CNC help

dunkelcustomcue

dunkelcustomcue

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Okay here we go again. I have a ghost in my system and can't track it down. Here is the specs;
Align Rite Gantry machine
Flashcut

Here is the problem. My Z axis will only go + no matter what direction I jog it in.
I tried troubleshooting and the problem had gotten worse spreading to my Y axis. Somehow the Y axis fixed itself. Here is what I tried so far;
Changed out the controller
Switched the Y axis with the Z axis. Motor worked in both directions
Switched out the Flashcut box
Switched computers

None of the above remedied the problem. I'm leaning towards it being a cable problem. A well known cue maker recommended a new controller system that I am saving up for. Till then I have to make this work.
 
Check ALL your settings!

Check ALL your settings!
Are you using Mach3?

dunkelcustomcue said:
Okay here we go again. I have a ghost in my system and can't track it down. Here is the specs;
Align Rite Gantry machine
Flashcut

Here is the problem. My Z axis will only go + no matter what direction I jog it in.
I tried troubleshooting and the problem had gotten worse spreading to my Y axis. Somehow the Y axis fixed itself. Here is what I tried so far;
Changed out the controller
Switched the Y axis with the Z axis. Motor worked in both directions
Switched out the Flashcut box
Switched computers

None of the above remedied the problem. I'm leaning towards it being a cable problem. A well known cue maker recommended a new controller system that I am saving up for. Till then I have to make this work.
Click to expand...
 
I'm using Align Rite. Because the Y axis had the same problem and it went away I'm pretty sure it's not a settings problem. Thanks!
 
I feel for you

I feel for you when I built my wooden cnc machine Mach3 it was a complete brain cloud...electrical problems, lead screw bent, and mis configuring of program. Now all works but I cant figure out how to make the drawings even with the wizards. and free a9cad program. Maybe you can help me?



dunkelcustomcue said:
I'm using Align Rite. Because the Y axis had the same problem and it went away I'm pretty sure it's not a settings problem. Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
One doesn't draw in Mach3. The wizards are for profiles and such that aren't generally needed in cuemaking. You need a CAD program to draw. I'm not familiar with a9cad, but there are BobCad videos on YouTube. That'll get you on your way. If you're not familiar with CNC, read manuals, buy videos, and learn from whatever tutorials you can find. CNCZone is a wealth of info, and is probably where you should be asking your CNC questions. You'll probably find folks more helpful when specific questions are asked.
 
You most likely have one circuit open to your stepper.

The 4 wires are for A, A-, B, B-. You've lost either one of the A's or one of the B's.

Turn off the power so you don't smoke anything. Go back and tighten all your wiring connections. Often the screw down crimps will loosen over time.

Whatever you do, don't short anything out or break a circuit when the power is on. Spikes can kill your drivers.
 
I thought one could make drawings of inlay shapes in the wizards?


ELBeau said:
One doesn't draw in Mach3. The wizards are for profiles and such that aren't generally needed in cuemaking. You need a CAD program to draw. I'm not familiar with a9cad, but there are BobCad videos on YouTube. That'll get you on your way. If you're not familiar with CNC, read manuals, buy videos, and learn from whatever tutorials you can find. CNCZone is a wealth of info, and is probably where you should be asking your CNC questions. You'll probably find folks more helpful when specific questions are asked.
Click to expand...
 
the kidd said:
I thought one could make drawings of inlay shapes in the wizards?
Click to expand...

Just because there are many things Mach can do, especially with some of the wizards, doesn't mean it's the easiest or best way to do them.

The thread milling wizard is pretty good, but I don't like any of the others.

For inlays, I strongly recommend the BobCad software. Yes, there are more robust softwares that are much better, but for the majority BobCad is pretty good. Yes, they hound you about upgrades and all that, but it's still a pretty good choice.

If you're a good negotiator, you can get a pretty good deal for it. Go to their website and download the trial software. You'll have to enter all your information, and they will call you. Negotiate a good price and buy it. If you really intend to do inlays, it's probably the best way to go. Most who can provide you some help with questions you will have will be on it.
 
Your correct they are obnoxious

I downloaded a trial but it wont open on my puter. I tried their support and a salesmen bend my ear off. To hell w them. Maybe I can find a bootlegger.







RBC said:
Just because there are many things Mach can do, especially with some of the wizards, doesn't mean it's the easiest or best way to do them.

The thread milling wizard is pretty good, but I don't like any of the others.

For inlays, I strongly recommend the BobCad software. Yes, there are more robust softwares that are much better, but for the majority BobCad is pretty good. Yes, they hound you about upgrades and all that, but it's still a pretty good choice.

If you're a good negotiator, you can get a pretty good deal for it. Go to their website and download the trial software. You'll have to enter all your information, and they will call you. Negotiate a good price and buy it. If you really intend to do inlays, it's probably the best way to go. Most who can provide you some help with questions you will have will be on it.
Click to expand...
 
Well another day wasted. Started on it this morning and looked at the 25 pin sub d. Shook the plug and got the Z Axis to work. Got all exited and thought I found the problem. Went to Radio Shack and replaced the plug. Didn't take care of the problem. For a time it actually worked then went back to not working. Now on and off the Y Axis is doing the same thing! Did I Mention It's driving me insane!!
 
dunkelcustomcue said:
Well another day wasted. Started on it this morning and looked at the 25 pin sub d. Shook the plug and got the Z Axis to work. Got all exited and thought I found the problem. Went to Radio Shack and replaced the plug. Didn't take care of the problem. For a time it actually worked then went back to not working. Now on and off the Y Axis is doing the same thing! Did I Mention It's driving me insane!!
Click to expand...

Last resort might be to get an off-board printer port.
PCI to DB25 like this.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Keep-old-pr...rnal_Port_Expansion_Cards&hash=item1e738730c7
Boot to the BIOS and make sure you disable the built-in LPT port.
I did not use my built-in LPT port when I had Mach2 going.
 
It's almost certainly a connection. Put some nice close-up pictures of every connector & maybe someone here can help you determine the culprit. The connection from the direction pin on the db-25 to your driver is an obvious suspect.
 
Just curious, are you working with a PC or a laptop? Cables are cheap.


Jim
 
Steve, You hit the nail on the head! I have 12 cues That need to be finished up and this is really driving me insane. Most of my CNC work is done, but my Obsessive compulsive side had kicked in and I can't let it go!

I've tried it with the new Flashcut box and have the same problem. Changed the leads from the Flashcut box to Controller and the Axis that I switch with has the same problem. I need to get some good wire and CN1 connectors and make up a new wire. Anyone have suggestions for a good wire and source for CN1 Connectors?

Mc2, I'm working with two different PC's and two different Flashcut boxes and have the same problem when hooked up to either one.

dchristal, I agree that's the only part that I haven't changed out. Problem is I'm short on time and need to get some CN1 Connectors.
 
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I have seen something similar before!

If you change everything else out, try the keyboard. I have seen where chips get stuck in the keyboard and cause issues. If you have a stuck job key for the Z axis maybe. It is a long shot but you are running out of things to try.

good luck, Jim.
 
Re-solder and check ALL connections you will fix it.

Re-solder and check ALL connections you will fix it.
Excuse me for butting in but I went nuts as well a couple of years ago with gremlins and it turned out to be the ground terminal which I re-soldered to solve.


dunkelcustomcue said:
Well another day wasted. Started on it this morning and looked at the 25 pin sub d. Shook the plug and got the Z Axis to work. Got all exited and thought I found the problem. Went to Radio Shack and replaced the plug. Didn't take care of the problem. For a time it actually worked then went back to not working. Now on and off the Y Axis is doing the same thing! Did I Mention It's driving me insane!!
Click to expand...
 
Success! Ran around all day trying to find 22 gauge 10 wire shielded cable. I couldn't find any, so I picked up some 22 gauge 4 wire shielded from Home Depot. All axis are functioning fine! This should get me through the Expo till I can order the parts to do it right. Thanks to all for the assistance!
 
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