Messages

31

SmoothStepper USB / Re: smooth stepper stops when using z-axis to throw switch

« on: March 15, 2012, 08:03:01 PM »

Whats a snubber?
-jim

32

SmoothStepper USB / Re: smooth stepper stops when using z-axis to throw switch

« on: March 13, 2012, 06:23:17 PM »

When the z axis is activated to trigger the #4 output using a brain, it will sometimes work. But every once in a while, the E-stop is activated when the #4 output is set back to "off".

Is there a software adjustment that will make the e-stop function less sensitive? I don't know why it is being tripped, but since it happens irregularly, I wonder if the problem might be a switch "bounce" or the duration of the #4 output signal.

Thanks,
-jim

33

SmoothStepper USB / Re: smooth stepper stops when using z-axis to throw switch

« on: March 12, 2012, 08:04:06 PM »

Hi Jeff,

The smooth stepper i am using is version 1.2

The version of Mach3 is:  R3.043.022

Hope this helps. Please help!!

Thanks,
-jim

34

SmoothStepper USB / Re: smooth stepper stops when using z-axis to throw switch

« on: March 12, 2012, 07:18:34 AM »

Hi Jeff,
Sorry for not being as clear as possible. Output #4 turns on a compressed air solenoid valve on my application. It is open for about 1-4 seconds during an (approximately)  10-20 second run of the motors connected to the X and Y axis.

I just got the smooth stepper about 2 weeks ago. I am using the most current version of Mach3 (as downloaded from the artsoft website.

thanks,
-jim

35

SmoothStepper USB / Re: smooth stepper stops when using z-axis to throw switch

« on: March 10, 2012, 10:50:46 PM »

I am not using Mach3 to run a milling machine. I am using it to control a CNC machine of my own design. What needs to happen is for me to be able to throw a switch in the middle of an x&Y axis run.

So my question is what is causing smooth stepper to stop the running of my g-code. Do I need to de-bounce the signal? Do I need an opto-coupler between smooth stepper and my motors/switches?

Thanks,
-jim

36

SmoothStepper USB / Re: smooth stepper stops when using z-axis to throw switch

« on: March 10, 2012, 08:31:12 AM »

My Brain is:

If Z DRO > 0.0000  close output #4

I am using a command to the Z axis to close a switch. I am doing this because I want the switch to close while the X and Y axis are moving.

Thanks, any help is MUCH appreciated.

-jim

37

SmoothStepper USB / smooth stepper stops when using z-axis to throw switch

« on: March 07, 2012, 10:09:38 PM »

I am using smooth stepper and it works well EXCEPT for one isuue: I am using a brain to close an output switch when the DRO for the Z axis is greater than 0.00.    This worked fine on an old laptop with a DB25 output connector so I know the g-code can run properly. When I use a laptop with a USB connection and SmoothStepper, the g-code stops running when the Z-axis is used to close the output switch.

Can anyone suggest a fix for this problem?

Thanks,
-jim

38

General Mach Discussion / Reverse motors

« on: March 03, 2012, 07:55:12 PM »

Is there an easy way to reverse the motor direction using the software?

Thanks,
-jim

39

General Mach Discussion / Re: using brains to turn a switch on

« on: December 11, 2011, 10:55:03 AM »

Thanks Brian,

You are telling my how to program the brain correct? What do you mean by button?
thanks,
-jim

40

General Mach Discussion / Re: using brains to turn a switch on

« on: December 11, 2011, 08:33:25 AM »

Yes, I want the signal to be turned off during a move. The length of time varies but would generally between 2-4 seconds. I managed to achieve what I want to do by using a brain triggered by the DRO of an un-used axis -just like the example Art gives in the "introduction to brains" tutorial. But I would like to not have to tie up an axis for this purpose in case I want to use it later. That is why I asked about using another command. It could be any other command that works.
-jim