Messages

911

Galil / Re: Fanuc 3 axis drive

« on: February 12, 2011, 02:01:00 PM »

I could not find the manual on that drive, but I think it uses PWM as input.  So direct connection to a Galil would not be possible if the drive is indeed PWM based.  Do you have the manual for it?

Steve

912

Mach3 under Vista / Re: Will MACH3 ever support 64-bit systems? Officially? FYI, it's 2010

« on: February 12, 2011, 01:43:36 PM »

What are the benefits of a 64bit OS?  Really?  Why do you need to address more than 4 gig of memory on a computer that runs a CNC controller?  Sure, the hardware is 64bit, but just because it's 64bit doesn't mean you have/need to use it.

Here is an analogy:  I have a 800 HP engine in a 67 Camaro.  But do I use that 800 HP to go to the grocery store?  No.  I use my 185 HP grocery getter. 

If you want to use the PP, do option #1.  You have your Mac to play on.

But I would do option #2.  Just add $159 to your $400 PC and you will be very happy.  Make that leap and I promise you that you will never want a PP again.

Option #3 (the VM stuff) is not going to work.  I run VMs for a lot of things in my day job.  And I can promise you that this option is heading down the wrong road.  The host OS has dominion over the guest OSes.  So even if the PP driver did work, it would not work correctly as it would not be the hos OS that it is running on!  Expect really crappy timings if it even works.

I would be doing Option #4 along with Option #2.  Just for the fun of it!  (Been thinking of getting one of those Arduinos for myself)

Seriously guys, 64bit Windows PCs are really only needed for insane things. 

If you run multiple VMs for development purposes, you might need a 64bit OS.
If you calculate PI to the x trillionth precision, you might need a 64bit OS.
If you run a 3D modeler with thousands of parts on an assembly, you might need a 64bit OS.
If you have a word document that is larger than 4 Gig, you might need a 64bit OS.  (only possible with Office 2010 as that is the first version of Office that is native 64bit!!!!)

My question to all is this:  Did you find yourself needing a 64bit OS last year?  Or the year before that?  Or the day before you 32bit PC died?  Where you said to yourself "Damn, if only I had a 64bit OS I could conquer the world!"

Steve

913

Galil / Re: Limit switch tripping

« on: February 10, 2011, 07:44:13 PM »

One the plugin config general tab, there is the option to configure the limits and homes active low.  These check boxes determine how is CN configured.  If yours is checked, uncheck it, or visa verse.  You may have to go back to the ports and pins page and undo what you did there.

The deal is that you need the Galil to be satisfied as to the switch arrangement first.  This is done with the plugin config.  Then you need to get Mach lined up in Ports and Pins.

Steve

914

Galil / Re: Galil error code # 1 (Unrecognized command)

« on: February 09, 2011, 11:13:30 PM »

Turn on the debug output in the plugin config and send the GalilDebug.txt to Kenny or me.  Our email addresses are in the Plugin docs.  I bet your firmware needs updating.  What does Smart Term report for your firmware revision?

Steve

915

Galil / Re: Mach3 with a DMC-2162 (Aero)

« on: February 07, 2011, 09:11:04 PM »

If you will go to the Mach Diagnostic screen, you will see that a limit switch has been tripped. 

And that error is a Galil error!  So you have an issue with the Galil thinking that a limit is tripped for your Galil D axis.  When a limit is tripped, you can only move the axis in the direction that would take it off the switch.  The "22 Begin not possible due to limit switch." error is axis specific.  Meaning that the Galil does indeed see an active limit switch for your Galil D axis (the one you were trying to move).  It is not a global error where another axis limit switch would keep your D axis from moving.  I suspect a wiring issue.  Did you change the polarity of LSCOM?

Any error message that begins with "Galil Error:" then a number and then a description is a Galil message.  You can look at the Galil user manual to see what that error is and what to do to correct it.

Uninstalling Mach and re-installing is not ever going to help anything.    The program does not corrupt that easily.  In fact, it just increases your chances of overwriting some setting that you previously had correct.

I can report that your AC and DC values look much better!

Steve

916

Galil / Re: Mach3 with a DMC-2162 (Aero)

« on: February 07, 2011, 06:57:46 PM »

A motor running away most likely means that the encoder is not following the direction of the motor.  Swap the A & B signals at the ICM and see if your runaway stays home. 

Once you get your motor staying home, then you can reverse it if necessary in the plugin config by selecting "servo revesed" for that Galil axis.  And get your DROs reporting correct direction with the Ports and Pins.

Steve

917

Galil / Re: Galil controller compatability (what works with the plugin)

« on: February 07, 2011, 12:49:23 PM »

Heh...  I bet -3 does feel worse!!! 

The units could be one issue.  But getting that acceleration correct is going to make things a lot better.

Steve

918

Galil / Re: Galil controller compatability (what works with the plugin)

« on: February 07, 2011, 12:40:44 AM »

Look at the calculated G force!  Almost 13 Gs!  Your acceleration is still too high.  We humans black out a 4 to 6 Gs.    And I think you are blowing the controller's mind.  Set your accel to get a G force of less than 1.

Steve

919

Galil / Re: Galil controller compatability (what works with the plugin)

« on: February 05, 2011, 08:31:04 PM »

Your AC DC settings come from Mach settings in Config->Motor Tuning.  You need to set the counts per unit correctly as well.

You might want to read the Mach documentation a bit more to get an understanding on what is required in the Mach settings.  They are geared to the parallel port, but the concept is the same no matter what control you are using.  You will then be able to put all of the pieces together.

You need to do this for all of your axes:

1. Enable the axis in Config->Ports and Pins (motor tab).
2. In motor tuning, set your counts per unit, the max seed, and acceleration.  (This is where your problem is)

Then, in the Galil plugin config:

1. Map the Mach axes to the Galil axes.
2. Set the motor types.

Do not map multiple Mach axes to one Galil axis.  Meaning each Mach axis requires a unique Galil axis.

The PID settings should be the only thing burned into the Galil's NVRAM.  All other settings are calculated from Mach settings (which HAVE to be correct for your machine).

Disable the MPG until you get the Motor Tuning corrected.  It can make things harder to diagnose.  Also, set the motor type for your E and F Galil axes to servo to get rid of the SM jumper warning.

Steve

920

Galil / Re: Galil controller compatability (what works with the plugin)

« on: February 05, 2011, 10:44:34 AM »

None of those step/dir parameters are required.