Recent Posts

11

PoKeys / Help Connection from PoKeys57E to PC?

« Last post by Holzwurm56 on August 31, 2026, 12:40:45 PM »

Hello,
I want to control my lathe using Mach3 and a PoKeys57E board, running on Windows XP. The PoKeys unit is supposed to be connected directly to the PC. Unfortunately, I cannot establish a connection between the board and the PC. I am currently using a standard patch cable; could it be that a crossover cable is required for this connection?
Best regards,
Hans

12

Mach4 General Discussion / general issues using Mach4

« Last post by Bryanbdp on August 30, 2026, 06:32:16 PM »

I have a few small issues I'd like to fix if anyone can help.

When first opening mach4, jogging does not work from the keyboard, even though it is enabled. I have to turn it off and then back on, and it works fine.

When I load a G code program, the window does not display the available files, even though they have .tap extensions. I have to choose all files to view.

Program Cycle Time never updates, always 0

On the Toolpath window, I can't see the red line, it is too thin. Is there any way to fix this? Ideally, there would be an x and y line, with the intersection following the toolpath. Seems to be X line only, but hard to see.

I don't have a toolchanger, so I don't need that screen displayed. However, it would be nice if the File Ops and Jogging screens were always shown. Any easy way to do this?

I wouldn't mind hiding the A and B axis in the DRO just to clean things up.

None of these are a big deal, but and help would be much appreciated.

Does anyone know if the "new" mach 4 version supports the ESS well?

Thanks,
Bryan

13

Mach3 and G-Rex / Re: Why is the Auto Tool Zero button not working?

« Last post by phobicalready on August 27, 2026, 03:37:52 AM »

Oh cool i applied this but it still doesn't work again, don't know which step i did wrong

14

MachPro General Discussion / RapidChange DustBoot

« Last post by cd_edwards on August 22, 2026, 04:35:27 PM »

With the standard RCATC linear magazine, you are unable to keep the dust boot on the spindle. So, a removable one is required. On my github repo you will find the dock, ring and upper boot stl's for a 80mm spindle with 4in dust hose. Magnets in 6x3 size are needed for attaching the ring to the top boot as well as the ring to the dock.. Also to help with the seal and to make it nicer when it snaps together I used some 1mm self adhesive foam tape around both the ring and top boot, where they meet. I've included the functions I use for autoload/unload of the dust boot with M112/M113 for remove and add. I've been using this for several months and this works extremely well.


https://github.com/cdedwards/80mm-Dust-Shoe

15

Probes and Tool Setters / Probe Table Mount for autoload

« Last post by cd_edwards on August 22, 2026, 04:27:44 PM »

I seen a video on a facebook page where they autoloaded a 3d touch probe, stopped and added the USB-C cable and then proceeded to probe a part. I have a github setup, where you print a new collet nut (bigger than the probe body), a nut catcher, a table mount and finally a cover over everything.
A 40mm diameter by 30mm compression spring is needed along with several bolts in M5 and M3 size. screw in insert for your wood spoilboard for M5 bolts and two heatset inserts to attach the cover. 3 4mm balls are needed to "catch" the collet as it spins. You do not need high speed when loading
the probe. All of this requires a macro for loading and unloading.

https://github.com/cdedwards/Auto-Probe-Load-Holder

16

MachPro General Discussion / Re: M31 control

« Last post by paul.stephens on August 21, 2026, 04:06:12 PM »

We are tackling this issue in a support ticket. I will post results once the root cause is found.

17

MachPro General Discussion / Re: BUG? Axis A not homed... but I have no A axis

« Last post by paul.stephens on August 21, 2026, 04:05:02 PM »

Sweet deal, glad to hear that!

18

MachPro General Discussion / Re: Couple pre-purchase questions

« Last post by paul.stephens on August 21, 2026, 04:04:26 PM »

Hi,

Sorry for the delay in response.

In terms of EtherCAT, we ask that you provide the ESI files for your hardware so that they may be integrated into our library. There are tools that can add the ESI file, but it can be a bit complicated, as not every device is standardized in their EtherCAT communications.

When it comes to reading a Analog input, we do have a couple of methods that can be used for a THC.
The ArcPRO can take that 0-10v signal from your Plasma, and convert that to a THC adjust on the hardware level.
We can also pair with a EtherCAT device to take a Analog Input, The SoftHC (Software Based Height Controller) can take it from there. The software based HC will not react as fast as hardware will, but it can be done. 
My recommendation at this point is to wait a little bit on the plasma machine if you can, for some of the bugs to get worked out, as we have completely revamped how we handle plasma. 

Unfortunately at this time, there is no "Upgrade Path" for licenses. A method in the future to be able to do so, will be considered. At this time, however, it will be a significant undertaking to create the systems to do such.

19

German / Mach4 und Handrad WHB04B-6

« Last post by StallionP51 on August 21, 2026, 04:49:44 AM »

Hallo zusammen,

auf die Gefahr hin, dass das ein alter Hut ist und alle Probleme in Thread Xy schon gelöst sind, stelle ich hier eine funktionierende Konfig für das XCH Handrad WHB04B-6 ein.
Da ich ein fauler Hund bin, habe ich das Ganze von der KI zusammen fassen lassen. Die Datei ist im Anhang.
In der Konfigurtation mit den dort genannten Softwareständen läuft das Handrad pefekt, auch in metrischen Einheiten.
Ich habe zwei Tage herumexperimentiert und diese Lösung dann gefunden. Es ist übrigens vollkommen egal ob man mit dem Ethernet Smoothstepper von Warp9 arbeitet. Das Handrad wird in Mach 4 eingebunden und nicht in den Smoothstepper!
Ich hoffe es hilft dem Einen oder Anderen. Es erspart zumindest Zeit.

Gruß Thomas
 

20

Post Processors / I am looking for a Mach4 postprocessor (5 axis) for SprutCam or Ency 2.0

« Last post by paphorvath on August 20, 2026, 03:41:19 PM »

I am looking for a Mach4 postprocessor (5 axis) for SprutCam or Ency 2.0