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Author Topic: Trying to get started...  (Read 6369 times)

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Trying to get started...
« on: July 29, 2007, 11:32:04 AM »
I'm completely new to CNC.  I've had my Taig mill and Mach2 for over a year but have just found time to tinker with them.  My first problem, Mach2 and my stepper control (MPS) are not on speaking terms.  I first set up on a new Linovo ThinkPad with docking station, nothing.  I the switched over to my desktop, nada... both are running XP professional. I've set the pin outs, parallel ports address, etc. but I have no control to the motors.  I know it a wide open playing field... Thoughts?

Much Appreciated,

Hood

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Re: Trying to get started...
« Reply #1 on: July 29, 2007, 02:08:33 PM »
Best thing to do is download Mach3 and try setting it up. There are videos that show the basic setup etc which you can access from the top of this forum. You will get more help with Mach3 as most people dont use Mach2 anymore.
Hood
Re: Trying to get started...
« Reply #2 on: July 29, 2007, 02:39:05 PM »
Thanks, Hood.

I was wondering if that would be the best route.  Can you upgrade to Mach3 or do I need to just buy it outright?

Cheers,

Hood

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Re: Trying to get started...
« Reply #3 on: July 29, 2007, 02:43:20 PM »
If you have Mach2 licensed Mach3 will cost you nothing, just download it. You can have both Mach2 and Mach3 installed on the same computer, only thing you cant do is have both running at the same time.
Hood
Re: Trying to get started...
« Reply #4 on: July 29, 2007, 03:23:27 PM »
Ah, good!  I'll down load now.

Thanks!
Re: Trying to get started...
« Reply #5 on: July 29, 2007, 09:53:43 PM »
No joy.  In my diagnostics window (Mach3) I have no indicators lit for the parallel port pins.  Pins are checked in "ports + pins". 
« Last Edit: July 30, 2007, 08:30:33 AM by Sweeney »
Re: Trying to get started...
« Reply #6 on: July 31, 2007, 09:25:21 AM »
I now have lit indicators for the parallel port in the diagnostics window, no apparent E-stops engaged... it looks to me as though I should have some motor control yet there is nothing.  Can you check parallel port pins via a digital multi meter?

Thoughts?
« Last Edit: July 31, 2007, 11:39:31 AM by Sweeney »
Re: Trying to get started...
« Reply #7 on: July 31, 2007, 03:30:55 PM »
Hello,
send me our phone number in a message and I will help you get that running... I have a bit of time that I could help you with that

Thanks
Brian
Fixing problems one post at a time ;)

www.newfangledsolutions.com
www.machsupport.com
Re: Trying to get started...
« Reply #8 on: July 31, 2007, 03:44:40 PM »
Thanks, Brian.

I'll be home around 5:00pm EST( about an hour and 15mins).
E-mail a number and I'll call on my dime.

Cheers!
John