Hello Guest it is March 29, 2024, 02:23:14 AM

Author Topic: Glad |I asked first  (Read 8133 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Glad |I asked first
« on: February 01, 2018, 08:58:38 AM »
I had settled on Mach4 and PMDX-416 motiion controller.

However PMDX told me that this combo doesn't support backlask correction "YET"!!

So what USB controllers support backlash compensation with M4?

 bit baffling when you consider that Mach3 supported backlash correction all those years ago
Re: Glad |I asked first
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2018, 09:09:36 AM »
It IS listed in the Features here.....
https://warp9td.com/index.php/products

But, I would definitely verify it before purchasing.
If it IS supported now, it was a loooooonnnnng time coming.
Russ
Re: Glad |I asked first
« Reply #2 on: February 01, 2018, 01:05:27 PM »
Hi,
as Russ has said the ESS has just recently added backlash support and it still has bugs. It cannot really be called mature yet. A new plugin build was due on Monday
but has bee delayed.

Make an enquiry of Vital Systems about their Hicon board, they consistently lead the pack when it comes to feature support. More costly units to be sure but they
enjoy a solid following.

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'
Re: Glad |I asked first
« Reply #3 on: February 01, 2018, 01:33:24 PM »
The HiCON is ethernet, but the backlash comp works very well on it.  Using it on 3 machines at the shop. 
Chad Byrd
Re: Glad |I asked first
« Reply #4 on: February 01, 2018, 03:13:42 PM »
Hi,
Quote
when you consider that Mach3 supported backlash correction all those years ago

Backlash compensation is and always has been a feature offered by the motion controller not Mach either
3 or 4.

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'
Re: Glad |I asked first
« Reply #5 on: February 01, 2018, 03:40:56 PM »
Thanks Russ for the link to warp9 .

Looks like the Ethernet version is Mach 4 only and supports backlash.

Craig thanks for the info! Will check out Hicon and ESS

Lots to research here!
Re: Glad |I asked first
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2018, 07:20:18 PM »
Thanks Russ for the link to warp9 .

Looks like the Ethernet version is Mach 4 only and supports backlash.

Craig thanks for the info! Will check out Hicon and ESS

Lots to research here!

ESS works on Mach 3 and 4. I ran it on 3 with no problems...
Re: Glad |I asked first
« Reply #7 on: February 02, 2018, 08:31:46 AM »
Hicon looks nice but it should do for the price $595 - EEK!!

Ess looks much more affordable, However: Backlash not fully working. Only controls 4 stepper drivers and it is recommended to buy a BOB as well! So $30 on a C25 BoB. Also no mention of spindle control? Would need another Bob for spindle. Also documentation I have read is VERY unclear as to how you assign and configure the various I/O ports!

Afaik: Mach3 did its own backlash compensation (I have seen videos) because it just sent signals out through a DB-25 connector. Mo motion controllers then.

So it is really looking like as another thread stated "Mach 4 is not really for hobbyists"!

Why do I say this:

1. Lack of money - we are all short of money hence the DiY CNC builds.
2. Home made / old machines NEED backlash compensation.
3. Mach3 was a one stop solution. PC /Mach3/Stepper drivers and limit switches. Mach 4 is anything but one stop shop!

Mach 4 seems to be targeted at high end OEM installs who are happy to spend (and pass on to customer) by specifying high end  motion controllers/BoBs/etc etc

Surely Backlash is not that complex:

GetNextCoordinate(Coord, dirChange);
if dirChange
then
     ApllyComp(Coord)
fi;
MakeMove(Coord);
Re: Glad |I asked first
« Reply #8 on: February 02, 2018, 08:49:38 AM »
I had settled on Mach4 and PMDX-416 motiion controller.
However PMDX told me that this combo doesn't support backlask correction "YET"!!
 

Hey Will_D,
During your research, did you get a progress report/timeframe on the implementation of BC from the PMDx folks ?
Just wondering ... before making a direct inquiry.

Thanks for posting your results so far.
Regards,
Russ
Re: Glad |I asked first
« Reply #9 on: February 02, 2018, 10:47:21 AM »
Hi Russ,

This from Steve at PMDX:

The PMDX SmartBOB family does not yet support backlash compensation.
 
We do intend to do so, but I cannot offer a schedule for it, so plan accordingly.
 
Regards,
Steve Stallings