So, I've been working on my conversion and finally got the machine and both axis operational. I have some build pics I can gather up for a future post. I used a 2 axis kit from Probotix and it went together smoothly and integrated pretty well with Mach3, but I do have a couple of issues and questions for some of the more experienced hands with Mach3.
1. When I enter a MDI command, both axis respond as expected. However, when I go to jog mode, the Z axis jogs fine, but the X axis seems like it's shorting out or something and responds speratically at best. Any ideas or settings to check will be appreciated. I'm still familiarizing myself with the settings and options within Mach3.
2. The CNC kit includes functionality for the limit switches and E-stop only. I want to add some buttons and a rotary encoder for programming and control, at the very least, to make the machine more functional and like what I'm used to using. I was thinking of using an Arduino to get the signals in to Mach3 via usb. I'm curious if anyone has integrated more complex control options and how they got the pins in. My issue is that the CNC control card is using the printer port. I could make a junction box and use the pins not being used by the board, but I'm very comfortable with the Arduino platform and feel I could get the most out of it. I don't know how many pins are free.
3. I still have to coordinate my spindle speed. I have a controller that is set up to be controlled with a manual potentiometer by design. I have procured a digital potentiometer IC that can be controlled digitally to set the spindle speed. The spindle pully has a tach mag in it and I have the reed sensor to detect revolution. I'm at a bit of a loss at the moment as to how I will tie it all together with Mach3. If I used the Arduino from the previous question, this question would not be a problem.
Any input will be appreciated. Thanks.
1. When I enter a MDI command, both axis respond as expected. However, when I go to jog mode, the Z axis jogs fine, but the X axis seems like it's shorting out or something and responds speratically at best. Any ideas or settings to check will be appreciated. I'm still familiarizing myself with the settings and options within Mach3.
2. The CNC kit includes functionality for the limit switches and E-stop only. I want to add some buttons and a rotary encoder for programming and control, at the very least, to make the machine more functional and like what I'm used to using. I was thinking of using an Arduino to get the signals in to Mach3 via usb. I'm curious if anyone has integrated more complex control options and how they got the pins in. My issue is that the CNC control card is using the printer port. I could make a junction box and use the pins not being used by the board, but I'm very comfortable with the Arduino platform and feel I could get the most out of it. I don't know how many pins are free.
3. I still have to coordinate my spindle speed. I have a controller that is set up to be controlled with a manual potentiometer by design. I have procured a digital potentiometer IC that can be controlled digitally to set the spindle speed. The spindle pully has a tach mag in it and I have the reed sensor to detect revolution. I'm at a bit of a loss at the moment as to how I will tie it all together with Mach3. If I used the Arduino from the previous question, this question would not be a problem.
Any input will be appreciated. Thanks.