... sure a knowledganle person will come along, I'll get the popcorn and learn, Thanks for taking the time with the explanation.

126

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Rename A axis to U axis?

« on: October 01, 2016, 03:59:19 PM »

I have way less experience than you.

But, having a quick look at the comparison document I found, M3 + M4 will only control 6 axis, hence the normal practice is to slave an A, B or C to an X, Y or Z should you have a parallel axis.

http://www.machsupport.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Mach%20Version%20Differences_doc_a9.pdf

Pardon my ignorance, but why would you want to operate the U axis any differently to the other parrallel axis (other than if you were squaring it up)?

127

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Rename A axis to U axis?

« on: October 01, 2016, 02:04:15 PM »

I don't believe that is possible.... you have ABCXYZ.... all gcode works on that.... some axis can be slaved to others...

Why not just change the gcode to one of the isable acceptable letters?

128

General Mach Discussion / Re: off topic- but maybe someone can help

« on: October 01, 2016, 01:55:23 PM »

Fred, been a while since I've heard the word fundi... maybe I'm in the wrong part of the world

1) I know nothing about your inverter but will try to help.

2) I suspect this may be the manual for your range of inverters if you have not got a copy to hand

3) it's not clear from your post above how your inverter is actually controlled.... it can be electronically controlled (if that is the right manual ) via modbus...

Can you get any pictures of the wiring on the inverter?

Can you post your XML profile file (as it will tell me if you have any brains setup plus your machine configuration too)

Rob

129

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: rigid tap and ess

« on: September 24, 2016, 10:21:45 AM »

I would suggest checking on the warp9 forum, but I suspect that synchronised motion (spindle + motion) is probably not functioning on the ESS within Mach4.

I am not 100% certain, but it is worth a question on the warp9 forum before being disappointed / getting stressed trying to get it to work correctly.

http://warp9td.com/index.php/kunena/index

unfortunately that is one of those functions that must be carried out directly within the motion controller and is 100% motion controller (and therefore plugin) dependant

130

General Mach Discussion / Re: Stepper issues

« on: September 24, 2016, 04:06:51 AM »

A uc100 has advantages., As do uc300usb / eth & 400eth

Note the uc300eth does not at this time have a mach3 driver, but it should do as all the others do.

Even if you are a mach3 stalwart, best to consider mach4 and others when laying out a load of cash

http://cncdrive.com/products.html, with webshop.  There are local dealers across the world.

Even if you are a mach3 stalwart it is worthwhile at least considering everything at the time of expending money as mach3 is stagnant whilst mach4 (and others) may surpass mach3 in time.

Motion controllers can be a bit of a minefield, as some don't do everything that the parallel port does under mach3, and with mach4s development being slow and steady there can be issues with plugins when a new release lands.

Your cheapest option may be a second old pc with 32 bit windows 7 (or xp...as I run)... but don't loose sight that mach3 is stagnant and at some point a lack of old hardware and software may render it obsolete (but not for a while as w7 PCs can still be found)..... try to find a i386 with w nt + drivers if your software is only compatible with that version gives you an idea of the future at some point