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Author Topic: Mach 3 on lap top wont operate  (Read 18123 times)

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Mach 3 on lap top wont operate
« on: November 24, 2007, 10:50:35 PM »
Hi all, I'm sure this has been covered here some where but I can't find my answers.
I have been using Mach 3 on a PC with great luck for some time now.
Now I want to use it on a laptop with the same machine. I have tried 2 different laptops
both with WindowsXP and get the same results. All functions, movements, etc. work
fine on the screen but I get no machine movement(s). I tried to access the motor tuning
screen and it will not come up. I am using the exact same cable and software version I have
on the PC that works fine. I copied the complete mach folder from the PC to the laptops.
I also tried the latest Mach version and when I run it, the computer crashes.
Maybe I should just stay with the PC but the space saved with the laptop would be great.
Thanks
Al

Offline Chip

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Re: Mach 3 on lap top wont operate
« Reply #1 on: November 24, 2007, 11:01:22 PM »
Hi, Al

In C:\Mach3 folder try the driver test, Let it run it will close out by it's self, Then reboot.

Try a complete Mach3 Install from download.

Some laptop's printer ports only put out 3.5 volt's, May need a PCMCI  printer port card, This one may do it.

http://www.transdigital.net/info.htm

Hope this Helps, Chip

« Last Edit: November 24, 2007, 11:03:50 PM by afn09556 »
Re: Mach 3 on lap top wont operate
« Reply #2 on: November 24, 2007, 11:21:25 PM »
Hi Chip,
I tried the driver program and reboot. Did not get any results. I also tried a download and install but it just crashes
the laptop when I start Mach. The PCMCI card looks interesting but seems a bit spendy if it doesn't fix the issue.
(cheap if it does though). Maybe I will try one. First I should porpably try to check the volatge.
Thanks
Al

Offline Chip

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Re: Mach 3 on lap top wont operate
« Reply #3 on: November 24, 2007, 11:33:48 PM »
Hi, Al

There is an alternate driver in C:\Mach3, called SpecialDriver run it, If it doesn't help run OriginalDriver again.

Check for printer port, Dir pin for one axis , Stepping one dir 0 volts the other dir 5 volts, 3.5 is usually to lo.

Thanks, Chip

That could be it also Brett this is true
« Last Edit: November 24, 2007, 11:36:59 PM by afn09556 »

Offline Chaoticone

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Re: Mach 3 on lap top wont operate
« Reply #4 on: November 24, 2007, 11:33:54 PM »
Might want to look at the optimazation file found in the downloads section. Have you tried to disable your network connections and tried to run Mach? Do you have quick time installed on the lap tops? Start up programs can be turned off, this is covered in the optimaztion file.

Brett
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Re: Mach 3 on lap top wont operate
« Reply #5 on: November 25, 2007, 12:03:31 AM »
Chip, I ran the special driver program and it makes the computer crash, reboot with errors, when I tried to run
Mach. I then ran the original driver test program and the same thing still happens.
Brett, I will check out the optimazation file area. Quick time is not installed on the laptop.
I will check this out further tomorrow. Thanks guys for the help.
Al

Offline GaryB

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Re: Mach 3 on lap top wont operate
« Reply #6 on: November 25, 2007, 11:01:47 AM »
Chip, do you have one of the transdigital pcmci cards? and can you recomend it?
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Offline Chip

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Re: Mach 3 on lap top wont operate
« Reply #7 on: November 25, 2007, 03:26:39 PM »
Hi, Al

No, But it was in a post hear where someone was using It.

I'll look for it, I think I did a search hear for PCMCI.

Hear it is http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,1437.0.html

Thanks, Chip

Re: Mach 3 on lap top wont operate
« Reply #8 on: November 25, 2007, 04:52:34 PM »
Ok, I got the crashng to stop. I ran through the optimization settings. I think that's a good idea in my situation because the laptop will be used only to control a machine and nothing else. Still no movement on the machine. Checking the output voltages I get 4.3 volts all of the time on pins 1 thru 16, pin 17 is .44 volts and 18 thru 25 are grounds. Makes no difference if Mach is running or not. What am I missing here ?
Al

Offline Hood

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Re: Mach 3 on lap top wont operate
« Reply #9 on: November 25, 2007, 05:00:19 PM »
I think you may need to check you have the correct port address in the ports and pins page.
Hood