Hi guys,

I'd like to ask for your help. I've been trying to connect the handwheel (see image) to MACH3 and use it for jogging, without success so far. I have searched for information here on forum and on the web, only to get even more confused.

My question is, is it at all possible to connect and setup this handwheel without having second LPT port, modbus card, some special plugins etc.?

What I did is connect the handwheel's Vcc, GND, A(pin 13) nd B(pin15) to my BOB, and setup an MPG#1 as on the attached setup image. I guess I was overly optimistic, and I'm more than probably missing something, so I'd be thankful for any help.

I also wanted to ask if there's any option to select the axis for jogging via BOB terminals and if so, how to setup this?

If this has to do some other way, I'd also be grateful to some links to the information how exactly it should be done.

Best,

Miso

Just connecting a 100ppr wheel isn't going to work. You need to get a pendant that has the driver, Mach 3 plug-in and means to select the axis. Vista iMach is good but there are quite a few on the market.

Yes you can connect to the first port no problem, well as long as you have spare inputs.
Same for axis select switches but as there are only 5 inputs on the first port then you will be limited.

Did you switch the mode to the MPG via the Tab screen?

Hood

Thanks for your answers, much appreciated.

Yes, I did switch to MPG in the onscreen jogger (TAB).

I was just interested if this can be done, I will free the inputs for the testing purpose if somebody can point me in the right direction. Do I have to set something else besides setting MPG#1 on teh MPG tab, enable something in some other place?

Thanks in advance for your help.

I have a couple PCI LPT ports ordered, so later it won't be a problem to add one if this works...

Miso

All you should need is to Enable the MPG in Ports and Pins, MPG page and enter the correct port and pin numbers and have it on MPG mode in the Tab screen (or make your own button for the main page)

It may be your breakout board that is the problem although I would have thought it would at least twitch the motors.

I ran my Bridgeport for a long time with the MPG connected directly to a second port, ie no breakout board.

Hood

BTW , is the MPG definitely 5V?
I only see Vcc on it.

Hood

Yes, it is 5V, not on it but it's in specifications.

Thanks,

Miso

Ok can you connect it again, set Mach up for the MPG then close Mach and then attach your xml.
I will have a look at the xml and see if I can find a problem with the config.
Hood

Here it is, thanks again...

Miso