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Author Topic: mach 3 and surface pro 4 running windows 10  (Read 1728 times)

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mach 3 and surface pro 4 running windows 10
« on: July 14, 2019, 06:10:52 PM »
I have a CNCEST 6040 machine and am trying to control it with my surface pro 4 through usb
Mach 3 loaded easily and I got some configuration settings off one You tube video from the Chinese CNC channel
When I try to jog Mach 3 shows the numbers changing but nothing happens on the machine
The jog setting on the MPG screen showed 100% jog speed
The default port setting of 378 may be the problem since the surface pro has only one USB port and I am unable to get its port number from Device Manager
Has any one else tried to use a surface pro running windows 10 to control a chinese CNC via Mach 3?


Re: mach 3 and surface pro 4 running windows 10
« Reply #1 on: July 14, 2019, 06:38:40 PM »
Hi,
you will need an external motion controller to use that PC. You CANNOT USE ANY 64BIT OS
to run Machs parallel port, you MUST use an external motion controller.
If yo really want to use Machs parallel port because its free then you need a PC with Windows7 or earlier,
32 bit only.

A UC100 (not a Chinese rip-off copy) or a 57CNCdb25 are both USB connected whereas the more
capable Ethernet SmoothStepper, 57CNC, and UC300 are all Ethernet connected.

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'
Re: mach 3 and surface pro 4 running windows 10
« Reply #2 on: July 14, 2019, 07:14:13 PM »
My controller already has a square female usb port and a cable to connect to the surface pro
So I am not using a parallel port and dont see how the UC 100 or 300 will help
I can run the spindle manually so the electric/electronic connections between the controller and the CNC are operative
The problem seems to be the communication between the computer and the controller
Re: mach 3 and surface pro 4 running windows 10
« Reply #3 on: July 14, 2019, 07:38:15 PM »
Hi,
can you post a picture of your controller? I think you are right about the lack of communication
between the PC and the controller.

Have you got the correct plugin for the controller installed in the plugins folder and have you
made it the active motion control plugin?

Craig

'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'
Re: mach 3 and surface pro 4 running windows 10
« Reply #4 on: July 14, 2019, 08:00:04 PM »
I didnt realise I had to install a plugin
Pictures of controller attached
Re: mach 3 and surface pro 4 running windows 10
« Reply #5 on: July 14, 2019, 08:00:55 PM »
back of controller
Re: mach 3 and surface pro 4 running windows 10
« Reply #6 on: July 14, 2019, 08:11:37 PM »
Hi,
yes you do have to install the controller manufacturers plugin.

Unfortunately getting information from Chinese manufacturers about their products is hard when its not
impossible, you'd swear China was in a galaxy far far away. :D

Craig
'I enjoy sex at 73.....I live at 71 so its not too far to walk.'
Re: mach 3 and surface pro 4 running windows 10
« Reply #7 on: July 14, 2019, 10:53:30 PM »
Got all the files including the plugin from the seller earlier today
Installed everything
Machine works now from commands by mach3
Thanks very much Craig
You were the first to tell me about the controller plugin
Made all the difference!!