Messages

11

General Mach Discussion / Re: Limits work but not when homing.

« on: January 12, 2015, 04:21:09 PM »

Hi Hood
Thanks for helping. I rewired my limits and they are wired in series for the + and -
directions for both the z and y axis. The X has two limits on a separate circuit.
Some of this inputs I never changed myself when I purchased Bob Campbells BOB
he provided a xlm file. Its possible a few of the setting are incorrect. I tried setting
all the inputs for the z and y to the same input number. Then ran the homing still
seems to not recognize the y limit. The z still works as normal.

12

General Mach Discussion / Limits work but not when homing.

« on: January 12, 2015, 11:24:15 AM »

Hi

When I test my limits all of them work. It seems so far my z limit will work as a home switch
When the next home move is made for the Y axis it does not trigger. This was all working at one time. I don`t believe
when I added the smooth stepper I ever homed the machine. Am wondering if homing has to besetup in
the config file for the SS.


Thanks

13

Mach4 General Discussion / Mach 4 install problems with smoothstepper

« on: January 10, 2015, 09:37:04 AM »

Hi
I copied the two smoothstepper files to the Plugin directory. When I enter the IP address Mach4
locks up. In Mach3 when I was setting up the SS it had some popup dialog boxes shown on the
screen. I don`t see any with my setup. Reading the SS install manual it leads me to believe there
are on screen setups. If so something is wrong.

Thanks

14

Mach4 General Discussion / What type of performance improvements could expected by using Mach 4

« on: January 08, 2015, 02:50:12 PM »

Hi

I have a DC servo cnc and am wondering what type of performance improvements could
be made by upgrading to Mach4. In my work which involves carving a violin top there are
many 3d moves. With Mach3 I get the feeling something is not allowing me to get decent
feed rates. Of course I could be wrong and its possible I have issues with my machine. Just wondering
what the experts think having tested the new and improved Mach4
 

15

General Mach Discussion / Re: Gecko 320x and encoder problem

« on: January 05, 2015, 04:24:35 PM »

Hi
This is embarrassing. The encoder cables were not completely seated.
Now its working.

16

General Mach Discussion / Gecko 320x and encoder problem

« on: January 05, 2015, 04:20:10 PM »

Hi

I got my x and z Gecko 320s working no problem. For the panel rebuild I purchased a new G320x for the Y axis.
I used the same wiring as the 320s but it seems the motor ran away. Not a big deal since I made
certain the timing belt wasn't attached. I have the US Digital E2 with differential encoder cables. So at this
point the Gecko isn't recognizing the encoder I assume. I`m using all the default settings at the moment.
I tried using the HED dip switch setting but still the motor just ran at full speed. Gecko has a known problem
with the US digital encoders. But various people have mentioned if you have line drivers the encoders should
work. Is there any difference in the wiring from a 320 to 320x. Checked out both manuals to my eye they look
the same.

17

General Mach Discussion / Re: Limit switch reset problem

« on: January 04, 2015, 09:58:56 AM »

NC for the limits...thanks for taking a look.

18

General Mach Discussion / Limit switch reset problem

« on: January 03, 2015, 08:20:30 PM »

Hi
I am rewiring my cnc and have a problem with the limits. I grouped all the limits for the + and – limit direction for
the z and y together. Another set of limits are grouped for the + and – limit directions for the X.
The limits are snap action limits and they are set for active low. When I press the reset it shows that
M1 + and M1- are yellow
M3+ M3- and M3 Home are yellow
It seems when I try to set them for active high the software LED change from yellow to gray. Then I can
reset. But when I open Mach3 for a new session I get the same problem telling me a limit was hit. It seems
I had to fool around with this even before I rewired my control box. In the old control panel each limit
switch was wired separately to the BOB. This new wiring is sharing the BOB inputs for multiple axes.
I`m lost!!

19

General Mach Discussion / Re: Shielded wire for step and direction

« on: November 09, 2014, 10:23:50 PM »

That recommendation is the smart thing to do. Thanks

20

General Mach Discussion / Shielded wire for step and direction

« on: November 08, 2014, 09:18:23 AM »

Hi
I`m doing over my control panel. I have to run wires from my BOB to my G320 Geckos.
Is there a need to use shielded wire.