Hi
I am trying to calibrate the motor movement to the right distance. I have a few questions.
1. What does step pulse do and what is a good value to use?
2. What does dir pulse do and a good value to use
3. Is there any easy way to calculate steps per or just trial and error then measure distance moved with a vernier?
Sorry if these are silly questions

Hi Roy,
   They are not silly questions, but let me ask one. 
Have you reviewed the excellent product documentation ? 
There was a lot work that went into it. If there is any explanation that you do not understand, there is plenty of help here but it is pretty clear in the manual.
Click on the "New Website" at the top of this page and nav to the manual.
Happy to help if anything is unclear.
Kind regards,
Russ
 

Hi,
Have read the manual about the motor tuning and done it correctly (I hope). At the moment I know the step pulse must be wrong because I ask it to move 50mm and it does not. Yes will see the problem in a minute but here is what I am running and the settings:-
Software - Mach 3
PC - Windows 7
CNC Router - CNC 3040

Motor Tuning settings:-
Steps Per - 700
Velocity - 150
Acceleration - 20
Step Pulse - 3
Dir Pulse - 3

Command used:-
   under MDI:-
      G1 X50 F250
   Under Program:-
      Goto Zero

Marked Starting position on wood.

First run:-
Moves 35.7mm
Returns past mark 6.5mm

Second Run:-
Moves 37.1
Returns past mark 2.2mm

Third Run:-
Moves 41.9mm
Stops before mark 7.0mm

Each time the router is set back to the same starting position.

Please please please let me know what is wrong and if possible the right settings that are needed assuming it is the software.

Hi Roy,

Al's steps per unit calculator can be found here http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,16315.0.html this should help you to get your steps per unit correct.

Firstly, I would check your machine for tightness of the couplings between lead-screws and motors (this needs to be checked properly). Next check that the axes move smoothly without any tight spots or binding, same with the lead screws / motors.
Finally, check all wiring, terminal blocks, connectors, etc. for tightness and good connection.

If this fails to resolve the problem we can move on to the next stage.

Tweakie.

Thanks Tweakie

I have already checked all the machine points you mention and it all seems OK.

Is there anymore in Mach3 which could cause the problem ?

Thanks again

Roy

From what you describe it is unlikely be a Mach3 problem.

I am a bit concerned that you have said "seems OK" - you really need to be absolutely certain. 

Try this and report back...
Using the arrow jog keys move each axis from end to end and listen carefully to the stepper motors sound. If it occasionally makes a stutter or tick that could be a sign of missing steps which then needs to be investigated.

Tweakie.