hello,
I am a veteran cnc/mach2/3 user and have runn this software for about 5 years sucessfully.

after not cutting for a month, I started cutting some sign files...2 or 3 cut fine...then the windows blue screen of death!

I tried reloading all the mach3 software, even loaded a newest version..same result.

Now, I tried 10 or 20 cuts (also the most recent file it crashed on, other it crashed on too)with only the mach software, no machine powered on....worked fine

Then i ran the same files with the machine on and the z up in the air...worked fine.

next i ran the same files over again with the spindle on up to speed, worked great.

Finally, I ran the real cuts again and it crashed again...

The control box is fine, no faults, the machine stops at different points each time.

Everything is greased well (suspecting some mechanical obstructions) but the software should fault I believe.

My next move is to swap computers with my other cnc machine in another location but I thought I
would try the forum first to save me a little work!
any help would be appreciated
bo

Check the motherboards capacitors and see if they are leaking or bulging.
Hood

Thanks, will do.
bo

they all visually seemed okay.

Can you check all your connections are tight in the computer, reseat things like graphics and memory as it would seem to suggest that vibration may be your problem.
Hood

i actually reseated everything I could...and guess what?

I cannot duplicate the problem !

Thanks again
bo

Fingers crossed
Hood

This is a critical sign for my business...
We run a tourist business for about 6 months in the summer and the season is starting in May.
We cut about 10 to 20 signs a day everyday for 4 solid months, so to have an issue in the summer can be very expensive.
The computer in question is about 4 years old and I think mabe I should buy another, have it loaded and tested with my software
and keep it ready as a backup?
This way if the problem reoccurs, I can just swap them out ?
bo

Defintely a good idea if time is critical as even getting a new computer and setting it up could waste a few hours, so much better to do it now while you have the time.
Hood