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New User
« on: February 09, 2014, 10:47:18 PM »
Hey yall

First time user to Mach3. I downloaded free version so far. My first machine is a 3 axis home built router, using Probotix electronics. and Planet-CNCUSB software. The machine im currently putting together is another home built machine. It will be primarily a probe digitizer. I have a Probotix PBX-RF breakout board, Sparkfun Big Easy step driver, and HP Nema 17 4 wire stepper.

Couple questions about Mach3 setup. First, does Mach3 have to be registered to have it work? Is there any special setup for the parallel port? I am not able to make the stepper move. My computer is a Win7 machine. 2.9G processor, 4g ram, 300g HD.

Offline Tweakie.CNC

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Re: New User
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2014, 02:48:24 AM »
Quote
First, does Mach3 have to be registered to have it work?

No. The demo version will get you up and running.

Follow the Mach3 setup details here http://www.probotix.com/downloads/mach3_config_screenshots.gif

Tweakie.
PEACE

Offline Hood

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Re: New User
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2014, 02:53:39 AM »
If your W7 is 64bit then you will not be able to use the parallel port as the driver is 32bit only. You would need to use an external controller if using a 64bit OS.
Hood
Re: New User
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2014, 12:36:11 PM »
If your W7 is 64bit then you will not be able to use the parallel port as the driver is 32bit only. You would need to use an external controller if using a 64bit OS.
Hood
Im running 32bit, so I guess I need to register my software to try and get going.

Offline Tweakie.CNC

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Re: New User
« Reply #4 on: February 10, 2014, 12:40:57 PM »
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Im running 32bit, so I guess I need to register my software to try and get going.

Perhaps read Reply #1 ?

Tweakie.
PEACE
Re: New User
« Reply #5 on: February 10, 2014, 12:53:10 PM »
Quote
Im running 32bit, so I guess I need to register my software to try and get going.

Perhaps read Reply #1 ?

Tweakie.
Done that already.

Offline Hood

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Re: New User
« Reply #6 on: February 10, 2014, 01:35:30 PM »
As Tweakie has said the demo is not your problem with non movement. The demo does most things but does have a few limitations such as no lathe threading, line limit of 500 lines of code in Mill and 100 in Lathe. Run From Here is also disabled in demo, but thats about it.
Hood
Re: New User
« Reply #7 on: February 10, 2014, 02:18:51 PM »
This is the setup I have so far. I believe I have it wired right.. I have used a ohm meter and get 4.1 ohm across two sets of wires. making them A and B.

http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh601/SuperDave66/IMG_0419_zps3a99ccac.jpg

Offline Hood

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Re: New User
« Reply #8 on: February 10, 2014, 02:31:47 PM »
Dont know anything about the Probotix stuff but if you suspect it is something else then using a scope on the port would tell you if its outputting correctly, if  you dont have a scope you can do a partial test with a voltmeter.
Hood