Hi,
I am running a 4X8 industrial CNC Router -
I have just recently rebuilt the machine, upgrading from stepper motors to servo motors (Teco) and rewired the control box.
*** Prior to the rebuild I was using the same ESS with C25 - Smooth Stepper Terminal Board running Mach4 build 2522
The machine was running well at this time...
After installing the new servo motors (Teco) and re-configured and wired the control box, I upgraded the -
** BOB to the new C62 - Dual Port Multi-function Board from cnc4pc
** Upgraded the Mach4 software to build 3206
** Upgraded the ESS plugin from Warp9 to Version 186.
Computer - Fresh install 1 year ago running minimum software
2010 Toshiba Laptop running Windows7
Intel core i3 CPU M330 @ 2.13GHz
4.00 GB of Memory
64-Bit Operating system
Intel HD graphics (not sure of the memory).
G-code from Fusion 360 by AutoDesk
The Issue -
I was machining a large 3D mold out of MDF with feed rates about 250 IPM, while running the program I noticed that the tool path became jerky (not smooth in motion) and would slow down in feed rate and start to hesitate throughout the tool path. During this time the tool stopped and I looked at the screen and noticed that the code was continuing to run, and all of a sudden the tool started running again picking up the code many lines ahead. Ultimately cutting through the part in the wrong location. This hapend using Mach4 build 2914 and 3206
This has happened twice - first was during a 3D pocket clearing for roughing out the part and then again during the 3D scallop finishing cycle.
I have also noticed another issue during a different program -
The program finished, however the tool stayed down at .600 above Z Zero and the program was hung up on the last line M30. I was not allowed to stop the program or use the reset button (Mach4 was frozen). This happened twice...
I have also noticed another issue -
At the beginning of the program the "Tool change" screen appears.... Sometimes when I click OK the program will start immediately, other times it waits till I press cycle start.
So, I am not sure if this is a Mach4 issue, ESS or C62 issue, ESS plugin issue or a Computer issue; at this point I don't have any trust in my machine to operate as it should.