Topics

31

Mach4 General Discussion / Help with some basic controls for homing

« on: March 28, 2018, 02:35:30 PM »

I am setting up a new machine with mach 4 and I have some basic operation questions (I am using an ESS for input)

I am setting up my homing switches, they will also be the limit switches. On the diagnostics screen I see they are triggering correctly.

1. When I move an axis to the homing/limit switch, Mach stops movement as it should, and displays the limit switch tripped message. But when I try to move the axis in the other direction (off the switch) it will not move, My switch is my 0 point and I have soft limits set to +40 inches. The only way I can get the axis to move is to disable the switch, restart mach, move the axis, enable the switch, restart mach. So what is the correct way to move off the limit switch once I have hit it?

2. How do I command the machine to go to home position I tried the MDI screen and executing M28, the screen flashed but there was no movement. I verified that home in place is NOT checked for my XYZ axis.

3. On my other machine using mach 3, when I set a point as 0 (hit zero X, Y, Z) then hit the "goto 0" button the machine would move to the spot I had marked each axis as 0. I use this feature alot. When I do the same and hit "Goto work 0" nothing happens. Does mach have the goto 0 feature? If so how do I use it? What does the "goto work 0" do?

32

Mach4 General Discussion / MDI Tab missing

« on: March 22, 2018, 11:03:39 AM »

I am setting up Mach 4 with an ESS. I have followed all of the steps so far. I am working on the spindle and having no luck getting it running. One of the things I have found people discussing online is to use the MDI tab to enter commands. But the tab is missing. How do I get it to show up.

I am using a demo of Mach 4 hobby. Do I need a different version, or need to get the license for it to work?

33

Mach4 General Discussion / Reversing motor direction with Mach 4 and smooth stepper

« on: March 20, 2018, 12:39:41 PM »

I am converting a AXYZ millennium from the OEM system to Mach 4 using a smooth stepper. I have the axis configured and motors tuned. This part appears to be running well, except that the motors travel in reverse direction.

The drivers are 3 wire setups, enable, step and direction. There is a checkbox on the motor tuning screen labeled Reverse, but I don't know what it's for as checking this box does not seem to do anything. I looked all over but did not find anything for changing the direction, is this possible in Mach? IF not how do I do it?

I am using an Ethernet smooth stepper with a smooth stepper terminal board, Win 10 PC.

34

General Mach Discussion / Tool Change Script

« on: September 09, 2015, 11:05:39 AM »

Can someone point me to the correct spot for how to write a tool changer script, as well as how to wire it? As well as the best place to ask for help if I need it?

I've made a tool changer for a lathe, and have the controls done except for the interface between mach 3 and the changer.