I've read through this thread. It's obviously packed with info on how to make the edge finder and z probe. Two problems: it's very lengthy and a whole lot of it is gibberish to me. I was wondering if maybe I could boil it down to a third-grader's level with just a few steps and let you guys see if it makes sense. I have a fully functional CNC router with Gecko 201s, a Bob Campbell break out board, limit switches on the X and Y (none on the Z). I have parallel port. I want the zero systems badly. I don't need any help on how to make the plates. What I do need is the wiring and software know-how. As best I could tell from the thread I need to pick "probe" and "low" from the Mach program. I need two wires coming from the BOB. I need to download a screen program to create a screen with buttons and lights for operating the probe. Is that about it? I want to do it in the least difficult way and make it fancy later.
1. I understand I need the so-called Screen 4 package downloaded and installed. Yes/No
2. I understand I need to insert some script which I can copy from one of you guys. Yes/No
3. I understand I need wires coming from the BOB but I don't know which terminals Yes/No
Is this about it? Can you tell me which terminals on the BOB?
My sincere thanks, BB
www.ProjectCNC.wordpress.com
1. Yes - this package lets you modify the Mach3 screens to include the buttons and DRO's that will operate with the z-zero plate
2. Yes - This script is what runs when you click on the buttons that you have defined in Screen4. It is the program that moves the z-axis downward until contact is made with the plate, resets the z-dro to the value of the z-axis at the time of contact, and then retracts the z-axis. There are several different scripts posted either here or CNCZone.
3. Yes - you will have to assign and connect an unused input on your BOB to the contact plate. You will have to configure this input as a probe input in Mach3. I'm unfamiliar with your specific BOB so I can't provide any guidance there.
I know you are looking for a "cook book" answer as how to make this all work for you. That is how I started out also. The problem is that your setup is different than mine, how you use your equipment is different than what I do with mine so there is no one "answer".
My experience was that after a somewhat frustrating and time consuming start, I finally figured out how to make this work for me. On top of that, I now have learned enough that I can easily customize other aspects of Mach3 and make it work better for me.
Good Luck!
Andy