Messages

61

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Limit switches

« on: December 16, 2017, 05:41:48 PM »

Thanks for the description.  I'm using optical switches and they should be pretty accurate so I figure on sharing LIM- and HOME for X and Y.  It sounds like I might need a Z- home switch, but I was going to use a XYZ touch plate/corner finder for my homing functions (that's if I understand that device/function correctly).  My home would be the corner of my material in that instance.  Does that sound right?

62

Mach4 General Discussion / Limit switches

« on: December 16, 2017, 04:23:31 AM »

Ok, I'm sorta confused by 3 limit switches for each axis (HOME, LIM-, and LIM+).  I have limit switches on my X and Y axis (no room on Z without loosing Y travel) and I'm wondering if I use LIM- and LIM+ or HOME and LIM+.  Can someone explain how limit and home switches work in MACH4?  I come from 3D printing background where HOME and LIM- are the same thing.

Thanx,

Rob.

63

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: POKEYS57CNC and Spindle

« on: December 13, 2017, 10:26:42 AM »

It is a Huanyang VFD.  Model # HY02D223B.  According to the documentation, the "5V Fout" is 5V Frequency signal output.

64

Third party software and hardware support forums. / POKEYS57CNC and Spindle

« on: December 13, 2017, 02:16:34 AM »

I'm trying to figure out how to connect my spindle VFD to the POKEYS57CNC v1.3 board. I'd like to use PWM to control speed as well as get speed reported back via PWM. Reverse would be nice too, but not necessary. I'm including a pic of the pins on my VFD. Can anyone guide me on how to wire this up AND the subsequent settings in MACH4 Hobby?  I know I can use the 0-10v output to control speed, I'm just trying to get as much control as possible with the VFD.  Thanx.

65

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Motion Controller recommendation

« on: December 09, 2017, 01:24:27 PM »

I have settled (unfortunately) on the POKEYS57CNC board.  It's all in one and seems well supported.  The ribbon connectors on it are horrible, and seem like something out of the 80s, but I will make do with them.  

The lack of access to the API leaves me with very few options.

Thanx for all the suggestions.

Rob

66

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Xhc HB04 MPG Pendent with Mach4

« on: December 09, 2017, 04:03:00 AM »

Rubbish.  I've already paid for $350 for a controller that is on its way back because of sub-standard drivers for MACH4 (WiXHC).  
Of the remaining < $500 controllers, they each have their cons as to why I don't want to use them.  I settled on the POKEYs57CNC, but the ribbon cable ports are atrocious.  I have a 32-bit 3D controller that runs Smoothieware firmware and they have a version designed for CNC that would do nicely.  I wanted to write a driver for the MACH4, but was subsequently denied.  I'm a software and firmware developer with over 30 years of experience and I'm quite certain I can make a plugin for that (or any other) board.  

And from what I can find, I can count the number of controllers < $500 on one hand (UC100/300, PDMX, POKEY, ESS, WiXHC).  If there are others, they are certainly hard to find.  Not exactly what I would call a diverse, well supported program.

67

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Xhc HB04 MPG Pendent with Mach4

« on: December 09, 2017, 12:57:07 AM »

These idiots not releasing their API is STOOPID.  How are you supposed to create a community based core that creates necessary plugins for their product.   No wonder it is so hard to find any boards that support MACH4.  This fear of Chinese hacking has gone too far.  I tried to get access to it to write a driver for a new card and was basically told to pound sand.

68

Third party software and hardware support forums. / Re: Xhc HB04 MPG Pendent with Mach4

« on: December 03, 2017, 08:53:18 PM »

Its my understanding that MACH3 does NOT work on Win 10.  Is that not true?

69

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Motion Controller recommendation

« on: December 03, 2017, 03:30:07 PM »

They also say no MACH4 support for USB.

70

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Motion Controller recommendation

« on: December 03, 2017, 03:16:33 PM »

The ESS does NOT support spindle control.