Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / Mach3 digitizing wizard instructions and set up

« on: December 03, 2011, 10:13:39 PM »

I am interested in making a probe and using the Mach3 digitizing wizard.    I have a 3 axis cnc router I am running on Mach3 with a Gecko 540 controlling it.   I design in Rhino/Rhinocam.   

Occassionally I need to reverse engineer an existing part.   Usually it is a fairly complex organic shape that isn't easy to model in Rhino.    I'd like to build or buy a probing head which doesn't look too difficult.   

The question is where can I find some step by step information on how to wire the probe to the Gecko and where can I find step by step how to set-up and run the digitizing wizard?

I found Mach3 tough to set up but finally got it up and running with the Gecko.    I just don't know where to begin to set up a probe or the digitizing wizard.

Any assistance in helping me find the information I need would be appreciated.

Jack

2

General Mach Discussion / HELP! SLOW JOG SPEED PROBLEM

« on: February 20, 2010, 01:01:34 PM »

I have been using Mach3 to run a router.   Today when I started it I can't get jog at 100%.   It is set at 100% but jogs ever so slowly.   I'm assuming I did something wrong but don't know what?  I am running a Gecko 540.    Limit switches and soft limits are set.

Any assistance appreciated!!!

Jack

3

General Mach Discussion / Mach3 quits in the middle of a program?

« on: August 27, 2009, 11:10:46 AM »

I'm trying to make a part in a router.  The router is controlled by a gecko 250.   Part way through the program the router comes to a sudden stop and the condition abnormal - axis not refed to normal.  Nothing in the program in the area of where it stops looks abnormal.   If I try to restart the program and it may or may not run properly.    The program was produced by Rhinocam. The program simulates fine in Rhinocam.  I haven't a clue as to what is happening.   Any insight appreciated.

Jack

4

General Mach Discussion / How to over ride limit switches?

« on: May 26, 2009, 12:26:22 PM »

I just installed limit switches on my gantry router.   I am using a Gecko G540.   The limit switches work great but once they are tripped I don't know how to disable them to start the machine again.  Where is the override button in Mach3

Thanks for any assistance you might offer!!!

Jack

5

General Mach Discussion / Mach3 Slave Problem - novice user

« on: May 14, 2009, 10:10:09 AM »

I recently built a router using a mechatronics drive, 4 - 269oz steppers and Mach3.  I had problems with the X/A slave axis but I got it running.   I  moved controller box to the computer stand and am again having problems with the X/A axis.  I am getting a condition abnormal that reads "one or more axis disabled or enabled".  I have double checked the configuration and played with the motor tuning but no success.   Y and Z axis run very nicely.   Just the X w/A slave being a problem.

I assume this is a Mach3 configuration issue.   What am I doing wrong.   Assistance appreciated.

Jack

6

General Mach Discussion / Problems with A slaved to X on Gantry Router

« on: April 19, 2009, 07:53:00 PM »

I just completed building a gantry router with two lead screws and steppers on the X axis.   I set up the A as a slave to X and am having poblems with the motors not actiong in sync.

Any insight as to what I am doing wrong?

Jack

7

General Mach Discussion / Mach3 condition abnormal light

« on: March 12, 2009, 01:59:29 PM »

I have two computers with Mach3 mill ver 3.00 .  The code below runs fine in Mach3 in one computer but not in the other.   In the computer set up on my mill I get a flashing "abnormal condition" light.  The code is fine.  What is causing this in Mach3???   

Jack


G00 G49 G40.1 G17 G80 G50 G90 G64
G20
(Standard Drill )
M6 T1
M03 S4583
G00 Z0.1250
X2.0000 Y0.2810
G81 X2.0000 Y0.2810 Z-0.6722 R0.1 F4.0
G80
G00 Z0.1250
G81 X0.5000 Y0.2810 Z-0.6722 R0.1 F4.0
G80
G00 Z0.1250
(2 1/2 Axis Pocketing)
M6 T2
M03 S4583
X1.2737 Y0.7375
G01 Z0.0292  F10.0
Z0.0042  F6.0
X1.2723 Y0.7383 Z0.0039  F4.0
X1.2656 Y0.7407 Z0.0026

8

General Mach Discussion / Contacting Artsoft support by email?

« on: March 11, 2009, 01:20:31 PM »

I am having problems with Mach3 and am trying to resolve them .   Since it involves Rhinocam and Mach3 it's complicated to this newbie.   How can I contact someone  who is knowledgeable enough to help?    Can I contact someone who is part of Artsoft?   

Jack

9

General Mach Discussion / HELP!!!! Please abnormal condition Mach3 - Rhinocam2 PROBLEM

« on: March 03, 2009, 05:04:16 PM »

I have been happily using Rhinocam V1 and liking it. Ver 2 came out
and I just tried to use it and ended up with problems.

I was making a simple 2.5D part each time I tried to run the program
posted from Rhinocam2 Mach3 either gives me an abnormal warning light
with the cause being displayed as " Exact Stop vs CV Mode" or locks
up. I managed to get the one off part made but didn't like running
with a warning light on.

The warning light comes on when it reaches this line in the program

G81 X0.5000 Y0.2810 Z-0.6 R0.1

I'm pretty rank with both Rhinocam2 and Mach3. Until this they have
been pretty cookbook but....

Anyone have any ideas about this problem???

Jack

10

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / WHICH CAD-CAM Bobcad?

« on: July 23, 2007, 02:01:41 PM »

I am planning to stick my foot into the muddy waters of cad-cam cnc.  I am considering using Bobcad with Mach3.  I currently draw in Autocad LT 2004 and machine manually.  I have dabbled with G code and have used 2 and 2.5 axis machine in a shop I worked in.

I will be using all this for producing small quantities of brass patterns for making rubber molds.

I have read some pretty bad reviews of Bobcad but wonder if the problem was the users.   Most said problems with cam  and long learning curve.

Have you had good experience or bad experience using Bobcad?  If so specifically what are your likes or dislikes???

Has anyone used the video training?

Any comments or insight on Bobcad would be appreciated.

Jack