Hi all,
So I have been having a problem with mach recently and I couldn't figure it out for the longest time.
What happens is it seems to load down the processor and then stutter through the tool path. I re built the system ( re installed windows, mach and all my drivers). I had assumed that something had become corrupted in windows ect.
I have been running spindle control on my x3 mill for a while now, it had seemed to be intermittent, and I though it related to the G-Code file. It is most noticeable with long G-code files - 10,000 lines +, or complex 3 axis tool path moves, such as helical entry.
After messing around I noticed that just turning on the spindle maxes out the processor, for a few seconds, then it drops to around 70%, and stays there. No G-Code or anything else running. I just hit f5 to turn on the spindle.
Some Other info that might relate.
At system Idel with mach running system processing is around 2-5%
Running the same (10,000+line) gcode program, complex helical entry tool paths, with mach spindle control turned off, it used 60% of the processing power. Spindle on manual control.
I am judging processing power from the Task Manager Screen.
Mach Version R3.042.040
I am using a controller from Cnc4pc, a C6 Variable Speed Controller. It uses Step and Dir Signals to drive the spindle. I don't use direction control.
Max Spindle Speed is 3,000 RPM. I used to use this same Pc on an X2, with a 4,000 RPM spindle. No problems then...
This seems like something is just wrong, It shouldn't take that much processing to run the equivalent of 1 axis?
Any ideas suggestions on how I can fix this? (other than buy a new pc which I considered but buying anything new with windows xp (32bit).......)
Thank you for you time,
TJ
Note : Attached it my config file, if I somehow have something set really wrong that would be awesome if someone sees it.