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Author Topic: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2  (Read 16652 times)

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Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2
« on: November 21, 2011, 04:43:10 AM »
Hi all.

As a relative novice (returning to hobby CNC after a few years!), I have a question about a recently purchased Auto Tool-Changer
and LPT2 port.  The ATC controller is from Sorotec Germany, although made by USOVO...

(http://www.usovo.de/shop/Tool-Changer-and-HF-Spindles/Tool-Changer-Systems/Controlling-Systems-Adapters/Controlling-System-STG101::541.html)

I have the Kress 1050 spindle and the tool-changer system.  I also have installed a second parallel port (LPT2).  The CNC controller is the simple but perfectly adequate 4 axis TB6560.

I have tested the STG101 ATC controller with a 9v battery and the two required functions work correctly.  That's the signal for the tool-changer on the Kress and the signal for the pivoting cover on the 6 way magazine...

http://www.usovo.de/shop/Tool-Changer-and-HF-Spindles/Tool-Changer-Systems/Tool-Holder-Magazine/Tool-Magazine-SK15-with-dust-cover::561.html

These are pins 14 and 16 at the STG101 controller.  As mentioned, they work fine when tested with the 9v battery.  

When I connect the STG101 controller to LPT2 and set the pins accordingly in Mach 3, sometimes it works but most of the time it doesn't!!   It is very random, although most of the time it doesn't work.  I have checked and double checked the settings in Ports & Pins but cannot find the reason why I have the problem.

I am also using the excellent 'Ultimate Screenset' from Mach Motion.  However, I have tried Mach 3's default 1024 screenset which makes no difference.

Any ideas on this problem would be most welcomed!

Keith

Offline Tweakie.CNC

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Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2
« Reply #1 on: November 21, 2011, 05:59:11 AM »
Hi Keith,

There is the possibility that your LPT2 parallel card puts out the 3.3 Volt TTL standard and your ATC controller requires the 5 Volt TTL standard.
Perhaps measure the voltage present on the Direction pin - it should be 5 Volts when jog in one direction and 0 Volts when jog in the opposite direction. There are a number of options you can take if only 3.3 Volts is present.

Tweakie.
PEACE
Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2
« Reply #2 on: November 21, 2011, 06:11:21 AM »
Thanks for the prompt reply.

I'll check the voltage shortly.  I was getting frustrated yesterday as to why it wasn't functioning.

You could well be right...as both functions work correctly with the test battery.

However, you advising testing the voltage at LPT2 by 'jogging'...I assume I'll need to set the appropriate
pins in the Ports & Pins for LPT2?  As currently, it's just set for the ATC controller (pins 14 and 16).

Keith
Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2
« Reply #3 on: November 21, 2011, 06:15:04 AM »
BTW - Forgot to mention...stunning stuff on your website!

Keith

Offline Tweakie.CNC

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Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2
« Reply #4 on: November 21, 2011, 06:28:27 AM »
Hi Keith,

My mistake, I was thinking in terms of an axis - use whatever control you use to Enable / Disable the pin you are measuring.

Tweakie.

(Thanks for the complements - some of the stuff on the site is quite old now and I keep thinking I must update a lot of it  :-\ )
PEACE
Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2
« Reply #5 on: November 21, 2011, 06:36:03 AM »
Great,

So I assume I should hook my voltmeter to pins 14/16 of the LPT2 and the other to ground, and then check for +5v yes? 
I'll report back my findings later this afternoon.

Will the parallel cable length/quality make much difference?  I think it's about 2m or less, but only a simple
inexpensive type.

K

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Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2
« Reply #6 on: November 21, 2011, 07:01:28 AM »
Yes - between pin 14 and GND (which is pins 18 to 25) should do it.
The cable length will make no difference for this test.

Tweakie.

nb. While you are testing check the cable to make sure you have the right type with Pin 1 connected to Pin 1, Pin 2 to Pin 2, etc
PEACE
Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2
« Reply #7 on: November 21, 2011, 03:24:43 PM »
Hi Tweakie

I have checked the voltage on the pins.  It's 5.05v.  It seems to be a bit erratic however.  The on/off is actually the 'Flood' switch, so
I can use this to operate.  I can't get Mach 3 to work though.

If I swap for the 9v battery again it works fine.  Just wondered if I should try a 5v battery.

One thing I did notice on the parallel cable was that on pins 15 and 16, there was also 5.05v, even when there shouldn't be??

Frustrated...yes!

K

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Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2
« Reply #8 on: November 22, 2011, 02:26:02 AM »
Quote
One thing I did notice on the parallel cable was that on pins 15 and 16, there was also 5.05v, even when there shouldn't be??

That would concern me - it should cleanly switch between Hi and Lo in order to perform the correct logic function.
Perhaps you need to check that your LPT2 is configured and working properly as it sounds that you may have a problem here.

Tweakie.
PEACE
Re: Auto Tool-Changer and LPT2
« Reply #9 on: November 23, 2011, 03:51:04 AM »
This is weird...firstly, I used a separate PSU instead of the 9v battery.  The voltage was 5.23v and this operated the relays
perfectly.

I thin decided to make up an LPT cable with only the wires required...ie, 25, 14 and 16.  Tested this with the 5.23v PSU and
it worked fine.

Connected the 3 wire LPT cable to LPT2 and the ATC controller, started up Mach3 and checked the Ports & Pins and then tested
the system.  

NOTHING!

Tested the voltage at pins 14 and 16 and it's as before...5.05v.  Back to the PSU or battery, and it works fine!

I have swapped LPT2 for LPT1 and reconfigured the Ports & Pins to port 1 but this doesn't work either.  

Would current have anything to do with it?
« Last Edit: November 23, 2011, 03:53:02 AM by krsykes23 »