Any piece of software of a complexity greater than the trivial "Hello World"
application is inevitably a work in progress. Mach works just fine; what you
are seeing here is the process that ensures that it continues to do so.

How often does your Windows installation download and install updates? Ditto
the apps that you have loaded under Windows?

Regards,
Tony


On 1 April 2011 07:04, Lynn <ljd10@...> wrote:

> by the looks of these messages one is tempted to ask if anything works.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

If in any doubt check out this
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mach3+cnc&aq=f

On 1/04/2011 5:04 PM, Lynn wrote:
>
> by the looks of these messages one is tempted to ask if anything works.
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

At a small fraction of the cost of the competition this software delivers an
outstanding level of control over of your machine with incredible flexibility.
You are only limited by your imagination and electronics/programming skills.

Part of the beauty of the software is that it gives you so much power and
control that most (if not all) bugs can be avoided while still accomplishing the
task at hand. And there really aren't that many bugs considering the complexity
of the software and it's young age (6 years old or less, I believe). Compare
Mach3 with Windows at six years old, Windows 3.0, and things here actually look
pretty good! And yes, I would put the complexity of Windows 3.0 on par with
Mach3, as Windows at the time was simply a GUI running in DOS, not a full
operating system as it is today.

There isn't much room for complaining when you put it all into perspective.

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "Lynn" <ljd10@...> wrote:
>
> by the looks of these messages one is tempted to ask if anything works.
>

Do your homework before asking questions, but anywhere you get stuck there are
people here that can help get you going again. Maybe look for some tool change,
auto zero and probing scripts. Between those and the manual you already found
you will have everything you need for just about anything you would want to do.

Another excellent resource is the Mach3 wiki pages. There you will find
definitions for all VB subs/function, LEDs, buttons, DROs, and more.

Enjoy!

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "tmday7" <tmday@...> wrote:
>
> Try here for starters.
> http://machsupport.com/videos/
>  It helped me alot. One thing i found with VB is to save a copy of original VB
script you maybe altering before you make any changes. ;)
> I am able to do only "novice" stuff with VB, mainly "hacking" other scripts
and trial and error till i get it...O ya, and bug a few here, but its been awile
sence ive done that. :)
> HTH
> Troy
>
> "xblown50" wrote:
> >
> > Hello-
> >
> >  I just joined the group - I must admit, I expected to see a slow moving,
rarely posted in message board - boy was I wrong!
> >
> > Anywho - I'm just getting into Mach3, I've just purchased my electronics for
my RF45 (the MTW version). Next on the list are the ballscrews and basic
conversion hardware.
> >
> > Plans include a 4th axis for sure. (I bought the 4 axis servo kit from
Keling)At some point in time, I'd like to think I'd get around to making an ATC
for it as well - but you have to crawl before you can walk, right?
> >
> > So, that leads me to my main question - scripting. I've just begun to read
about it and I already have a ton of questions. I guess, first - where's the
best place to do a read-up on basic function? Maybe like a getting started
tutorial type of thing? I did find the programmers guide on Art's site and just
briefly had the opportunity to thumb through it. FWIW, my whole idea is to use
the 4th axis as a lathe as well as for milling etc...
> >
> > If there's any sample scripts out there I could mess with, that would be
great too. Pardon the noob questions, I'm just getting started. :D
> >
> > _Brooks
> >
>

I am helping a friend try and get his lathe turret to index. I tested settings
on my machine with rotary table. I have the newest lock down version my question
is will an older version allow the turret to index or was it not something that
came until newer versions. I'm trying to help my friend over the phone as he
live a long ways from me.

Thanks
Brian S

Well that is odd I didn't do anything other then delete the code that
checks for the offset value to be not = to 0. And you wonder why I kick
and thrash to make a change.. the code is difficult to work on with more
then 3 revs going at one time. :(

O well if it was simple everyone would get to enjoy it!

I will take a look and see if there is anything obvious

Thanks
Brian


On 3/31/2011 9:56 PM, greolt@... wrote:
> Brian
>
> Tried the development version and "Use Radius for Feedrate" feature no longer
works.
>
> So far I have not had time for a more comprehensive test but so far it looks
like,
>
> A zero value still turns the indicator LED off (A Radius Corr LED 20)
>
> But whether the LED is on or off, has no effect on whether feedrate
compensation is on or not.
>
> And the actual feedrate corrections are wildly out in dev version. Not even
close.
>
> In the release version, the correction values are as good as spot on. (and
have been since we got this fixed up, Dec before last)
>
> Greg
>
>
> --- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, Brian Barker<brianb@...>  wrote:
>> Yes that is in the Dev version.
>>
>> Thanks
>> Brian
>>
>>
>> On 3/30/2011 5:01 AM, greolt@... wrote:
>>> Brian
>>>
>>> Just checking whether this dev release is out.
>>>
>>> Not pushing......when you are ready. :)
>>>
>>> I might have missed the announcement is all.
>>>
>>> Greg
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

We will see.. I think we need to find the "new" issue with the code
first. I can see how I modified the code to make it work and for the
life of me can't see why Greg would be seeing this issue. Looks like a
good day of testing will result from a "simple" change . If I can change
it I will .

Thanks
Brian


On 4/1/2011 12:45 AM, alenz@... wrote:
> Dare I ask if the A-axis mods will also be made to the C-axis?<grin>
> Also as of R3.043.022 the XDRO added to the C Radius DRO was still being
treated as a diameter rather than a radius.
> Only if it's convenient.
> Thanks,
> Al
>
> --- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, greolt@... wrote:
>> Brian
>>
>> Tried the development version and "Use Radius for Feedrate" feature no longer
works.
>>
>> So far I have not had time for a more comprehensive test but so far it looks
like,
>>
>> A zero value still turns the indicator LED off (A Radius Corr LED 20)
>>
>> But whether the LED is on or off, has no effect on whether feedrate
compensation is on or not.
>>
>> And the actual feedrate corrections are wildly out in dev version. Not even
close.
>>
>> In the release version, the correction values are as good as spot on. (and
have been since we got this fixed up, Dec before last)
>>
>> Greg
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

Guys I am wanting to know how others are servicing their machines.

How do you keep rust off your machine?





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Okay guys I tested this by looking at the velocities that where getting
calculated and it all looks good. I am going to need some real examples
that I can test here, I did my tests in MDI G01 A180 F30

Rad =0
Z axis at one unit


Thanks
Brian

Car wax or Brownpolymer both rubbed on will stop rust the Brownpolymer will
wear longer and resistant to most all coolants and solvents.or a rubdown
with STP but that collects dirt. The others don't

Thanks Randy



   _____

From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of testfly@...
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 9:18 AM
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] machine care question





Guys I am wanting to know how others are servicing their machines.

How do you keep rust off your machine?

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Usually during cleanup I use a worn out green scotch brite pad and WD40.
Once I'm done cleaning, I just wipe it down - the WD usually lasts a good
while. If I know the machine is going to sit for an extended period of time,
I spray WD40 on it and don't wipe it off. (but it will collect a small
amount of dust).


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Sometimes, getting started out, it's a daunting task just to get headed in
the right direction. I, personally, like to hear of other people's
experiences to see what worked for them - a lot of the time that motivates
me more than anything.

I've read so much - that it's time to start re-reading, seems I always miss
out on the good stuff the first time around. I work in technology, but
unfortunately nothing to do with scripting - but I have some clever guys
around me who do know it, between my knowing what I want to happen, them
knowing the scripting part, and you guys - we'll make it happen. lol.


Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

how can i run servo with +/- 10 and a encoder feed back with mach3?

We used to use things like Pixie cards which took step direction in, the
encoder signal, and derived the +/- 10V for the analogue drive input, but
pixie's are no longer manufactured.

I believe Rutex offer a card, and a few other cards have been mentioned in
past months.

The other way is to look for a Galil or DSPMC motion control card which have
it all inbuilt.



Regs Mark



Dr. Mark Vaughan Ph'D., B.Eng. M0VAU

Managing Director

Vaughan Industries Ltd., reg in UK no 2561068

Water Care Technology Ltd, reg in UK no 4129351

Addr Unit3, Sydney House, Blackwater, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 8HH UK.

Phone/Fax 44 (0) 1872 561288

RSGB DRM111 (Cornwall)



From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of aaron
Sent: 01 April 2011 14:58
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] running servo





how can i run servo with +/- 10 and a encoder feed back with mach3?





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Yes. it must be putting out the correct analog voltages because the max speed
equals the max frequency and that equals rated speed of the motor
Dan

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, Andy Wander <awander@...> wrote:
>
> Have you done the calibration that Peter recommended, Dan?
>
> Also, are you sure the G540 is actually putting out 0-10V?
>
> Andy Wander
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of danmauch
> Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2011 9:51 AM
> To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Re: Spindle set speed doesn't match actual speed.
>
>  I'm using a G540 . It has a 10V output that the VFD uses. Mach3 puts out a
PWM signal that the G540 converts to an analog output.
> Dan
>
> --- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, Andy Wander <awander@> wrote:
> >
> > Does your VFD have a PWM input in it?
> >
> > If not, how are you converting the PWM to a format (0-10VDC for example)
that your VFD can accept?
> >
> >
> > Andy Wander
> >
> >
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
> This communication including any attachments, are intended
> for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and contains
> confidential or copyrighted materials. Duplication,
> distribution or reproduction is strictly prohibited by law
> without written permission of Verrex
>

This inverter has a 12V supply.
Dan

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, Andy Wander <awander@...> wrote:
>
> How good is the G540 at putting out 0-10V if given a 10V supply from the VFD?
Reason I ask, is I have seen other converters that needed more than 10V supply
in order to be able to put out 0-10V back to the controlled device.
>
>
> Andy Wander, CTS, TCE I / TCE II
> Vice President, Engineering
>
> Verrex Corporation
> Americas Headquarters
> 1130 Route 22 West
> Mountainside, NJ 07092 USA
> Direct: +1 908 664 8353
> Tel: +1 908 232 7000
> Mobile: +1 610 389 4819
> awander@...
> www.verrex.com
>
> EMEA/Verrex Limited: +44 (0) 1992 667 000
> Asia Pacific/Verrex Asia Limited: +852 3713 4200
>

Hi Brian:

Sorry, false alarm on my part. I dug a little deeper(now that the job is done)
and found that "use radius for federate" was unchecked on the Toolpath Page,
though the RADIUS CORRECTION LED was lit on the MachSTDMill Page.

Checking the box on the toolpath config page solved this for me.


Andy Wander


-----Original Message-----
From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Brian Barker
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 9:24 AM
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [mach1mach2cnc] Re: "Use Radius for Feedrate" feature/bug

Okay guys I tested this by looking at the velocities that where getting
calculated and it all looks good. I am going to need some real examples
that I can test here, I did my tests in MDI G01 A180 F30

Rad =0
Z axis at one unit


Thanks
Brian




------------------------------------

www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links



This communication including any attachments, are intended
for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and contains
confidential or copyrighted materials. Duplication,
distribution or reproduction is strictly prohibited by law
without written permission of Verrex

On Fri, 1 Apr 2011 08:40:12 -0500, you wrote:

>Usually during cleanup I use a worn out green scotch brite pad and WD40.
>Once I'm done cleaning, I just wipe it down - the WD usually lasts a good
>while. If I know the machine is going to sit for an extended period of time,
>I spray WD40 on it and don't wipe it off. (but it will collect a small
>amount of dust).

WD40 dries out and leaves a varnish like residue. Eventually rust sets
in underneath it. It's a water displacer and crap lubricant, only really
useful as a cutting fluid for Al, not as a rust preventer.

Use a proper rust preventer if your leaving a machine for some time.
Boeshield or Shield Technology MetalGuard Ultra.

If you just want to prevent rust between uses, use good quality way oil.
It doesn't run off or dry out.

Steve Blackmore
--

VB Manual -
http://www.machsupport.com/MachCustomizeWiki/pdfs/VB-Script-Commands.pdf
Mach3 specific functions -
http://www.machsupport.com/docs/Mach3_V3.x_Macro_Prog_Ref.pdf

Wiki -
http://www.machsupport.com/MachCustomizeWiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

If you look in the forum at www.machsupport.com, you'll find a lot of
examples.

Gerry


----- Original Message -----
From: "Brooks Lopez" <lopez.brooks@...>
To: <mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 9:46 AM
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Re: Sample VB scripts?


> Sometimes, getting started out, it's a daunting task just to get headed in
> the right direction. I, personally, like to hear of other people's
> experiences to see what worked for them - a lot of the time that motivates
> me more than anything.
>
> I've read so much - that it's time to start re-reading, seems I always
> miss
> out on the good stuff the first time around. I work in technology, but
> unfortunately nothing to do with scripting - but I have some clever guys
> around me who do know it, between my knowing what I want to happen, them
> knowing the scripting part, and you guys - we'll make it happen. lol.
>
>
> Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it.
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

Tried to do some tests and did not come up with much that made sense in dev
version but here it is for what its worth.

For the test I used a dia of 32 or radius of 16 (approx) is a circumference of
100.  So if we call for a feedrate of 100 the result should be 1 RPM or 360
degrees per min.

For comparison this is with release version.

Z DRO=16, Rad=0.001, F100,  result velocity=360
Z DRO=8,  Rad=8,  F100  result  velocity=360
Z DRO=0,  Rad=16,  F100  result  velocity=360
All correct and what you would expect.

Now the dev version,

Z DRO=16, Rad=0.001,  F100,  result velocity=3000 (max rapid speed)
Z DRO= 1710,  Rad=0.001, F100,  result  velocity=360

Z DRO of 1710 makes no sense at all but this is what I had to enter to get a
resultant velocity of 360 to compare with above.

As to values for Rad DRO, I went up to 100,000 before it would have any effect
at all.  So far wrong that it is hard to quantify.

Then there is the the attempt to not have a zero value disable the feature.

Zero value still turns off the indicator LED (A Radius Corr LED 20)

But it does not turn off the feature as it used to.

However, as shown above, the feature is so screwed up as to be useless anyway. 
:)

Hope this is of some help,

Greg




--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, Brian Barker <brianb@...> wrote:
>
> Okay guys I tested this by looking at the velocities that where getting
> calculated and it all looks good. I am going to need some real examples
> that I can test here, I did my tests in MDI G01 A180 F30
>
> Rad =0
> Z axis at one unit
>
>
> Thanks
> Brian
>

Yeah, I'm with Steve on this one.

I've been using Break-Free CLP, as I have a lot of it around for cleaning guns.

WD-40 dries out to a real mess.


Andy Wander

-----Original Message-----
From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Steve Blackmore
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 6:31 PM
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [mach1mach2cnc] machine care question

On Fri, 1 Apr 2011 08:40:12 -0500, you wrote:

>Usually during cleanup I use a worn out green scotch brite pad and WD40.
>Once I'm done cleaning, I just wipe it down - the WD usually lasts a good
>while. If I know the machine is going to sit for an extended period of time,
>I spray WD40 on it and don't wipe it off. (but it will collect a small
>amount of dust).

WD40 dries out and leaves a varnish like residue. Eventually rust sets
in underneath it. It's a water displacer and crap lubricant, only really
useful as a cutting fluid for Al, not as a rust preventer.

Use a proper rust preventer if your leaving a machine for some time.
Boeshield or Shield Technology MetalGuard Ultra.

If you just want to prevent rust between uses, use good quality way oil.
It doesn't run off or dry out.

Steve Blackmore
--


------------------------------------

www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links



This communication including any attachments, are intended
for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and contains
confidential or copyrighted materials. Duplication,
distribution or reproduction is strictly prohibited by law
without written permission of Verrex

Greg:

Sounds like you are using G21. I am in G20. I will try some tests later and see
if I can get it to fail if I go metric.


Andy Wander

-----Original Message-----
From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of greolt@...
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2011 9:24 PM
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Re: "Use Radius for Feedrate" feature/bug



Tried to do some tests and did not come up with much that made sense in dev
version but here it is for what its worth.

For the test I used a dia of 32 or radius of 16 (approx) is a circumference of
100.  So if we call for a feedrate of 100 the result should be 1 RPM or 360
degrees per min.

For comparison this is with release version.

Z DRO=16, Rad=0.001, F100,  result velocity=360
Z DRO=8,  Rad=8,  F100  result  velocity=360
Z DRO=0,  Rad=16,  F100  result  velocity=360
All correct and what you would expect.

Now the dev version,

Z DRO=16, Rad=0.001,  F100,  result velocity=3000 (max rapid speed)
Z DRO= 1710,  Rad=0.001, F100,  result  velocity=360

Z DRO of 1710 makes no sense at all but this is what I had to enter to get a
resultant velocity of 360 to compare with above.

As to values for Rad DRO, I went up to 100,000 before it would have any effect
at all.  So far wrong that it is hard to quantify.

Then there is the the attempt to not have a zero value disable the feature.

Zero value still turns off the indicator LED (A Radius Corr LED 20)

But it does not turn off the feature as it used to.

However, as shown above, the feature is so screwed up as to be useless anyway. 
:)

Hope this is of some help,

Greg




--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, Brian Barker <brianb@...> wrote:
>
> Okay guys I tested this by looking at the velocities that where getting
> calculated and it all looks good. I am going to need some real examples
> that I can test here, I did my tests in MDI G01 A180 F30
>
> Rad =0
> Z axis at one unit
>
>
> Thanks
> Brian
>




------------------------------------

www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links



This communication including any attachments, are intended
for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and contains
confidential or copyrighted materials. Duplication,
distribution or reproduction is strictly prohibited by law
without written permission of Verrex

On Fri, 1 Apr 2011 21:32:48 -0400, you wrote:

>Yeah, I'm with Steve on this one.
>
>I've been using Break-Free CLP, as I have a lot of it around for cleaning guns.
>
>WD-40 dries out to a real mess.
>
>
>Andy Wander
>
Several years ago a gunsmith friend of mine commented that people using
WD-40 on their guns was responsible for bringing him a lot of business
after the stuff dried out and gummed up the works. ;=)
Keith Bowers WB4LSJ- Thomasville, NC

Ok, Made it back to the shop...Checked to see if the feed override was set, 0V%
is set to 100.  I then changed the value and clicked reset which put it back to
100.  Pitch is still off.

I then unintalled/reinstalled Mach and rebooted each time.  My spindle is
showing true speed at correct rpm and all other lathe cutting operations are
working great.

However, when using the simple threading wizard for a .5-13 thread z axis is
moving nowhere close to the .0769 pitch of the thread.  I have to set the pitch
value to .144 to get a close approximation of the correct 13tpi pitch.

Is this an encoder error?  Would debounce settings do this? Are there any
settings in Mach that could possible change the pitch value?

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Randy


--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "David Maher" <dm@...> wrote:
>
> Mine FRO value was being altered by my pendant which has a pot for the
> FRO, this didn't show up on the OV% DRO at all
>
>
>
>
> Regards
>
>
>
> David Maher
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of randyboshome
> Sent: Sunday, 27 March 2011 10:14 AM
> To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Re: State of the Art -- SS
>
>
>
>
> Thanks I'll check it out when I get back to work but I'm pretty sure the
> 0V% is set to 100.
>
> --- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com> , "David Maher" <dm@> wrote:
> >
> > I had a similar issue, which was picked up by Andy W. Your problem
> > sounds the same. You probably have a feed override value in the
> > equation. This has the affect of speeding up or slowing down the feed
> > and shortening or lengthening the pitch.
> > To reset the FRO, try pressing the reset button next ot the OV% DRO on
> > the cycle or manual screens.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Regards
> >
> >
> >
> > David Maher
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> >
> > From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com>
> > [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of randyboshome
> > Sent: Sunday, 27 March 2011 9:53 AM
> > To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com>
> > Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Re: State of the Art -- SS
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I am trying to test the new threading code on my SYIL C6 lathe but
> can't
> > seem to figure out the pitch settings in the simple threading wizard.
> >
> > After setting the pitch to .0769 for a .5-13 thread all I get is a
> very
> > fine thread, nowhere near 13 tpi. Just for giggles, I doubled the
> pitch
> > and set it to 1.44 and now I am seeing a thread that is close.
> >
> > What am I doing wrong???
> >
> > I am running in Diameter mode, using Inch as my unit of measurement,
> > calibrated and tuned the motors, etc.
> >
> > --- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com>
> > <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com> , art2 <fenerty@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Guys:
> > >
> > > To help those testing threading .. Ive uploaded a new version of the
> > threading tests, and have written a utility to analyse your threads
> > without me. :)
> > >
> > > The utility relies on the lasterrors.txt file.. If available, it
> opens
> > it and looks for thread runs. When found, it loads them and analyses
> > them for stability and error. There are a couple caveats..
> > >
> > > Do a single thread..not multiple ones to use this. Many passes may
> be
> > used, but you shoudl do only one thread..
> > >
> > > The program ignores threads of less than 10 rotations.. this is
> > beacuse the G76 macro for some reason uses G32's to do the prep move
> for
> > the thread run, this makes false thread runs show up.. However, as
> most
> > prep moves are 1-9 rotations on average, the program will see those as
> > preps and not load them for analysis. A sample lasterrors.txt is
> > included so you can see what the diags shoudl do. Just unzip the files
> > into your mach3 folder and run threadgraph.exe. Youll see there a way
> to
> > see numerically how stable your thread was.. as well as a graphic.. (
> in
> > the example youll see 60 vertical lines.. as this file came from a
> > tester who used a thread that took on average 60 rotations of the
> > spindle. The example shows the thread was very good. The lines will
> get
> > thicker if the pitch varied about that point.. and be thin and
> > equidistant if the thread was a good one in theory. All passes as
> summed
> > to the display so if a single pass is badly off youll see lines that
> > dont look ri ght.. If its all equidistant the thread was a good run..
> if
> > lines appear inbetween others and dont seem to belong.. thats a bad
> > thread. Warnings are also issued if the utility finds extra index
> pulses
> > or missing ones screwed the thread.
> > >
> > > I hope it helps those that do single thread runs and have a bad
> thread
> > and wonder why.. migth save some time from sending me the file and
> > wondering how bad or good it was..
> > >
> > > My thanks to David for his lasterrors.txt files , the program was
> > based on those thread runs.. I havent tested it much, but its a good
> > quick way to see the stability of the thread. Daves machine apparently
> > was losing steps thus hosing the thread, but the runs are near perfect
> > in theory. Im still analysing to see how I can make it better. ( if I
> > can. :) )
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Art
> > > www.gearotic.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Andy

That should not make any difference.  Units is units.  :)

I did try changing back and forth between G20 and G21 and saw no change.

However by all means check it out.

Greg

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, Andy Wander <awander@...> wrote:
>
> Greg:
>
> Sounds like you are using G21. I am in G20. I will try some tests later and
see if I can get it to fail if I go metric.
>
>
> Andy Wander

I use rutex 2040. it accept step/ dir input from mach and convert it to analog
+/- 10 V output and take the encoder feed back from the servo motor. It runs
nicely with kollmorgen servo amplifier from cincinnati milacron cnc milling.

hope it helps.

Fortino




To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
From: ahopkins81@...
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2011 13:58:07 +0000
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] running servo






how can i run servo with +/- 10 and a encoder feed back with mach3?





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,
There's actually quite a few different ways of doing that now. As mentioned,
there are boards available that take the step and direction signals from
Mach3, run it thru a PID loop which is closed by the encoder feedback from
the motor and outputs an analog control signal to the drives.

* Rutex R2040 as mentioned (if it's available)
* YAPSC10V

If you're a DIY'er you could use the PIC-Servo from JR kerr or the UHU chip
or perhaps even my own UHU chip "replacement module". They all output a
locked antiphase PWM signal which can be converted to a +/-10V signal with
an external OP-amp filter. There's a schematic available for that in the
JR-Kerr PIC-Servo manual.

Or you can use an external motion control device which supports analog
closed loop control.

* Galil (PCI or Ethernet)
* DSPMC (Ethernet)
* Kflop + Kanalog (USB)

I have a bit of info on my web-site:
http://www.henriksplace.se/cnc/cncsystems/1.html

I'm not saying this is the "complete" list, there might be more products
that I'm not aware of.

Good luck!

   /Henrik.


-----Original message-----
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
From: ahopkins81@...
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2011 13:58:07 +0000
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] running servo


how can i run servo with +/- 10 and a encoder feed back with mach3?

Hi everybody,

I'm pleased to announce a new major Firmware/Software release for CENTIPEDE
board set. For those who have never heard of it -- you can get all the
information from our site, http://www.ksilabs.com. This is a board set that can
accommodate every signal/control Mach3 is aware of without any additional
hardware.

All source code (both Windows Mach3 Driver and Firmware VHDL code) is available
for free from our site.

Please be aware that there are still several sets that I would happily send for
free to serious people that are willing and able to test all aspects of
hardware/software operation, find bugs, report missing or improperly implemented
features, and help developing better software/firmware, may be suggest some
add-on boards, etc.

Aha, this is for the latest STABLE version, R3.043.022. It won't work with
development version at the moment.

Here is the ChangeLog for this version:

                                 V2.0, 03/28/2011
                                 ----------------

o       Fixed bug with Step Pulse Width that was in v.1.0. Wrong assumption
         was made when developing v.1.0 -- that width is in CPU CLOCKs, NOT
         microseconds. It does NOT apply to v.2.0 at all because there is NO
         Step Pulse width at all in this version.

o       As a followup to the previous one -- there is NO Step Pulse Width in
         this version. Step/Dir values from Motor Tuning Dialog are ignored.
         They were a bad idea to start with because they are NOT per-Axis but
         one value for the entire system. That means they assumed ALL motors
         in the system are the same that is not always true.

         CENTIPEDE will output 50% Duty Cycle pulses on Step outputs
         regardless of step frequency. As far as we know ALL stepper/servo
         drives only limit MINIMUM pulse width. They ALL perform steps on a
         TRANSITION on their Step inputs i.e. when signal goes from high to
         low or vice versa. That means there is no sence making fixed width
         pulses as long as minimal width is maintained.

         So CENTIPEDE makes a transition exactly at the middle of a Step
         pulse. That has some additional benefits. First of all step happens
         at the right moment when pulse rate is changed during threading
         operations. That is not the case with pulses fixed to the beginning
         of the pulse cycle. Then it will allow to use those pulses (on e.g.
         Step/Dir Spindle) for controlling those VFD invertors that use 50%
         Duty Cycle square wave for synchronizing motor RPM.

o       Full Step/Dir Spindle is implemented. It is a Variable Frequency 50%
         Duty Cycle square wave generator that does NOT require any software
         support for its operation at steady speed; it is all hardware.
         Single register write is only required for starting/stopping the
         spindle and changing its speed. Ramp up / slow down is implemented
         so real stepper/servo motors should work fine as a Spindle drives.

         Step/Dir Spindle can go as high as 1MHz pulse rate if required with
         no effect on other parts or software. It can go even higher than
         that up to approximately 8MHz (33MHz PCI clock frequency divided by
         4) but it would require special interconnection cable and something
         other than optocouplers in Spindle motor drive. So 1MHz is a
         conservative upper limit.
o       Spindle Index (single pulse per revolution) and Timing (multiple
         pulses per revolution) are both implemented. Index is required for
         lathe threading because it is used for starting thread at exactly
         same spot on each consecutive pass. It is also used for RPM
         reporting to Mach and for Z-Axis velocity compensation wrt Spindle
         RPM when threading or rigid tapping if no Timing sensor installed.
         There is no practical limit on Index/Timing pulse duration al long
         as it is more than ~60 NANOsecons.

         Both Index and Timing inputs have independent hardware debouncing.
         That is implemented as a configurable period of ignoring state
         changes after some initial signal transition (either high to low or
         low to high.) That is not actually necessary for hardware if those
         signals are clean (i.e. they are not from noisy mechanical switches)
         but they are here anyways.

o       Lathe threading / rigid tapping is implemented with both single
         pulse per revolution Index sensor and with ADDITIONAL multi pulse
         per revolution Timing sensor. If both are installed Timing sensor is
         used to compensate for Spindle RPM changes while threading. This is
         done by measuring RPM at each Timing pulse (i.e. as many times per
         rev as how many pulses Timing sensor generates,) comparing that
         actual measured RPM to the fixed RPM used by Mach for planning and
         changing kernel frequency to keep constant per-rev feed rate. There
         is no pulse skipping; it is constantly changing kernel speed that
         closely resembles manual lathe thread gear feed.

         Single pulse per revolution Index sensor is used for starting each
         and every threading pass at exactly the same spot. It is kinda that
         half-nut engagement lever on a manual lathe. It is also used for RPM
         measurement and once-per-rev feed compensation if there is no Timing
         sensor installed.

         All RPM measurement and clock generation is done in hardware so no
         software intervention is required. When threading Index pulse is
         used to start fetching step data from hardware FIFO that is stopped
         when Mach notifies the driver it is about to start a threading pass.
         CENTIPEDE driver keeps stuffing step data in the hardware FIFO but
         they just sit there. At some moment FIFO is full and driver just
         waits for some room to free to continue moving step data from Mach
         queue to the FIFO. When Index pulse comes it pulls the hardware
         trigger and CENTIPEDE starts fetching data from FIFO and outputting
         steps. There is no software-related variations in this process, it
         is all pure hardware so the threading pass is started at exactly
         same spot each and every time no matter what software is doing or
         how busy the PC is. Maximum variation possible is 1 PCI clock i.e.
         30 NANOseconds.

         Each and every Timing (or Index if there is no Timing Sensor) pulse
         resets an internal HARDWARE counter that starts counting PCI clock
         pulses (~33MHz or 30nS). At the same time previous value is
         transferred to a software accessible register and an interrupt is
         generated. On that interrupt driver reads that value and makes a
         simple computation by multiplying kernel clock divisor value (kernel
         frequency is PCI clock, usually 33.333MHz, divided by that divisor)
         by this timing value and dividing it by reference value used for
         thread planning. The result is written to base divisor register thus
         adjusting feed rate to match actual Spindle RPM. This is repeated on
         each and every Timing (or Index) pulse as long as Mach is in
         threading mode.

         Actual RPM are compared to a reference value, not to a previous
         sample that makes this process as close to actual physical threading
         gears on manual lathe as it is possible. There is no pulse-to-pulse
         error accumulation :)

         CENTIPEDE can compensate for ~70% spindle speedup at 100KHz kernel
         frequency. That is limited by Mach ability to fill its step data
         queue fast enough and ~170KHz seems to be a limit for 2.93GHz
         CPU frequency. The range is wider at lower kernel frequencies.

         There is practically no limit for Spindle slowdown compensation.
         CENTIPEDE will easily compensate for e.g. 5x spindle slowdown. There
         is probably something wrong with your machine if it slows down THAT
         much but it will be compensated anyways.

o       CENTIPEDE Driver does not assume PCI clock is 33.333MHz any more.
         Actual frequency is measured on driver startup so it always uses the
         actual value specific for the PC it runs on. That means actual
         kernel frequency is at least 10e-4 accurate regardless of individual
         PC variations :) Please note that it makes Windows bootup to stop
         for ~2 seconds on driver load and Mach startup (after showing
         initial logo.)

o       A Homing bug is fixed that sometimes made the machine stop 1 step
         off of zero position. That was properly reported to Mach so actual
         position was correct but it was affecting Slaved Axes Homing. Slaved
         Axes are hooked to their Masters almost all time thus mirroring
         their movements. The only exception is final Dereferencing move when
         Homing. That moves Master and Slave Axes to their own Home positions
         thus squaring the gantry (or whatever.) This bug sometimes made them
         1 step off square when one of the axes stopped 1 step off its Home
         position.

o       Some small fixes, enhancements, code cleanup etc.

o       Driver version bumped to 601.

o       PCI Device ID is changed to 0002 so old driver won't be loaded or
         installed with the new firmware.

I purchased a roll of 20mil magnetic vinyl for some of my wookworking machines
that have been in storage for 3 years. I cut the vinyl to size and the tops look
as good as the day I stored them. So I had some left over and gut a piece to fit
my mill top, does wonders for preventing rust.

Fred Doerr

Indianapolis, IN

--- On Fri, 4/1/11, kabowers@... <kabowers@...> wrote:

From: kabowers@... <kabowers@...>
Subject: Re: [mach1mach2cnc] machine care question
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, April 1, 2011, 7:06 PM
















 









       On Fri, 1 Apr 2011 21:32:48 -0400, you wrote:



>Yeah, I'm with Steve on this one.

>

>I've been using Break-Free CLP, as I have a lot of it around for cleaning guns.

>

>WD-40 dries out to a real mess.

>

>

>Andy Wander

>

Several years ago a gunsmith friend of mine commented that people using

WD-40 on their guns was responsible for bringing him a lot of business

after the stuff dried out and gummed up the works. ;=)

Keith Bowers WB4LSJ- Thomasville, NC



























[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

No doesn't work, nothing here to read.

Now go away and let us get on with what we were doing before we were so rudely
interrupted.

John S.


--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "Lynn" <ljd10@...> wrote:
>
> by the looks of these messages one is tempted to ask if anything works.
>