Messages

21

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Contacting Steve from PMDX

« on: February 15, 2018, 07:27:41 PM »

As you have found out they are slow to respond to their email and forum questions.  I had the same experience.  After waiting a couple of weeks for a response I called PMDX and Steve picked up the phone.  He walked me through a few tests and together we determined that my PMDX-126 BoB was faulty.  I would call.  Worked for me. 

22

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 Setting Back Up

« on: December 31, 2017, 09:03:39 PM »

I copy the entire Mach3 folder to a memory stick.

23

General Mach Discussion / Mach3/PMDX-126 Port 2 Configuration for Spindle Control

« on: November 24, 2017, 11:45:20 AM »

I'm hoping this post is in the correct sub-forum.  I've got a project waiting that includes drilling and tapping about 50 holes using my floating tap holder.  The problem is I can't get the spindle to reverse direction.  My system is:

Win 7 64 bit
Mach3 version 062
PMDX-126 breakout board
PMDX-107 spindle control board
ESS with ESS-M3-170328-u4-f1-H plugin version

I have everything setup and all is working fine except the spindle will not reverse direction with a M4 command.  I've checked my configuration, tried other settings with no luck, reloaded Mach and purposely didn't save my configuration so that I wouldn't carry over a potentially incorrect parameter, and reloaded the ESS plugin.  Setup the ESS and 107 board per the PMDX documents and still no luck with M4.  If I enter a M3 command the spindle turns CW.  If I enter a M4 command the spindle turns CW.  Speed control works.  Ran several tests and it appears that the 126 board has a bad Port 1 Pin 14 relay (the LED does not light up).  If you want to see the tests I've gone through they are posted on another forum.  I will post the link if requested.  I've also posted on the PMDX forum but have not yet received a reply.  

As a work around I'm thinking I can use pins "B" and "C" at terminal J5 on the 126 board.  I've done the configuration and I do get pin "C" LED to light up with a M3 command and pin "B" lights up with a M4 command.  The problem is the Bob and ESS are not communicating with the 107 spindle board.  The only LED on the 107 board that is on is the Power On LED.  What settings, besides those that I made in Motor Outputs to get pins "B" and "C" to function, do I need to change to get the spindle control signals to the spindle control board?  I've attached my XML file and screen shots of my ESS configuration screens.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

24

Polls / Re: CAD /CAM Software at a student price

« on: November 10, 2017, 11:00:10 AM »

Fusion 360 CAD/CAM is free for hobbyists.

How much does it cost?

It's subscription based. $300 year for the standard version, $1500/year for the Ultimate version.

True if you are a commercial enterprise.

25

General Mach Discussion / Re: Deref All Axis On Reset Condition

« on: November 10, 2017, 10:32:19 AM »

Not specifically what you are looking for but there is a "De-Ref all Axes" button on the MDI screen below and to the left of the DRO's.

26

Polls / Re: CAD /CAM Software at a student price

« on: November 10, 2017, 10:23:32 AM »

Fusion 360 CAD/CAM is free for hobbyists.

How much does it cost?

It's free, other than your time to register.  Here's the language from the Autodesk Legal Terms of Service, "If your entitlement has been designated as “Startup,” You may use the service if You are (a) a company, startup, or home-based business that generates less than $100,000 (or equivalent in other currency) per year from the total sale of goods or services, or (b) an individual using the service for personal non-commercial projects, hobbies, or personal learning."

I've been a registered user for three years.

27

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach 3 China MPG problem

« on: October 23, 2017, 10:36:27 AM »

I have the same pendant.  First one I got wouldn't work at all.  The vendor told me to send it back for a replacement.  I refused because the freight cost was more than I paid for the pendant.
 They sent me another one but it's been problematic since I got it.  My next one will be an IMach, or similar. 

28

Newfangled Solutions Mach3 Wizards / Re: No tool table in nfl wizard

« on: October 12, 2017, 06:13:21 PM »

Nope. Still the same im a bit disappointed with the result in this forum after over 600 views

I just tried it and it worked for me.  Using Mach3 ver 062 on a Windows 10 laptop.  What version of Mach are you using?

29

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Quality Limit Switches for Fadal VMC ? What are you using ?

« on: September 16, 2017, 10:50:26 AM »

My mill is a PM-932 converted to CNC.  On startup I home the machine, run a warm up routine, then run the homing routine again.  It repeats within .001" to .002".   

30

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Quality Limit Switches for Fadal VMC ? What are you using ?

« on: September 16, 2017, 10:27:55 AM »

I use slow acting limit switches from Automation Direct (part #AEM2G43X11-3).  I tried snap action switches but had repeatability issues.  Tried the slow action style and they repeat quite well.