Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / How can I reverse the direction of my motors (permanently)?

« on: February 24, 2010, 02:16:47 PM »

My computer died and I am setting up Mach 3 from scratch. When I home my motors they go away from the switches. Can I reverse them in setup somewhere? I did it two years ago, but now I forget how.

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General Mach Discussion / G code for controlling axis 4

« on: October 25, 2007, 02:27:14 PM »

I'm using mach mill with X, Y, Z and 4 axes. I am controlling two cross slides. X and Y for cross slide one and Z and A for cross slide two. If I try a G code for axis 4 I get an error because "4" is read as a number.

Examples:
G1 X1 works
G1 41 doesn't work

Is there a syntax for handling an axis that is named with a number? Can I rename my axis without a lot of work?

3

Modbus / Variable speed controller with modbus communication for AC motor

« on: October 22, 2007, 05:39:10 AM »

I am creating a specialized lathe running four steppers on two cross slides.I have an AC motor turning the lathe spindle that is hooked up to a variable speed controller, specifically a GS2 from Automation Direct. According to the specifications, this unit has "RS-232/485 Modbus communications up to 38.4 Kbps." Can I somehow use this feature so I can controll the spindle speed (via the controller and AC motor) from Mach software?

4

General Mach Discussion / Only X axis responds

« on: August 12, 2007, 01:21:56 PM »

I am new to CNC. I bought a controller and motors from a reputable dealer. I hooked it up to the computer to see if I could make the motors turn as a first step. All commands sent to X and Y motors are executed by the X motor. How can I test or troubleshoot my connection to the other motors? Thanks!

5

General Mach Discussion / 4-axis lathe. How do I set up motor outputs?

« on: July 14, 2007, 10:33:49 AM »

I am developing a lathe with two cross slides. Each cross slide has two axes. Go to www.hicklerbanjo.com to see earlier prototypes. I have been reading Mach 3 turn documentation and discovered that, in theory, you can hove more than three axes. I found that you can configure motor outputs and was hoping that is the place to configure new or non-default axes. I went to config: ports and pins: motor outputs. I enabled X, Y, A and B. I was hoping to use X and Y for one cross slide and A and B for the other cross slide. I clicked OK to save my motor output configuration. When I returned to the main window I only saw the default X and Z axes listed. Restarting the program did not help. I reopened the configuration screen and my motor output selections were still there.

I should probably mention that at this point I am awaiting a 4-axis controller and motors I had ordered. I am trying to get some knowledge of the software before the hardware arrives. If anyone in the community has ideas for this unusual configuration, I would appreciate it!