Recent Posts

71

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 Problem with Threading?

« Last post by Holzwurm56 on September 23, 2026, 04:41:42 AM »

Hello Manand,
thanks for your interest. I generate the index signal using a light barrier. The signal looks good on the oscilloscope. The spindle speed is stable. I am using version R3.043.066.
Thanks,
Hans

72

General Mach Discussion / Re: Mach3 Problem with Threading?

« Last post by manand on September 22, 2026, 08:48:30 PM »

I’ve dealt with Mach3 threading problems like this before. The version does matter: the Mach3 documentation specifically mentions a major change to the threading code around R3.042.032, and that version was intended for a single-index setup. So I’d first check exactly which Mach3 build you are running.
That said, if the first 2–3 passes are correct and then the tool gradually moves off the thread, I would check the spindle index signal, index sensor, debounce setting, and spindle RPM stability before changing versions. Mach3 has to see a consistent index pulse on every revolution to synchronize the Z movement correctly.

73

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Need Help Configuring Mach 4 on OTK Retrofit on AVID/ESS

« Last post by CustomFoam on September 22, 2026, 01:49:02 PM »

Correct, the other plug has the position sensor, which is plugged in and powered on. My system uses Ethernet Smooth Stepper (ESS) and Avid CNC's proprietary footprint 556 type controller called a CRP5056.

74

PoKeys / Re: connect 24VDC Quad (4 Channel) Relay Module to Pokeys57CNC

« Last post by Toner on September 22, 2026, 12:56:09 PM »

Update: Getting answers from PoLabs - Slovenia . "The OC outputs can be used to drive various external peripherals and such relay board is indeed one of them.
For a basic active high signal inputs, you can connect OC+ to the power supply for relay board logic, OC- to relay board input."

75

Promote and discuss your product / Re: Cabinet Wizard for Mach3 - Cabinet Drilling and Slot Milling

« Last post by kiefer on September 22, 2026, 12:49:44 PM »

Cabinet Wizard v1.02 Update

Corrected Drawer Runner hole coordinate orientation.
Added 3 save/load setting presets for Shelf, Drawer and Hinge operations.
Expanded built-in Help.
Minor usability improvements.

Please use v1.02 for new installations.

76

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Need Help Configuring Mach 4 on OTK Retrofit on AVID/ESS

« Last post by Bill_O on September 22, 2026, 08:00:12 AM »

Did you check the other plug?
It has the limit switch and, I believe of the top of my head, the power for the unit.
What motion controller and breakout board are you using?

77

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Need Help Configuring Mach 4 on OTK Retrofit on AVID/ESS

« Last post by CustomFoam on September 22, 2026, 07:49:29 AM »

Thanks for the reply. If you are talking about the 6-pin connector that goes to the cutting head, I checked continuity on all of the conductors prior to installation. I'm almost positive that I'm just missing a pin setting or something in Mach 4.

78

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Need Help Configuring Mach 4 on OTK Retrofit on AVID/ESS

« Last post by Bill_O on September 22, 2026, 07:03:49 AM »

I use the Ecocam modules also.
Check the wires in the plugs.
They can be a little touchy about how far in they are.

79

Mach4 General Discussion / Re: Mach4 PCID - Seemingly Random Changes

« Last post by metaphysic on September 22, 2026, 03:41:06 AM »

I’d start by checking whether the PCID changes correlate with Windows updates, driver changes, or Mach4 configuration changes. Keeping a record of the PCID before and after each update could help identify what is triggering it. A stable network setup may also be preferable to changing the OS, since Mach4 licensing can depend on system-specific information.

80

Promote and discuss your product / Re: Cabinet Wizard for Mach3 - Cabinet Drilling and Slot Milling

« Last post by Tweakie.CNC on September 22, 2026, 02:56:03 AM »

Excellent work Kiefer.

Tweakie.