Hi, Folks.
I'm setting up my machine and I've run into a really weird problem. Hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I'll try to keep this as short as I can, but it's a complex issue:
I've got a G540 connected to a VFD using the G540's variable-voltage outputs (three wires - Hi, Lo, Signal).
The G540 should theoretically be looking for a PWM signal on Pin 14 from the computer running Mach 3.
For a long time, I was able to get the spindle to turn on and off through Mach 3, but I couldn't regulate the speed at all.
I then noticed that when I checked the "Disable Spindle Relays" box in Mach's Spindle Setup tab, the spindle stopped working. This is odd given that I don't rely on relays.
After a bit of an Ah-Ha, I thought the CW spindle relay output might be being interpreted by the G540 as a 100% duty cycle PWM signal for controlling the Spindle. This shouldn't work since the spindle relay output is on Pin 17, but I figured "what the hell" and switched the Spindle Motor Output to Pin 17. To my amazement it started working. Sorta. The motor "pulses" around the target RPM, but at least it's now variable.
I'm really confused. Why is the G540 listening on Pin 17??? At some level, "if it works, don't ask questions," but it makes me nervous not understanding what's going on.
Also, can anyone clue me in as to what might be causing the pulsing I'm seeing in my Spindle motor at a given rev? I need to make that go away.
Thanks,
-Ben
I'm setting up my machine and I've run into a really weird problem. Hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I'll try to keep this as short as I can, but it's a complex issue:
I've got a G540 connected to a VFD using the G540's variable-voltage outputs (three wires - Hi, Lo, Signal).
The G540 should theoretically be looking for a PWM signal on Pin 14 from the computer running Mach 3.
For a long time, I was able to get the spindle to turn on and off through Mach 3, but I couldn't regulate the speed at all.
I then noticed that when I checked the "Disable Spindle Relays" box in Mach's Spindle Setup tab, the spindle stopped working. This is odd given that I don't rely on relays.
After a bit of an Ah-Ha, I thought the CW spindle relay output might be being interpreted by the G540 as a 100% duty cycle PWM signal for controlling the Spindle. This shouldn't work since the spindle relay output is on Pin 17, but I figured "what the hell" and switched the Spindle Motor Output to Pin 17. To my amazement it started working. Sorta. The motor "pulses" around the target RPM, but at least it's now variable.
I'm really confused. Why is the G540 listening on Pin 17??? At some level, "if it works, don't ask questions," but it makes me nervous not understanding what's going on.
Also, can anyone clue me in as to what might be causing the pulsing I'm seeing in my Spindle motor at a given rev? I need to make that go away.
Thanks,
-Ben