I have a gantry style CNC router table with a water cooled spindle.

You can see pictures of it at

http://photobucket.com/X_axis_stretches_bearing_displaced

(I put pictures up before because of a problem that has since been resolved.)

I'm usually running jobs where all 3 axis move at the same time.  But today I
was running a kind of test job where a big part of the work was moving only 1
axis at a time.

And 1 of the axis, the one on the gantry that most people wire up as X, but I've
hooked it up as Y, is misbehaving badly.

The job I'm running is 5 square pockets inside 5 circles all placed on a 2 foot
by 2 foot piece of birch plywood.

So the squares are centered inside the circles because I told them where to go
mathematically, with a spreadsheet and precise coordinates.

But while the job is running I see that the squares are not being machined as
squares, they are coming out as rectangles with the axis, Y for me, that moves
back and forth on the gantry coming out longer than the X axis which is driven
by the ball screw under the table.

As I'm watching I notice that when it is the Y axis' turn to move that sometimes
it will stop during its move.  Sometimes long enough for me to say "one
thousand".  That's a long time!

After the pause it moves again.  I see pauses in both directions Y+ and Y-.

Of course I look for mechanical signs.  And I see that there are a series of
gouges on the lower weight bearing structure that the linear bearings are riding
on.

So it has the appearance of something binding.  What is the trouble shooting
procedure for this?  Do I have to tear down the gantry?  Ack!

Everything looks so square and straight.  I don't understand how it can be
getting stuck.  And it looks like it gets stuck in the same places for the most
part.

Is this par for the course?

It sounds like you have some defective shafts? Without seeing the actual gouges,
it's hard to say, but they probably need to be replaced.
And, fwiw, the axis on the gantry should be the Y axis. Anyone calling it the X
is wrong, imo. :-)

Gerry

----- Original Message -----
From: "composite_airplane_pilot" <lobo.jk@...>
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 11:19:03 PM
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] stops in travel AND goes further than it should

I have a gantry style CNC router table with a water cooled spindle.

You can see pictures of it at

http://photobucket.com/X_axis_stretches_bearing_displaced

(I put pictures up before because of a problem that has since been resolved.)

I'm usually running jobs where all 3 axis move at the same time. But today I was
running a kind of test job where a big part of the work was moving only 1 axis
at a time.

And 1 of the axis, the one on the gantry that most people wire up as X, but I've
hooked it up as Y, is misbehaving badly.

The job I'm running is 5 square pockets inside 5 circles all placed on a 2 foot
by 2 foot piece of birch plywood.

So the squares are centered inside the circles because I told them where to go
mathematically, with a spreadsheet and precise coordinates.

But while the job is running I see that the squares are not being machined as
squares, they are coming out as rectangles with the axis, Y for me, that moves
back and forth on the gantry coming out longer than the X axis which is driven
by the ball screw under the table.

As I'm watching I notice that when it is the Y axis' turn to move that sometimes
it will stop during its move. Sometimes long enough for me to say "one
thousand". That's a long time!

After the pause it moves again. I see pauses in both directions Y+ and Y-.

Of course I look for mechanical signs. And I see that there are a series of
gouges on the lower weight bearing structure that the linear bearings are riding
on.

So it has the appearance of something binding. What is the trouble shooting
procedure for this? Do I have to tear down the gantry? Ack!

Everything looks so square and straight. I don't understand how it can be
getting stuck. And it looks like it gets stuck in the same places for the most
part.

Is this par for the course?



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

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





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

>      Posted by: "Henrik Olsson"henrik@...  henrikolsson2001
>      Date: Sun May 20, 2012 8:30 am ((PDT))
>
> Hi,
>
> I'd check the properties of the .xml file to make sure it's not write
> protected.
>
>


If you loaded the xml file from a CD windows makes the file read only.
Ive seen this often when guys get an xml file on a CD with a KX1 or KX3
machine.

ron ginger

Hi,

Is there a post processor available that I can use with MasterCAM X to
communicate with Mach3 to operate a CNC Router that I built several years ago?


I am not very computer literate and this step is  confusing  me.


I have had a copy of Mach 3 for a number of years and all I have ever done with
it is to jog my Router to check it for squareness. I have been drawing with
MasterCAM X for a number of years and I am just now learning how to input tool
information and do back plots.


My intent is to cut parts on my router for a Flying Wing Sailplane that I want
to start building as soon as I can make the Router operational.


Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks.


Wally

Building in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Hi all

I think this question is asked before bud i cant find a proper answer.
What computer do i need to get the maximum speed out the parrallele port.
Will a pentium 4 do or do i have to seek higher.
I rebuild my mill (3 axis)with servo motors that can do 3000 rpm with encoders
on it from 2500 ppr what will be the maximum rpm (with 3 motors at the same
time)i can get on the parralelle port?

Thanks:
Willem

a pentium 4 is fine as long as it has a parralel port if your servos will accept
step/ direction inputs .

but re your servos:-
what signal do they use? step/ direction or analogue +/- 10volts?

mach 3 is an open loop controller. ie it does not follow encoders.

it can be made closed loop but requires an external motion controller like galil
or dynomotion kflop.

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "Jansen" <wjansen1954@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all
>
> I think this question is asked before bud i cant find a proper answer.
> What computer do i need to get the maximum speed out the parrallele port.
> Will a pentium 4 do or do i have to seek higher.
> I rebuild my mill (3 axis)with servo motors that can do 3000 rpm with encoders
on it from 2500 ppr what will be the maximum rpm (with 3 motors at the same
time)i can get on the parralelle port?
>
> Thanks:
> Willem
>

In Win7 you should have a right click option to "take
ownership" of any folder(s).
Also, (Like one of the other guys said) Go into properties/
permissions -- Some times just having "everyone" with full
permissions will do, but for some reason, (known only to MS)
you have to have everyone/administrator/user(your login name)
all set to full permissions.

Grandpa Bill

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, art2 <fenerty@...> wrote:
>
> Zeke:
>
>   Since its win7, try running Mach3 by selecting "right click Run As Admin",
Win7 may be refusing to update the xml file.. though it shouldnt..
>
>
> Thanks,
> Art
> www.gearotic.com
>
>
>
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Zeke
>   To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 10:47 AM
>   Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Mach not saving settings
>
>
>
>   With all the expertise here I know someone will have an answer and an
explanation for me.
>
>   I have been trying to get my CNC router table set up and am getting
frustrated with Mach not saving my settings. Every time I go start up Mach I
have to go into config and re-enter my input pins info - specifically setting
the active low on all my limit switches. Each time I set them I go to the config
menu and select save settings. Am I missing something really simple? I also have
to set up the probing info and TCP TP and MTM settings as well. How do I get
Mach to save all this so I don't have to spend an hour getting the settings
correct every time I start Mach?
>
>   Thanks for any help,
>
>   Zeke
>
>   Windows 7 Ultimate 32
>   Mach3 version Version R3.043.037
>   MachStdMill version 1.1.7 Professional
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I am looking at this now!

Thanks
Brian


Henrik Olsson wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I brought this up a couple of weeks back but it got lost in the noise.
>
>
>
> The NumberPad function as described in the Macro programming reference seems
> to be broken. I'm running 3.043.062 and trying to execute the line Number =
> NumberPad ("Input a number") simply errors out on me with the message
> Internal Error <Number Pad>
>
>
>
> /Henrik.
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

You can use Fanuc post processor from Mastercam X to be used in Mach3


Fortino

Sent from my iPad

On 21 Mei 2012, at 18:33, "Wally" <sailorwally@...> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Is there a post processor available that I can use with MasterCAM X to
communicate with Mach3 to operate a CNC Router that I built several years ago?
>
> I am not very computer literate and this step is confusing me.
>
> I have had a copy of Mach 3 for a number of years and all I have ever done
with it is to jog my Router to check it for squareness. I have been drawing with
MasterCAM X for a number of years and I am just now learning how to input tool
information and do back plots.
>
> My intent is to cut parts on my router for a Flying Wing Sailplane that I want
to start building as soon as I can make the Router operational.
>
> Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Wally
>
> Building in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
>
>


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

Hello Henrik,

Had a name space error.. found and fixed for the next release.

Thanks
Brian


Henrik Olsson wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I brought this up a couple of weeks back but it got lost in the noise.
>
>
>
> The NumberPad function as described in the Macro programming reference seems
> to be broken. I'm running 3.043.062 and trying to execute the line Number =
> NumberPad ("Input a number") simply errors out on me with the message
> Internal Error <Number Pad>
>
>
>
> /Henrik.
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

you said "sounds"

And that reminds me of the testing I did last night.  I turned off the spindle
and ran the gantry axis (Y for me, might be X to others) back and forth with no
cutting load to see if it would do the same thing.

I did observe that while I held the appropriate key down (I'm using Mach3) to
move that access, and I'm doing the "press and hold" thing, that the axis would
stop moving... meaning even the motor appeared to stop turning, momentarily, and
then resume.

And back to "sounds"

Even when the axis was moving there was a very low frequency rumble-like sound,
which I do not recall that it used to make before this.

So even the sound of it, with the spindle off (spindle on and this sound is
masked somewhat), seems like it is saying something is wrong.

What kind of problem would cause a very low frequency vibration as the gantry
axis moves?  I can feel the vibration as well, when I put my hand on the table.

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, CNCWoodworker@... wrote:
>
> It sounds like you have some defective shafts? Without seeing the actual
gouges, it's hard to say, but they probably need to be replaced.
> And, fwiw, the axis on the gantry should be the Y axis. Anyone calling it the
X is wrong, imo. :-)
>
> Gerry
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "composite_airplane_pilot" <lobo.jk@...>
> To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 11:19:03 PM
> Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] stops in travel AND goes further than it should
>
> I have a gantry style CNC router table with a water cooled spindle.
>
> You can see pictures of it at
>
> http://photobucket.com/X_axis_stretches_bearing_displaced
>
> (I put pictures up before because of a problem that has since been resolved.)
>
> I'm usually running jobs where all 3 axis move at the same time. But today I
was running a kind of test job where a big part of the work was moving only 1
axis at a time.
>
> And 1 of the axis, the one on the gantry that most people wire up as X, but
I've hooked it up as Y, is misbehaving badly.
>
> The job I'm running is 5 square pockets inside 5 circles all placed on a 2
foot by 2 foot piece of birch plywood.
>
> So the squares are centered inside the circles because I told them where to go
mathematically, with a spreadsheet and precise coordinates.
>
> But while the job is running I see that the squares are not being machined as
squares, they are coming out as rectangles with the axis, Y for me, that moves
back and forth on the gantry coming out longer than the X axis which is driven
by the ball screw under the table.
>
> As I'm watching I notice that when it is the Y axis' turn to move that
sometimes it will stop during its move. Sometimes long enough for me to say "one
thousand". That's a long time!
>
> After the pause it moves again. I see pauses in both directions Y+ and Y-.
>
> Of course I look for mechanical signs. And I see that there are a series of
gouges on the lower weight bearing structure that the linear bearings are riding
on.
>
> So it has the appearance of something binding. What is the trouble shooting
procedure for this? Do I have to tear down the gantry? Ack!
>
> Everything looks so square and straight. I don't understand how it can be
getting stuck. And it looks like it gets stuck in the same places for the most
part.
>
> Is this par for the course?
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Thank you.
I will try that and hopefully I will get the result I am looking for.

Wally

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, fortino tan <fortino_tan@...> wrote:
>
> You can use Fanuc post processor from Mastercam X to be used in Mach3
>
>
> Fortino
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On 21 Mei 2012, at 18:33, "Wally" <sailorwally@...> wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > Is there a post processor available that I can use with MasterCAM X to
communicate with Mach3 to operate a CNC Router that I built several years ago?
> >
> > I am not very computer literate and this step is confusing me.
> >
> > I have had a copy of Mach 3 for a number of years and all I have ever done
with it is to jog my Router to check it for squareness. I have been drawing with
MasterCAM X for a number of years and I am just now learning how to input tool
information and do back plots.
> >
> > My intent is to cut parts on my router for a Flying Wing Sailplane that I
want to start building as soon as I can make the Router operational.
> >
> > Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Wally
> >
> > Building in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

IMO:



Watch your DROs to see if they are moving when the machine is paused for
that second.

If so the issue is with the machine.

If the DROs pause as well as the machine I would look at some sort of noise
issue.



FWIW not long ago I had a issue something like you are talking about here

and the problem turned out to be....drum roll please.... The shop vac I was
using to hold down my parts.

On a hunch I moved the shop vac 6 feet away from the machine and it has not
missed a beat since.

I had been using the shop vac for over a year and I figure it started making
elect noise my machine did not

like.



HTH,

Troy





From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of composite_airplane_pilot
Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 11:19 PM
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] stops in travel AND goes further than it should





I have a gantry style CNC router table with a water cooled spindle.

You can see pictures of it at

http://photobucket.com/X_axis_stretches_bearing_displaced

(I put pictures up before because of a problem that has since been
resolved.)

I'm usually running jobs where all 3 axis move at the same time. But today I
was running a kind of test job where a big part of the work was moving only
1 axis at a time.

And 1 of the axis, the one on the gantry that most people wire up as X, but
I've hooked it up as Y, is misbehaving badly.

The job I'm running is 5 square pockets inside 5 circles all placed on a 2
foot by 2 foot piece of birch plywood.

So the squares are centered inside the circles because I told them where to
go mathematically, with a spreadsheet and precise coordinates.

But while the job is running I see that the squares are not being machined
as squares, they are coming out as rectangles with the axis, Y for me, that
moves back and forth on the gantry coming out longer than the X axis which
is driven by the ball screw under the table.

As I'm watching I notice that when it is the Y axis' turn to move that
sometimes it will stop during its move. Sometimes long enough for me to say
"one thousand". That's a long time!

After the pause it moves again. I see pauses in both directions Y+ and Y-.

Of course I look for mechanical signs. And I see that there are a series of
gouges on the lower weight bearing structure that the linear bearings are
riding on.

So it has the appearance of something binding. What is the trouble shooting
procedure for this? Do I have to tear down the gantry? Ack!

Everything looks so square and straight. I don't understand how it can be
getting stuck. And it looks like it gets stuck in the same places for the
most part.

Is this par for the course?





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

>but for some reason, (known only to MS)
>you have to have everyone/administrator/user(your login name)
>all set to full permissions



Actually there is a very good reason for this. One of the tricks that
viruses like to play is to replace a system file with a virus laden file.
Since they have the same name and still 'work' you don't know the
difference. When a file or folder is owned by the system it makes it really
tough for a virus to replace it (no matter what access level the current
user has.)



This is a bit of a PITA at times but it does make sense. I have found that
if you download a file or even burn it to CD it can cause it to marked as
'read only' when you go to install that file on another PC. I've also heard
of some guys who have problems downloading a file (plug-in, etc) on a Mac
and then try to transfer it to a PC to use with Mach.



Jeff Birt

Soigeneris.com



From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Inventor
Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 8:42 AM
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Re: Mach not saving settings





In Win7 you should have a right click option to "take
ownership" of any folder(s).
Also, (Like one of the other guys said) Go into properties/
permissions -- Some times just having "everyone" with full
permissions will do, but for some reason, (known only to MS)
you have to have everyone/administrator/user(your login name)
all set to full permissions.

Grandpa Bill

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com> , art2 <fenerty@...> wrote:
>
> Zeke:
>
> Since its win7, try running Mach3 by selecting "right click Run As Admin",
Win7 may be refusing to update the xml file.. though it shouldnt..
>
>
> Thanks,
> Art
> www.gearotic.com
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Zeke
> To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com>

> Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 10:47 AM
> Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Mach not saving settings
>
>
>
> With all the expertise here I know someone will have an answer and an
explanation for me.
>
> I have been trying to get my CNC router table set up and am getting
frustrated with Mach not saving my settings. Every time I go start up Mach I
have to go into config and re-enter my input pins info - specifically
setting the active low on all my limit switches. Each time I set them I go
to the config menu and select save settings. Am I missing something really
simple? I also have to set up the probing info and TCP TP and MTM settings
as well. How do I get Mach to save all this so I don't have to spend an hour
getting the settings correct every time I start Mach?
>
> Thanks for any help,
>
> Zeke
>
> Windows 7 Ultimate 32
> Mach3 version Version R3.043.037
> MachStdMill version 1.1.7 Professional
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>





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

Is Quicktime installed on the PC?


Andy Wander
.
-----Original Message-----
From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of composite_airplane_pilot
Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 10:19 AM
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Re: stops in travel AND goes further than it should

you said "sounds"

And that reminds me of the testing I did last night.  I turned off the spindle
and ran the gantry axis (Y for me, might be X to others) back and forth with no
cutting load to see if it would do the same thing.

I did observe that while I held the appropriate key down (I'm using Mach3) to
move that access, and I'm doing the "press and hold" thing, that the axis would
stop moving... meaning even the motor appeared to stop turning, momentarily, and
then resume.

And back to "sounds"

Even when the axis was moving there was a very low frequency rumble-like sound,
which I do not recall that it used to make before this.

So even the sound of it, with the spindle off (spindle on and this sound is
masked somewhat), seems like it is saying something is wrong.

What kind of problem would cause a very low frequency vibration as the gantry
axis moves?  I can feel the vibration as well, when I put my hand on the table.

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, CNCWoodworker@... wrote:
>
> It sounds like you have some defective shafts? Without seeing the actual
gouges, it's hard to say, but they probably need to be replaced.
> And, fwiw, the axis on the gantry should be the Y axis. Anyone calling it the
X is wrong, imo. :-)
>
> Gerry
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "composite_airplane_pilot" <lobo.jk@...>
> To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 11:19:03 PM
> Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] stops in travel AND goes further than it should
>
> I have a gantry style CNC router table with a water cooled spindle.
>
> You can see pictures of it at
>
> http://photobucket.com/X_axis_stretches_bearing_displaced
>
> (I put pictures up before because of a problem that has since been resolved.)
>
> I'm usually running jobs where all 3 axis move at the same time. But today I
was running a kind of test job where a big part of the work was moving only 1
axis at a time.
>
> And 1 of the axis, the one on the gantry that most people wire up as X, but
I've hooked it up as Y, is misbehaving badly.
>
> The job I'm running is 5 square pockets inside 5 circles all placed on a 2
foot by 2 foot piece of birch plywood.
>
> So the squares are centered inside the circles because I told them where to go
mathematically, with a spreadsheet and precise coordinates.
>
> But while the job is running I see that the squares are not being machined as
squares, they are coming out as rectangles with the axis, Y for me, that moves
back and forth on the gantry coming out longer than the X axis which is driven
by the ball screw under the table.
>
> As I'm watching I notice that when it is the Y axis' turn to move that
sometimes it will stop during its move. Sometimes long enough for me to say "one
thousand". That's a long time!
>
> After the pause it moves again. I see pauses in both directions Y+ and Y-.
>
> Of course I look for mechanical signs. And I see that there are a series of
gouges on the lower weight bearing structure that the linear bearings are riding
on.
>
> So it has the appearance of something binding. What is the trouble shooting
procedure for this? Do I have to tear down the gantry? Ack!
>
> Everything looks so square and straight. I don't understand how it can be
getting stuck. And it looks like it gets stuck in the same places for the most
part.
>
> Is this par for the course?
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>




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

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

What kind of drives are you using? It could be resonance.

Gerry

----- Original Message -----
From: "composite_airplane_pilot" <lobo.jk@...>
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 10:19:27 AM
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Re: stops in travel AND goes further than it should

you said "sounds"

And that reminds me of the testing I did last night. I turned off the spindle
and ran the gantry axis (Y for me, might be X to others) back and forth with no
cutting load to see if it would do the same thing.

I did observe that while I held the appropriate key down (I'm using Mach3) to
move that access, and I'm doing the "press and hold" thing, that the axis would
stop moving... meaning even the motor appeared to stop turning, momentarily, and
then resume.

And back to "sounds"

Even when the axis was moving there was a very low frequency rumble-like sound,
which I do not recall that it used to make before this.

So even the sound of it, with the spindle off (spindle on and this sound is
masked somewhat), seems like it is saying something is wrong.

What kind of problem would cause a very low frequency vibration as the gantry
axis moves? I can feel the vibration as well, when I put my hand on the table.

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, CNCWoodworker@... wrote:
>
> It sounds like you have some defective shafts? Without seeing the actual
gouges, it's hard to say, but they probably need to be replaced.
> And, fwiw, the axis on the gantry should be the Y axis. Anyone calling it the
X is wrong, imo. :-)
>
> Gerry
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "composite_airplane_pilot" <lobo.jk@...>
> To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 11:19:03 PM
> Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] stops in travel AND goes further than it should
>
> I have a gantry style CNC router table with a water cooled spindle.
>
> You can see pictures of it at
>
> http://photobucket.com/X_axis_stretches_bearing_displaced
>
> (I put pictures up before because of a problem that has since been resolved.)
>
> I'm usually running jobs where all 3 axis move at the same time. But today I
was running a kind of test job where a big part of the work was moving only 1
axis at a time.
>
> And 1 of the axis, the one on the gantry that most people wire up as X, but
I've hooked it up as Y, is misbehaving badly.
>
> The job I'm running is 5 square pockets inside 5 circles all placed on a 2
foot by 2 foot piece of birch plywood.
>
> So the squares are centered inside the circles because I told them where to go
mathematically, with a spreadsheet and precise coordinates.
>
> But while the job is running I see that the squares are not being machined as
squares, they are coming out as rectangles with the axis, Y for me, that moves
back and forth on the gantry coming out longer than the X axis which is driven
by the ball screw under the table.
>
> As I'm watching I notice that when it is the Y axis' turn to move that
sometimes it will stop during its move. Sometimes long enough for me to say "one
thousand". That's a long time!
>
> After the pause it moves again. I see pauses in both directions Y+ and Y-.
>
> Of course I look for mechanical signs. And I see that there are a series of
gouges on the lower weight bearing structure that the linear bearings are riding
on.
>
> So it has the appearance of something binding. What is the trouble shooting
procedure for this? Do I have to tear down the gantry? Ack!
>
> Everything looks so square and straight. I don't understand how it can be
getting stuck. And it looks like it gets stuck in the same places for the most
part.
>
> Is this par for the course?
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>




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

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





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

Ummm I got what I thought was a Norton update on my lap top the other day.
Now Norton won't load because access is denied to the definitions folder.
I've  tried giving everyone permission to the 'empty' folder but it won't
have it.  System restore does nothing and I've reinstalled Norton many times...
even in  'safe mode'.  But still 'access denied' to the empty definitions
folder.

After reading what you just said Jeff, I think it's format and reinstall
Windows time.

I've formatted the Hard drive on an other PC before and even installed XP
on the drive. But as soon as you

put it back in the laptop the clever thing installs Vista.  I wish I  could
find where it stores Vista... I'd rip it out :0)


I searched  YouTube the other day and someone gives a clever way to force
permissions for a  file, which worked on another problem I had, but not
Norton.  I must have a  virus that wants Norton out of the way...

Regards Dave  K





In a message dated 21/05/2012 15:56:08 GMT Daylight Time,
birt_j@... writes:

>but  for some reason, (known only to MS)
>you have to have  everyone/administrator/user(your login name)
>all set to full  permissions



Actually there is a very good reason for this. One  of the tricks that
viruses like to play is to replace a system file with a  virus laden file.
Since they have the same name and still 'work' you don't  know the
difference. When a file or folder is owned by the system it makes  it really
tough for a virus to replace it (no matter what access level the  current
user has.)



This is a bit of a PITA at times but it  does make sense. I have found that
if you download a file or even burn it  to CD it can cause it to marked as
'read only' when you go to install that  file on another PC. I've also heard
of some guys who have problems  downloading a file (plug-in, etc) on a Mac
and then try to transfer it to a  PC to use with Mach.



Jeff  Birt

Soigeneris.com



From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com  [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Inventor
Sent:  Monday, May 21, 2012 8:42 AM
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Subject:  [mach1mach2cnc] Re: Mach not saving settings





In  Win7 you should have a right click option to "take
ownership" of any  folder(s).
Also, (Like one of the other guys said) Go into  properties/
permissions -- Some times just having "everyone" with  full
permissions will do, but for some reason, (known only to MS)
you  have to have everyone/administrator/user(your login name)
all set to full  permissions.

Grandpa Bill

--- In  mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com>  , art2 <fenerty@...> wrote:
>
> Zeke:
>
> Since  its win7, try running Mach3 by selecting "right click Run As
Admin",
Win7  may be refusing to update the xml file.. though it shouldnt..
>
>
> Thanks,
> Art
> www.gearotic.com
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Zeke
> To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com>

> Sent: Sunday, May  20, 2012 10:47 AM
> Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Mach not saving  settings
>
>
>
> With all the expertise here I know  someone will have an answer and an
explanation for me.
>
> I  have been trying to get my CNC router table set up and am  getting
frustrated with Mach not saving my settings. Every time I go start  up Mach
I
have to go into config and re-enter my input pins info -  specifically
setting the active low on all my limit switches. Each time I  set them I go
to the config menu and select save settings. Am I missing  something really
simple? I also have to set up the probing info and TCP TP  and MTM settings
as well. How do I get Mach to save all this so I don't  have to spend an
hour
getting the settings correct every time I start  Mach?
>
> Thanks for any help,
>
> Zeke
>
> Windows 7 Ultimate 32
> Mach3 version Version  R3.043.037
> MachStdMill version 1.1.7 Professional
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have  been removed]
>





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



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

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







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

Thanks for your reply.

The servo is configured for step/direction
I did a little jogging (without the Mach3 controller)and i was very exciting
about the speed so i hoop to get the same speed when running under Mach3.

Greeting:
Willem

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "bennyattwell" <brendon@...> wrote:
>
> a pentium 4 is fine as long as it has a parralel port if your servos will
accept step/ direction inputs .
>
> but re your servos:-
> what signal do they use? step/ direction or analogue +/- 10volts?
>
> mach 3 is an open loop controller. ie it does not follow encoders.
>
> it can be made closed loop but requires an external motion controller like
galil or dynomotion kflop.
>
> --- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "Jansen" <wjansen1954@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi all
> >
> > I think this question is asked before bud i cant find a proper answer.
> > What computer do i need to get the maximum speed out the parrallele port.
> > Will a pentium 4 do or do i have to seek higher.
> > I rebuild my mill (3 axis)with servo motors that can do 3000 rpm with
encoders on it from 2500 ppr what will be the maximum rpm (with 3 motors at the
same time)i can get on the parralelle port?
> >
> > Thanks:
> > Willem
> >
>

P.S.

The drivers are chinees CSIM acdrives with 750 watt motors attached.

Greeting:
Willem

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "Jansen" <wjansen1954@...> wrote:
>
>
> Thanks for your reply.
>
> The servo is configured for step/direction
> I did a little jogging (without the Mach3 controller)and i was very exciting
about the speed so i hoop to get the same speed when running under Mach3.
>
> Greeting:
> Willem
>
> --- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "bennyattwell" <brendon@> wrote:
> >
> > a pentium 4 is fine as long as it has a parralel port if your servos will
accept step/ direction inputs .
> >
> > but re your servos:-
> > what signal do they use? step/ direction or analogue +/- 10volts?
> >
> > mach 3 is an open loop controller. ie it does not follow encoders.
> >
> > it can be made closed loop but requires an external motion controller like
galil or dynomotion kflop.
> >
> > --- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "Jansen" <wjansen1954@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi all
> > >
> > > I think this question is asked before bud i cant find a proper answer.
> > > What computer do i need to get the maximum speed out the parrallele port.
> > > Will a pentium 4 do or do i have to seek higher.
> > > I rebuild my mill (3 axis)with servo motors that can do 3000 rpm with
encoders on it from 2500 ppr what will be the maximum rpm (with 3 motors at the
same time)i can get on the parralelle port?
> > >
> > > Thanks:
> > > Willem
> > >
> >
>

"So it has the appearance of something binding. What is the trouble shooting
procedure for this? Do I have to tear down the gantry? Ack!"



I would disconnect the ball nut ( the link between the ball screw and the
axis ) and move the axis back and forth by hand to see if it moves freely.













From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of testfly@...
Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 10:48 AM
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [mach1mach2cnc] stops in travel AND goes further than it should





IMO:

Watch your DROs to see if they are moving when the machine is paused for
that second.

If so the issue is with the machine.

If the DROs pause as well as the machine I would look at some sort of noise
issue.

FWIW not long ago I had a issue something like you are talking about here

and the problem turned out to be....drum roll please.... The shop vac I was
using to hold down my parts.

On a hunch I moved the shop vac 6 feet away from the machine and it has not
missed a beat since.

I had been using the shop vac for over a year and I figure it started making
elect noise my machine did not

like.

HTH,

Troy

From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com>
[mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com> ]
On Behalf Of composite_airplane_pilot
Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 11:19 PM
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] stops in travel AND goes further than it should

I have a gantry style CNC router table with a water cooled spindle.

You can see pictures of it at

http://photobucket.com/X_axis_stretches_bearing_displaced

(I put pictures up before because of a problem that has since been
resolved.)

I'm usually running jobs where all 3 axis move at the same time. But today I
was running a kind of test job where a big part of the work was moving only
1 axis at a time.

And 1 of the axis, the one on the gantry that most people wire up as X, but
I've hooked it up as Y, is misbehaving badly.

The job I'm running is 5 square pockets inside 5 circles all placed on a 2
foot by 2 foot piece of birch plywood.

So the squares are centered inside the circles because I told them where to
go mathematically, with a spreadsheet and precise coordinates.

But while the job is running I see that the squares are not being machined
as squares, they are coming out as rectangles with the axis, Y for me, that
moves back and forth on the gantry coming out longer than the X axis which
is driven by the ball screw under the table.

As I'm watching I notice that when it is the Y axis' turn to move that
sometimes it will stop during its move. Sometimes long enough for me to say
"one thousand". That's a long time!

After the pause it moves again. I see pauses in both directions Y+ and Y-.

Of course I look for mechanical signs. And I see that there are a series of
gouges on the lower weight bearing structure that the linear bearings are
riding on.

So it has the appearance of something binding. What is the trouble shooting
procedure for this? Do I have to tear down the gantry? Ack!

Everything looks so square and straight. I don't understand how it can be
getting stuck. And it looks like it gets stuck in the same places for the
most part.

Is this par for the course?

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





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

If you use modern ac servo, you can adjust your electronic gearing in your
driver parameter to match up with high feed of industrial cnc.

Fortino

Sent from my iPad

On 21 Mei 2012, at 22:46, "Jansen" <wjansen1954@...> wrote:

>
> Thanks for your reply.
>
> The servo is configured for step/direction
> I did a little jogging (without the Mach3 controller)and i was very exciting
about the speed so i hoop to get the same speed when running under Mach3.
>
> Greeting:
> Willem
>
> --- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "bennyattwell" <brendon@...> wrote:
> >
> > a pentium 4 is fine as long as it has a parralel port if your servos will
accept step/ direction inputs .
> >
> > but re your servos:-
> > what signal do they use? step/ direction or analogue +/- 10volts?
> >
> > mach 3 is an open loop controller. ie it does not follow encoders.
> >
> > it can be made closed loop but requires an external motion controller like
galil or dynomotion kflop.
> >
> > --- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "Jansen" <wjansen1954@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi all
> > >
> > > I think this question is asked before bud i cant find a proper answer.
> > > What computer do i need to get the maximum speed out the parrallele port.
> > > Will a pentium 4 do or do i have to seek higher.
> > > I rebuild my mill (3 axis)with servo motors that can do 3000 rpm with
encoders on it from 2500 ppr what will be the maximum rpm (with 3 motors at the
same time)i can get on the parralelle port?
> > >
> > > Thanks:
> > > Willem
> > >
> >
>
>


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

I appreciate your suggestion.

The drives for this machines's stepper motors (Keling NEMA 23 Stepper Motor:
KL23H2100-35-4B) is/are a Gecko540.

Since the stepper motors have a shaft protruding on both sides, would it be ok
for me to leave the machine unpowered and turn the gantry axis through its range
by latching onto the "spare" shaft coming out of the stepper motor?  Wouldn't
that be a fair test as well?  Meaning that if it turns freely throughout its
entire range it tells me something like "it's not the ball screw and it's not
the bearing guide".

I think, but I'm not sure, that if whole range of the gantry axis moves freely
then I'd have to move to some kind of electrical signal problem and move back
toward the computer that talks to the Gecko540.

Parallel port?  (but why just on one axis if the parallel port is the root
cause?)

db9 connector?  (I can swap X and Y connections and see if the problem moves
with the cable.)

I'm cutting birch plywood with a 1/4 inch carbide endmill, turning at 24,000
rpm, going 1/8 of an inch deep per pass.  The spindle is 1.5kw so I can't
imagine that the birch plywood is too tough.  It's not cutting it super fast
either.



--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, <testfly@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> "So it has the appearance of something binding. What is the trouble shooting
> procedure for this? Do I have to tear down the gantry? Ack!"
>
>
>
> I would disconnect the ball nut ( the link between the ball screw and the
> axis ) and move the axis back and forth by hand to see if it moves freely.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com]
> On Behalf Of testfly@...
> Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 10:48 AM
> To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: RE: [mach1mach2cnc] stops in travel AND goes further than it should
>
>
>
>
>
> IMO:
>
> Watch your DROs to see if they are moving when the machine is paused for
> that second.
>
> If so the issue is with the machine.
>
> If the DROs pause as well as the machine I would look at some sort of noise
> issue.
>
> FWIW not long ago I had a issue something like you are talking about here
>
> and the problem turned out to be....drum roll please.... The shop vac I was
> using to hold down my parts.
>
> On a hunch I moved the shop vac 6 feet away from the machine and it has not
> missed a beat since.
>
> I had been using the shop vac for over a year and I figure it started making
> elect noise my machine did not
>
> like.
>
> HTH,
>
> Troy
>
> From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com>
> [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com> ]
> On Behalf Of composite_airplane_pilot
> Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 11:19 PM
> To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] stops in travel AND goes further than it should
>
> I have a gantry style CNC router table with a water cooled spindle.
>
> You can see pictures of it at
>
> http://photobucket.com/X_axis_stretches_bearing_displaced
>
> (I put pictures up before because of a problem that has since been
> resolved.)
>
> I'm usually running jobs where all 3 axis move at the same time. But today I
> was running a kind of test job where a big part of the work was moving only
> 1 axis at a time.
>
> And 1 of the axis, the one on the gantry that most people wire up as X, but
> I've hooked it up as Y, is misbehaving badly.
>
> The job I'm running is 5 square pockets inside 5 circles all placed on a 2
> foot by 2 foot piece of birch plywood.
>
> So the squares are centered inside the circles because I told them where to
> go mathematically, with a spreadsheet and precise coordinates.
>
> But while the job is running I see that the squares are not being machined
> as squares, they are coming out as rectangles with the axis, Y for me, that
> moves back and forth on the gantry coming out longer than the X axis which
> is driven by the ball screw under the table.
>
> As I'm watching I notice that when it is the Y axis' turn to move that
> sometimes it will stop during its move. Sometimes long enough for me to say
> "one thousand". That's a long time!
>
> After the pause it moves again. I see pauses in both directions Y+ and Y-.
>
> Of course I look for mechanical signs. And I see that there are a series of
> gouges on the lower weight bearing structure that the linear bearings are
> riding on.
>
> So it has the appearance of something binding. What is the trouble shooting
> procedure for this? Do I have to tear down the gantry? Ack!
>
> Everything looks so square and straight. I don't understand how it can be
> getting stuck. And it looks like it gets stuck in the same places for the
> most part.
>
> Is this par for the course?
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I have an IBM pc running Mach3 talking to a Gecko540 over the parallel port and
the Gecko540 talks to 3 (x, y, and z) Keling NEMA 23 Stepper Motors,
KL23H2100-35-4B.

If it is resonance from the drive should I hear the resonance no matter which
axis is turning?

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, CNCWoodworker@... wrote:
>
> What kind of drives are you using? It could be resonance.
>
> Gerry
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "composite_airplane_pilot" <lobo.jk@...>
> To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 10:19:27 AM
> Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Re: stops in travel AND goes further than it should
>
> you said "sounds"
>
> And that reminds me of the testing I did last night. I turned off the spindle
and ran the gantry axis (Y for me, might be X to others) back and forth with no
cutting load to see if it would do the same thing.
>
> I did observe that while I held the appropriate key down (I'm using Mach3) to
move that access, and I'm doing the "press and hold" thing, that the axis would
stop moving... meaning even the motor appeared to stop turning, momentarily, and
then resume.
>
> And back to "sounds"
>
> Even when the axis was moving there was a very low frequency rumble-like
sound, which I do not recall that it used to make before this.
>
> So even the sound of it, with the spindle off (spindle on and this sound is
masked somewhat), seems like it is saying something is wrong.
>
> What kind of problem would cause a very low frequency vibration as the gantry
axis moves? I can feel the vibration as well, when I put my hand on the table.
>
> --- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, CNCWoodworker@ wrote:
> >
> > It sounds like you have some defective shafts? Without seeing the actual
gouges, it's hard to say, but they probably need to be replaced.
> > And, fwiw, the axis on the gantry should be the Y axis. Anyone calling it
the X is wrong, imo. :-)
> >
> > Gerry
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "composite_airplane_pilot" <lobo.jk@>
> > To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 11:19:03 PM
> > Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] stops in travel AND goes further than it should
> >
> > I have a gantry style CNC router table with a water cooled spindle.
> >
> > You can see pictures of it at
> >
> > http://photobucket.com/X_axis_stretches_bearing_displaced
> >
> > (I put pictures up before because of a problem that has since been
resolved.)
> >
> > I'm usually running jobs where all 3 axis move at the same time. But today I
was running a kind of test job where a big part of the work was moving only 1
axis at a time.
> >
> > And 1 of the axis, the one on the gantry that most people wire up as X, but
I've hooked it up as Y, is misbehaving badly.
> >
> > The job I'm running is 5 square pockets inside 5 circles all placed on a 2
foot by 2 foot piece of birch plywood.
> >
> > So the squares are centered inside the circles because I told them where to
go mathematically, with a spreadsheet and precise coordinates.
> >
> > But while the job is running I see that the squares are not being machined
as squares, they are coming out as rectangles with the axis, Y for me, that
moves back and forth on the gantry coming out longer than the X axis which is
driven by the ball screw under the table.
> >
> > As I'm watching I notice that when it is the Y axis' turn to move that
sometimes it will stop during its move. Sometimes long enough for me to say "one
thousand". That's a long time!
> >
> > After the pause it moves again. I see pauses in both directions Y+ and Y-.
> >
> > Of course I look for mechanical signs. And I see that there are a series of
gouges on the lower weight bearing structure that the linear bearings are riding
on.
> >
> > So it has the appearance of something binding. What is the trouble shooting
procedure for this? Do I have to tear down the gantry? Ack!
> >
> > Everything looks so square and straight. I don't understand how it can be
getting stuck. And it looks like it gets stuck in the same places for the most
part.
> >
> > Is this par for the course?
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> www.machsupport.com - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Is Norton installed on the computer that is running your machine? Did your
machine work ok before the norton update? I think Norton isn't letting Mach 3
write to the .xml file to save your settings. Your computer that runs your
machine shouldn't have anything other that the operating system and Mach 3
installed no other bells or whistles. Antivirus software CAD CAM internet really
should be done on a second stand alone computer. Look at the optimization
recommendations on the Mach 3 download page.

Eric

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, qconvers@... wrote:
>
> Ummm I got what I thought was a Norton update on my lap top the other day.
> Now Norton won't load because access is denied to the definitions folder.
> I've  tried giving everyone permission to the 'empty' folder but it won't
> have it.  System restore does nothing and I've reinstalled Norton many
times...
> even in  'safe mode'.  But still 'access denied' to the empty definitions
> folder.
>
> After reading what you just said Jeff, I think it's format and reinstall
> Windows time.
>
> I've formatted the Hard drive on an other PC before and even installed XP
> on the drive. But as soon as you
>
> put it back in the laptop the clever thing installs Vista.  I wish I  could
> find where it stores Vista... I'd rip it out :0)
>
>
> I searched  YouTube the other day and someone gives a clever way to force
> permissions for a  file, which worked on another problem I had, but not
> Norton.  I must have a  virus that wants Norton out of the way...
>
> Regards Dave  K
>
>
>
>
>
> In a message dated 21/05/2012 15:56:08 GMT Daylight Time,
> birt_j@... writes:
>
> >but  for some reason, (known only to MS)
> >you have to have  everyone/administrator/user(your login name)
> >all set to full  permissions
>
>
>
> Actually there is a very good reason for this. One  of the tricks that
> viruses like to play is to replace a system file with a  virus laden file.
> Since they have the same name and still 'work' you don't  know the
> difference. When a file or folder is owned by the system it makes  it really
> tough for a virus to replace it (no matter what access level the  current
> user has.)
>
>
>
> This is a bit of a PITA at times but it  does make sense. I have found that
> if you download a file or even burn it  to CD it can cause it to marked as
> 'read only' when you go to install that  file on another PC. I've also heard
> of some guys who have problems  downloading a file (plug-in, etc) on a Mac
> and then try to transfer it to a  PC to use with Mach.
>
>
>
> Jeff  Birt
>
> Soigeneris.com
>
>
>
> From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com  [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com]
> On Behalf Of Inventor
> Sent:  Monday, May 21, 2012 8:42 AM
> To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> Subject:  [mach1mach2cnc] Re: Mach not saving settings
>
>
>
>
>
> In  Win7 you should have a right click option to "take
> ownership" of any  folder(s).
> Also, (Like one of the other guys said) Go into  properties/
> permissions -- Some times just having "everyone" with  full
> permissions will do, but for some reason, (known only to MS)
> you  have to have everyone/administrator/user(your login name)
> all set to full  permissions.
>
> Grandpa Bill
>
> --- In  mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com>  , art2 <fenerty@> wrote:
> >
> > Zeke:
> >
> > Since  its win7, try running Mach3 by selecting "right click Run As
> Admin",
> Win7  may be refusing to update the xml file.. though it shouldnt..
> >
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Art
> > www.gearotic.com
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Zeke
> > To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:mach1mach2cnc%40yahoogroups.com>
>
> > Sent: Sunday, May  20, 2012 10:47 AM
> > Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Mach not saving  settings
> >
> >
> >
> > With all the expertise here I know  someone will have an answer and an
> explanation for me.
> >
> > I  have been trying to get my CNC router table set up and am  getting
> frustrated with Mach not saving my settings. Every time I go start  up Mach
> I
> have to go into config and re-enter my input pins info -  specifically
> setting the active low on all my limit switches. Each time I  set them I go
> to the config menu and select save settings. Am I missing  something really
> simple? I also have to set up the probing info and TCP TP  and MTM settings
> as well. How do I get Mach to save all this so I don't  have to spend an
> hour
> getting the settings correct every time I start  Mach?
> >
> > Thanks for any help,
> >
> > Zeke
> >
> > Windows 7 Ultimate 32
> > Mach3 version Version  R3.043.037
> > MachStdMill version 1.1.7 Professional
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have  been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this  message have been  removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> www.machsupport.com  - Web site AccessYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Hey guys just looking at my options for upgrading my machine to optical
limit switches. [have prox switches running on 12vdc but don't think I
can use them on my new setup due to TTL level voltage req'd]
    
    I did some searches on Digikey and came across a couple. I'd like
to keep my switches such that it's NC when off the switch [nothing new
there :)]
   My search on Digikey brought up these two possibilities..
    
   http://www.optekinc.com/datasheets/OPB960-990_SERIES.PDF
    
   http://www.optekinc.com/datasheets/OPB917.PDF
    
    
   I'm sure that any of these would do the trick but as in most cases
there is always a 'best' pick..... I'm thinking that the second link
holds the key to what I'm needing but I'd like a second oppinion from
anyone who has more knowledge that I w/ this electrical 'stuff'  [not
hard btw as I'm pretty limited in this area ;)]
    
   Other Options?  Personal experiance? 
    
   Love to hear about it.
    
   Thanks!
    
   Jarrett Johnson
    
    

Take a look here for details on optical limit switch:

http://www.vinland.com/Opto-Interrupter.html

Bertho



From:  Jarrett Johnson   Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 00:15



Hey guys just looking at my options for upgrading my machine to optical
limit switches. [have prox switches running on 12vdc but don't think I
can use them on my new setup due to TTL level voltage req'd]

  I did some searches on Digikey and came across a couple. I'd like
to keep my switches such that it's NC when off the switch [nothing new
there :)]
My search on Digikey brought up these two possibilities..

http://www.optekinc.com/datasheets/OPB960-990_SERIES.PDF

http://www.optekinc.com/datasheets/OPB917.PDF


I'm sure that any of these would do the trick but as in most cases
there is always a 'best' pick..... I'm thinking that the second link
holds the key to what I'm needing but I'd like a second oppinion from
anyone who has more knowledge that I w/ this electrical 'stuff'  [not
hard btw as I'm pretty limited in this area ;)]

Other Options?  Personal experiance?

Love to hear about it.

Thanks!

Jarrett Johnson





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

I wrote a pretty good Mastercam Post Processor for Mach3.  My Post Processor
works With Mastercam X5 but should work fine with all versions X and above.

Here is the web address.
http://www.fastsights.com/bridgeport-manuals/

Right mouse click on the Mach3Generic link and Save Link As to your computer. 
Open the file with notepad and near the top of the file are instruction on how
to install the post processor.  IMPORTANT, don't resave the file because that
would add a .txt extension.

I and a number of others have been using this post processor for a while with
very good results.

This post processor is specifically designed for enabling tool changes, and
returns the spindle to 0,0,0 when at the end of the program or requesting a tool
change.  It's also completely compatible with using the tool table, etc.

There you go!

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "Wally" <sailorwally@...> wrote:
>
> Thank you.
> I will try that and hopefully I will get the result I am looking for.
>
> Wally
>
> --- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, fortino tan <fortino_tan@> wrote:
> >
> > You can use Fanuc post processor from Mastercam X to be used in Mach3
> >
> >
> > Fortino
> >
> > Sent from my iPad
> >
> > On 21 Mei 2012, at 18:33, "Wally" <sailorwally@> wrote:
> >
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > Is there a post processor available that I can use with MasterCAM X to
communicate with Mach3 to operate a CNC Router that I built several years ago?
> > >
> > > I am not very computer literate and this step is confusing me.
> > >
> > > I have had a copy of Mach 3 for a number of years and all I have ever done
with it is to jog my Router to check it for squareness. I have been drawing with
MasterCAM X for a number of years and I am just now learning how to input tool
information and do back plots.
> > >
> > > My intent is to cut parts on my router for a Flying Wing Sailplane that I
want to start building as soon as I can make the Router operational.
> > >
> > > Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
> > >
> > > Thanks.
> > >
> > > Wally
> > >
> > > Building in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

If your proximity switches are working fine I wouldn't dump them.  All it takes
is an optoisolator or transistor to convert the 12V signal switn to TTL levels. 
Much easier solution than remounting all the sensors.  Anyway, for EMI immunity
you should have optoisolators on all input lines connecting to the PC. It's just
good practice and easy to do.

Craig

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, "Jarrett Johnson" <hjjohnson@...> wrote:
>
>
>
> Hey guys just looking at my options for upgrading my machine to optical
> limit switches. [have prox switches running on 12vdc but don't think I
> can use them on my new setup due to TTL level voltage req'd]
>    
>    I did some searches on Digikey and came across a couple. I'd like
> to keep my switches such that it's NC when off the switch [nothing new
> there :)]
>   My search on Digikey brought up these two possibilities..
>    
>   http://www.optekinc.com/datasheets/OPB960-990_SERIES.PDF
>    
>   http://www.optekinc.com/datasheets/OPB917.PDF
>    
>    
>   I'm sure that any of these would do the trick but as in most cases
> there is always a 'best' pick..... I'm thinking that the second link
> holds the key to what I'm needing but I'd like a second oppinion from
> anyone who has more knowledge that I w/ this electrical 'stuff'  [not
> hard btw as I'm pretty limited in this area ;)]
>    
>   Other Options?  Personal experiance? 
>    
>   Love to hear about it.
>    
>   Thanks!
>    
>   Jarrett Johnson
>    
>    
>

Optical is only good if you can be sure you can keep the dirt away from them, if
you can’t you’ll start spending too much time cleaning them as they think
they have been flagged as a limit half way through the job.

Most prox switched are pnp or npn output, but 24V, so can pull up to the supply
which would give you a 24V output, or pull to ground so can switch any other
voltage supplied by a pull up resistor to ground.

If they are the type that pull up to 24V, you can simply use a resistor
attenuator to get down to a TTL level, with quite a few bob’s due to their
internal input makup, this only requires a series resistor in the connection to
your 24V signal.

If it’s the type that switches to ground, the you use a pull up resistor to
your TTL 5V supply, and let the prox switch switch it to ground.

Since you’re already running with prox switches, I doubt there’s any
improvement to be had switching to optical, I’d tend to stay with the prox and
wire them accordingly.



Regs Mark





From: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Jarrett Johnson
Sent: 22 May 2012 05:15
To: mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Recommended Optical Limit Switches







Hey guys just looking at my options for upgrading my machine to optical
limit switches. [have prox switches running on 12vdc but don't think I
can use them on my new setup due to TTL level voltage req'd]

  I did some searches on Digikey and came across a couple. I'd like
to keep my switches such that it's NC when off the switch [nothing new
there :)]
My search on Digikey brought up these two possibilities..

http://www.optekinc.com/datasheets/OPB960-990_SERIES.PDF

http://www.optekinc.com/datasheets/OPB917.PDF


I'm sure that any of these would do the trick but as in most cases
there is always a 'best' pick..... I'm thinking that the second link
holds the key to what I'm needing but I'd like a second oppinion from
anyone who has more knowledge that I w/ this electrical 'stuff'  [not
hard btw as I'm pretty limited in this area ;)]

Other Options?  Personal experiance?

Love to hear about it.

Thanks!

Jarrett Johnson







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

I use the 3D probe from Wildhorse Innovations.
Works OK.

In MSM there are quite a few probing possibilities.
Corner finding of the workpiece I have used most at this time.
Place the probe above the corner, a few millimeters of the x- and y- sides.
Activate the probe and it does the work. It will rest exactly above the corner.

Learning is another story as English is not my native language (Dutch is ) I
have to read several times to comprehend the text.
Dave helped me out here several times.

First read the lot as a guide to the MSM program and the focus on the part you
want to master.
In my case the probing bit.

I still like MSM very much.

Jos

--- In mach1mach2cnc@yahoogroups.com, Chris <microcnc_31@...> wrote:
>
> Great, please share your experiences with 3D probe. How does it work?. How
> easy is to learn this without reading 300 pages documentation or teaching
> yourself a new software again?. What are all the features they offer?.
>
>
> Thanks;
>
> Chris
>
>
>
>
> Chris,
>
> I use MSM for milling and I am happy with it.
>
> You change screens via the settings common page, top panel, load screen
> button.
>
> It uses a 3D probe for what you want.
> Mastering all the features takes a while but, in my opinion. it is worth
> spending the time.
>
> Dave takes the time to help you out and there is a forum for questions too.
>
> For turning you need the latest Beta of MSM
>
> Jos,
> Holland
>
>