Messages

11

General Mach Discussion / Spindle Relay Configuration Questions

« on: April 20, 2019, 09:21:25 PM »

I've just about got my mini lathe cnc conversion complete but have stumbled a bit with configuring the BoB spindle relay.  I want to turn the spindle on and off only with Mach3.  Speed will be controlled by a pot.  I've assigned Ouput 1 for M3 and M4 as I don't anticipate needing to run the spindle in reverse.  Based on the limited information contained in the BoB instruction manual (attached) I enabled Output #1 and assigned Pin 16.  Also tried Pin 17.  Checked Active Low too with no change.  The spindle is not wired to the relay terminals.  Using a multimeter and inputing a M3 S1000 command in the MDI I don't detect continuity across the relay terminals.  The motors turn and move the carriage and cross slide as expected so I know the board is powered up.  Does the relay need a load on it to close the contacts?  Is my configuration not correct?  Bad relay?  Looking for some help and guidance to get the lathe functional.     

My configuration screen shots are attached as is the BoB manual.

Thanks 

12

General Mach Discussion / Re: Jog keys

« on: October 31, 2018, 07:51:40 PM »

For starters send a picture of your System Hot Keys Setup screen.

13

General Mach Discussion / Re: Jog Functions Stops Working

« on: October 29, 2018, 10:50:01 AM »

My problem was due to electrical noise.  After rerouting control wires away from power supply cables my problem went away.

14

General Mach Discussion / Re: Jog keys

« on: September 11, 2018, 10:20:38 PM »

Click on the X++ button.  A dialogue box will pop up that prompts you to press the X+ arrow key.  This process enters the key number in the box next to the X++ button.  Do the same for X--.

15

SmoothStepper USB / Re: Ethernet ESS Mach3 and Buffer

« on: September 11, 2018, 10:14:27 PM »

After Rewind did you click on the Regen Toolpath button?

16

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can't open Mach3

« on: July 04, 2018, 10:43:00 AM »

I am running W7 on my machine computer and no problems there.  My problem was with my W10 laptop that I use for setup work at night.

17

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can't open Mach3

« on: June 30, 2018, 01:28:03 AM »

Thanks.  That did it.  When I reinstalled a couple of days ago I went to FTP Downloads and selected Mach3 v062.  Evidently that file isn't compatible with my computer. 

18

General Mach Discussion / Can't open Mach3

« on: June 30, 2018, 01:01:24 AM »

For some reason I can not open Mach3.  I uninstalled then reinstalled, still no luck.  I also uninstalled the latest W10 update.  Tried opening it as administrator, didn't open.  Was running fine for more than a year on this computer until a couple of days ago.

19

General Mach Discussion / Re: Ever had Mach flake out and require a computer restart?

« on: June 27, 2018, 10:07:18 AM »

Yes, had a similar situation occur a couple of days ago.  Running version 062, ESS, PMDX-126 BoB, W7 64 bit.  I had run several parts with no problems then hit Cycle Start for the next part and the Z drove the tool into the top of the material.  I re-Homed the machine and reset my XYZ machining origin.  Still ran the tool below the top of the material.  Checked my tool table and it was OK.  So I shut down Mach and rebooted my computer.  Ran a few more parts and it happened again.

I think my problem was electrical interference.  I had moved and when setting up my machine I wasn't diligent enough and had run some control wiring next to power cables.  I rerouted the control wiring yesterday morning and ran several parts with no faults.  I think the problem is fixed but only time will tell.

20

General Mach Discussion / Re: Homing switches - optical?

« on: April 11, 2018, 10:44:34 AM »

Not sure where you are located but Automation Direct (USA) sells High Precision Touch and Tool Setter limit switches.  They claim 0.5 micron (µm) repeat accuracy, no movement differential, no temperature drift, and dustproof / water-resistant (IP67).  Not cheap though, $116 USD.  Hope this is helpful.