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Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3
« on: July 08, 2009, 10:52:12 PM »
Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3 The motor tuning screen does not pop up when trying to access from menu bar config, motor tuning, what is the problem, does anyone know?

I am using the following stepping motors for my 3 axis CNC machine:

#23-305-DS8A 425oz-in bipolar rating, 305oz-unipolar rating,
4.2v, 3A, 200 S/R, 3.2mH, Size #23, Dual Shaft.


I need to calculate few things for the Mach 3 on the motor tunning screen:

The number of steps per revolution, which if correct is 200
*The step resolution of the motor drive, full step, half step, 5, 10, etc., micro
steps


*The reduction ration between the motor shaft and lead screw.
The thread pitch of the screw which is 18TPI.
« Last Edit: July 08, 2009, 11:06:54 PM by fp5757 »

Offline Chip

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Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3
« Reply #1 on: July 09, 2009, 01:21:58 AM »
Hi, Fp5757

Re-Install Mach3 and try it again, You may need to download it again, This happens every now and then.

Chip

Offline Jeff_Birt

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Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3
« Reply #2 on: July 09, 2009, 09:39:57 AM »
I would suggest reinstalling with the NEW LOCKDOWN version of Mach. It is 3.042.020 or something like that. So point in beating yourself up trying to get an old version to work.
Happy machining , Jeff Birt
 
Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3
« Reply #3 on: July 09, 2009, 10:47:39 PM »
Thanks Chip, thanks Jeff I will install the new version ASAP.  

But idea that you have to install Mach 3 in default directory in order for all the software to work properly is disturbing and perhaps a oversight, sounds like a software engineering mistake that a beginner would make by hard coding the Mach 3 directory to C:\Mach3, absolute path is never used and that is coming from a software engineer with over 30 years experience in software development. I just hope that little oversight has been fixed in the latest version. Do either of you know what language Mach 3 was developed in, C, C++, visual basic, etc.?

 :)
« Last Edit: July 10, 2009, 12:05:27 AM by fp5757 »

Offline Chip

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Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3
« Reply #4 on: July 10, 2009, 12:42:30 AM »
Hi, Fp5757

For the most part Mach3 is happy where ever you install it, The default location is C:\Mach3, Over the year's I've had this issue maybe 3 time's in many many many installs. There is a major rewrite that Brian is doing that should be out soon "Mach3 ver. 4".

I'm sure someone will comment as to the language it uses soon.

Chip
Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3
« Reply #5 on: July 10, 2009, 01:09:55 AM »
Thanks Chip for all the information, I really appreciate it...I am also looking forward to the new version.

Offline Jeff_Birt

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Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3
« Reply #6 on: July 10, 2009, 10:08:51 AM »
It does not really matter where you install Mach. I think they have stuck with the root directory as there are many occasions where the user might need to poke around the Mach directory and going to C:/program Files/... would be more work. While I don't like stuffing a bunch of stuff in my root directory I do keep Mach there as it makes it much easier to communicate with folks who are not as computer savvy about where certain files are.

As far as language, Mach is written in unmanaged C++. There are some guys who have been successful in writing plug-ins in managed code though.
Happy machining , Jeff Birt
 
Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3
« Reply #7 on: July 10, 2009, 12:30:45 PM »
Thanks for the information Jeff, once I get my CNC router working like I expected to work then I will have time to contribute in a constructive way, and add more value to the product and the hobby CNC community,I was already looking at macros and plug-ins, but no documentation on either.
« Last Edit: July 10, 2009, 12:34:09 PM by fp5757 »

Offline Jeff_Birt

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Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3
« Reply #8 on: July 10, 2009, 01:34:23 PM »
Look in the plug-ins and SDK section of the forum. There is a good tutorial there on plug-ins. Also the Wiki has a lot of good info.
Happy machining , Jeff Birt
 
Re: Need help Mach 3 Version R2.63 on MW XP HOME w/SP3
« Reply #9 on: July 13, 2009, 01:04:49 AM »
I got a chance and installed new Mach 3 and LazyCam, and the motor tuning screen pop right up, need to do some calculations and finish up the fine tuning. I did have an issue, I tried to uninstall the older version of Mach 3 but no uninstall, and could not use add remove programs, so I had to just delete the old directory, but if you use regedit you will find remnants of old version of Mach 3...