Topics

1

General Mach Discussion / Z (knee) didn't retract???

« on: September 21, 2008, 03:03:50 PM »

I had this problem a few months ago...It fixed itself when I upgraded to current dev release. Also updated sheetcam to Sheetcam TNG.

I'm cutting 2 pockets.  When the first is done, the Z retract before the rapid to the second pocket doesn't happen! And it's in the code!

Any help? TIA!

2

General Mach Discussion / choppy circles?

« on: December 10, 2007, 05:01:13 PM »

bridgeport with ball screws & servos.

cutting outside of circle and getting small line segments rather than a smooth circle. have cut fast & slow. 

The x&y were SO close in the tuning that I made them identical thinking that was the problem. NOPE.

The computer is bare/clean as per artsoft instructions.

You can watch the screws go & stop, go and stop... any ideas?

3

G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions / Newbie simple drawing HELP!

« on: November 23, 2007, 12:22:01 PM »

Attached is a scan of a gasket I thought it would be a great 1st cut.

Thing is, I can't draw! I've spent an incredible amount of time (mostly in corel) trying to manually and auto trace (several programs) this simple part with no great success!

Can someone please draw this and tell me how the best way of doing it is? I'm beginning to think cnc is not for me!

The holes are 13/64.

TIA!

4

General Mach Discussion / Z axis now freaking out

« on: November 01, 2007, 09:40:45 PM »

Hi there!

About a week an a half ago I STOLE a nice CNC bridgeport on ebay and WAS this close to cutting my first part (REALLY) until...

I turned the computer off and now have a "axis 4" (on main screen only) not set up or in any setups.

My abnormal light was blinking (1 or more axis enabled/disabled I believe) until I told it not to error (mistake). Nnow it says axis not refed to normal conditions (I WAS trying to setup a homing system on x & y but never really got it and it appears to still be setup without homes.

PROBLEM IS: when I jog.. x& y work as expected... but z uses reversed keys and goes WAY faster than it's supposed to & setup to be! I had this working perfectly for days

Besides my problem I'd also like to know:

What is an "a" axis?

What is "Event driven serial control" and "servo serial feedback" (which asks for a password) checkboxes in setup do?

Reason I'm so concerned is my servos (Aerotech BM800's) have the normal 2 millitary cables, but also a 9 pin pigtail.  It all came wired and ziptied and the 3 9 pins went to the computer where the 2 extra com ports are not even active in windows!?!?  Aerotech tech says the 9 pins shouldn't be used???

I'm using a sound logic parallel board. SPECIAL THANKS TO ROBERT for help getting my timing issues resolved & motors tuned!!!

World servo sst-1500 servo drivers


Thanks!