Messages

91

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 looks weird and torch won't fire

« on: June 21, 2018, 02:03:52 PM »

Ivan,

Have you had any Windows 7 updates recently? A recent Windows 7 security update has affected those who use Mach3 and Mach4 with a parallel port connection. Basically, when the parallel port is used to control your machine it "takes over" the operating system and the new update does not like it, so it crashes the whole system. There are two fixes that we've found. First, uninstall the recent security updates. I've included a link below that gives instructions on how to do so as well as the update number we believe is causing the problem. The second option is to upgrade to an external motion controller which behaves differently from the parallel port and does not have the reboot issue. I have included links to several good options for motion controllers if that is something you're interested in. What you would need to do is install the plugin for your motion controller and open Mach3 in safe mode to change the selected motion device from parallel port to your new motion controller. Once that's done, you should be able to open Mach3 normally and not worry about crashes.

Removing update:
https://itstillworks.com/remove-windows-7-updates-8169897.html
April: KB4093118
May: KB4103718


Motion controllers:
http://cncdrive.com/UC100.html
https://warp9td.com/
https://www.poscope.com/product/pokeys57cncd25/

Edit: The June update for Win7 causes the same issue and uninstalling it does allow you to continue using Mach3. It is KB284826.

92

General Mach Discussion / Re: "Software Limits" in Status during Ref All Home

« on: June 20, 2018, 04:41:50 PM »

Hello Faisal,

That LED lighting up is telling you that Mach3 is receiving a signal on the pin you have designated for your Motor3 limit switch on the positive side. If that switch is not actually being pressed, you just need to go to Config>Ports and Pins>Input Signals and find the Z++ pin. Change the Active Low setting and it should go out and you should be able to reset the emergency stop.

-Bryanna

93

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 looks weird and torch won't fire

« on: June 20, 2018, 08:24:47 AM »

Ivan,

What version of Mach3 are you using? I noticed you were originally using a license that is not supported. Often, those come with cracked versions of our software that just don't function properly. Even if you bought a valid license (which I hope you did), it will not make a cracked version of the software run any better.

-Bryanna

94

General Mach Discussion / Re: "Software Limits" in Status during Ref All Home

« on: June 19, 2018, 08:18:56 AM »

Faisal,

The first thing I encounter in your profile is a 'Locked' message. Are you able to get past that? Once I got past that, I checked out your ports and pins, which look reasonable. I also saw in both your profile name and the XML file itself that you are likely using a UBOB from CandCNC. If you go to Config>Config Plugins, is their plugin on the list? If so, is it enabled? If it is installed and enabled, try going to Function Cfg's>Reset Device Sel and then restart Mach3. It will give the option upon startup to choose which motion controller you would like to use. Make sure yours is connected and powered up (if applicable), choose it from the list, and test communication with something basic like your Estop or a home or limit switch. If you have communication, then move on to testing your motors.

-Bryanna

95

General Mach Discussion / Re: "Software Limits" in Status during Ref All Home

« on: June 18, 2018, 04:06:35 PM »

Hello Faisal,

As I mentioned in another reply, you have to figure out what you're using for a motion controller. Unless you are using the parallel port as a motion controller, you need to install the appropriate plugin for your hardware. You'll also need to assign step and direction pins for each of your motors. If you want to post your profile, I can take a look at your settings and help get you moving in the right direction. Your profile name is shown in the bottom right in Mach3 (when using a default screen). The file I need is saved in your Mach3 folder in your C: Drive with that same name. It will be in XML file format. If it's Mach3Mill, give it a unique name (ex: FaisalMill) and post it as an attachment here.

Thank you,
Bryanna

96

General Mach Discussion / Re: "Software Limits" in Status during Ref All Home

« on: June 18, 2018, 03:29:28 PM »

Faisal,

Change the ActiveLow setting for your EStop pin and any other pins that are showing active when they should not be.

-Bryanna

97

General Mach Discussion / Re: Configuration problem with EStop

« on: June 18, 2018, 12:02:23 PM »

Hello Faisal,

You can read about Mach4 at our website here: http://www.machsupport.com/software/mach4/
My recommendation would be to use the Mach3 to Mach4 transfer spreadsheet posted in both the Mach3 and Mach4 sides of this forum to collect your settings from Mach3 before beginning the process. Then, you can download Mach4 for free to begin testing and setting up a profile.

Right now, it sounds like there is something amiss with your motion controller. Are you using Warp9's ESS? How does your machine connect to your computer?

-Bryanna

98

Mach4 Videos / PMC Editor Intro and Example

« on: June 18, 2018, 09:56:18 AM »

https://youtu.be/jVhH9qyjjf0

This video introduces the PMC Editor, which is included in Mach4. With it, you can use ladder logic to create scripts that run separately from your g code and macros. It requires no LUA knowledge and gives you a lot more options and controls when it comes to automating your setup. In the video, I walk you through an creating and implementing a basic PMC script, but you are only limited by your creativity with this feature. Enjoy!

-Bryanna

99

General Mach Discussion / Re: Configuration problem with EStop

« on: June 18, 2018, 09:21:23 AM »

  Unfortunately as you are running a business you would be required to purchase an Industrial licence
at $1400...eventually.

This is inaccurate and I wanted to clarify for anyone else who may be running a business (large or small) and considering changing to Mach4. You do not need to buy Mach4Industrial if you are running a business. As a business, you can use a Hobby license but we do require you to purchase one license per machine you will be using. That being said, there is limited support with Mach4Hobby so if that is something you think you will need for your business, an Industrial license does come with free phone support as well as priority email support. I hope that helps!

-Bryanna

100

General Mach Discussion / Re: Help needed

« on: June 07, 2018, 08:47:53 AM »

Hi Ted,

Did you install the UC100 plugin on your new copy of Mach3? If not you can download it from CNCDrive at the link below. Once it's installed, open Mach3 and select the UC100 as your motion controller. If you're not given that option at startup, go to Function Cfg's and pick Reset Device Sel(ection), then restart Mach3. Once it loads, you'll have the option to select the UC100.

http://cncdrive.com/UC100.html

-Bryanna