I've been using Mach3 for a few years now. I have a 3 axis router. I  decided to make myself a 4th Axis (A) (rotational) got a nice 4 inch 3 jaw chuck on it.
I have done the basic configuration by selecting ports and pins (I us the CNC4PC board)
It runs fine (CW & CCW) on my jog keys that I have set up but I don't know how to set it up yet. It has a 6:1 step down. Need some basic help please.

I do not have any limit or home switches on this new axis (not sure if I need them)


Thanks in advance....

George

Are you meaning the steps per unit you need to know?
Hood

Yes please, any help at all would be great.

George

Well how you would work it out is
Steps per rev of motor (probably 200)  multiplied by the microsteps  of the drive (maybe 10?) multiplied by 6 (the gearing) then divide that by 360 and you will have your steps per unit (degree for a rotary)

Hood

Thanks Hood, works out at 200x10x6/360 =33.33333 steps per degree

George

Sounds right Presume its working fine with that setting?
Hood

Yep, its fine, I did a quick test using the 'cut spline wizard' 
Now is there a requirement to put a 'home' switch on a rotary axis ? I could possibly use a mag sensor or an opto ?

George

ps. Played Carnoustie a wee while back... Greeeaat!

No need for one if you dont want, may be good in some situations but probably for most work it wouldnt be required.
I last played Golf probably 35 years ago, when its on your doorstep its not so much fun

Hood

Thanks for the help Hood.

Having built my 4th axis I now have to find something to do with it 

The whole exercise has led me to revisit my setup. X,Y and Z are all set at 400 steps/per. No mistake it works fine and I have produced a lot of good work with it.

I'm confused because I see mention of setups with 1000 or 2000 in the Mach3 book, this is leading me to think I'm not getting the best from my machine.

I need to go back and check all my settings so I may have one or two more questions for you.

Cheers

George

Axis settings are worked out the same way
Motor steps per rev x  microstepping x by gearing (if any) then divide by the pitch of the screw.

Hood