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Auto Tool Zero details needed
« on: February 15, 2013, 04:45:14 PM »
I'm using Screen 2010 with a Gecko 540 controller and Mach3 for quite some time.  My work is primarily with wood and some plastic, no metal.  I'd like to use the simple auto zero  / auto tool zero function to save time with physically finding zero Z on the wood each time.  Tooling is usually 60 degree bit or end mill, sizes are 1/4" and 1/8" shank.

I'd like to avoid letting the magic smoke out of the controller.

Assumptions;
1) Connect wire from G540 Input #1 to a conductive plate that would be under the tooling.  (make sure bottom of plate cannot ground)
2) Make sure that tooling spindle tool is grounded related to the Input #1 wire. 
3) Mach setup table to tell the "Auto Tool Zero" in Screen 1024 or "double down arrow" in Screen 2010 about Input #1

Questions;
1) Which configuration screen is used to tell the screen buttons the information needed?  What information to enter?
2) Do I need to do any further scripting?
3) Can I use conductive tape on the wood I am routing for the touch point?  (alligator clip to make the connection to tape)
4) Is the Input #1 wire neutral or live when not running the utility?  (Do I need a insulated home for it?)
5) Should I run a ground wire from the spindle fixture to the G540?

Steve
(This a bit of double post from under the 2010 screen set, but is really a general Mach question.  If moderator could delete the other post, it would be appreciated.)

Offline ger21

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Re: Auto Tool Zero details needed
« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2013, 06:25:52 PM »
I've never used a G540, so don't want to give the wrong info, but you may be able to just wire the plate to Input #1, if the spindle is tied to ground.
The Auto Tool Zero button in the 1024.set screen does not have any code to auto zero, so it won't do anything without adding code to the button. To add the script to the button, go to Operator >Edit Button Script, and click the Auto Zero button. Then paste your auto zero code in the editor and save.
To use the probe input, in Mach3, go to Ports and Pins, Input pins, and assign the proper pin # to the "Probe" Input.

With the 2010 screenset, if the input pin is working, you should be all set.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html
Re: Auto Tool Zero details needed
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2016, 03:00:58 PM »
ger21, do you know how to add the script to the button in Mach4?
Thank you!

Offline ger21

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Re: Auto Tool Zero details needed
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2016, 03:09:09 PM »
Nope.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

Offline dude1

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Re: Auto Tool Zero details needed
« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2016, 06:21:51 PM »
you are correct ger one wire to input 1 and non grounded touch plate, one ground  too common to spindle or case ground

Offline ger21

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Re: Auto Tool Zero details needed
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2016, 06:58:58 PM »
That was 3 years ago.
Gerry

2010 Screenset
http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

JointCAM Dovetail and Box Joint software
http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

Offline dude1

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Re: Auto Tool Zero details needed
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2016, 07:37:56 PM »
true did not see the date mybad