2x3 build and questions

driver351

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driver351

Well I have finally got everything assembled and I'm loving having this in my garage.

I had a friend put together the laptop for me, It is a Dell Inspiron 600m, that is now 1.5 gig.
Upon some Research I found out in order to get the laptop to communicate from the db25 port properly I had to update the ACPI driver to "Standard PC"
Now I do have some troubles with my setup.
NOTE: I am no computer expert by any means.
I cannot get the laptop to communicate with my gantry kit. Even when I trip the height limit switch the M3 home does not come on in Mach 3( I do have the license installed)
I converted a file I have made to G code with sheet cam and have run it through Mach 3 with no success.(no movement from the gantry)
Here is a list of what I have troubleshot so far:
I have checked the db25 cable and it is not a crossover cable.
I have also gone through the setup instructions 4-5 times and double checked everything.(maybe im missing something simple?)
(my only difference was the notation in my setup disc to set output #3 to port 1 pin 1)
Here are some screen shots I took of the Engine Config.

I'm looking forward to any tips to get me headed in the right direction.

Owen

driver351

I'm also wondering how to go about hooking up the torch trigger to my hypertherm powermax 380. Is the two wire lead coming from the controller box hooked up to a relay internally? so if that's the case just hook it to my trigger on off switch? ( I know this is covered in the set up instructions, I just want to double check)

jeepsr4ever

First off the table looks great! Second you dont have a Z home setting in ports and pins nor any direction settings...did you wipe these out? Did you load the G540XLM file like in the instruction on the site here?

Here is a quick start guide that should get you up and running.

jeepsr4ever

Also found here

http://www.bulltear.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10167

jeepsr4ever

As far as torch relay goes there is already on in the control head you just need to splice the two wires into the plasma cutter for on/off operations.

driver351

I think I messed up installing the G540XLM file, I moved it to the mach3 folder but dont think I installed it. I will let you know how it goes after work tonight. How was fishing? Im leaving for the lake after I play with the programing. Its fishing is suposed to be really good right now.

driver351

I have tried to load the G540XLM file in Mach 3. Once its moved into the folder I right clicked on it. Selected Mach3 to open it, then got a pop up saying plug in installed. So far it hasn't changed my ports and pins config. But I'm off to the lake for the weekend. Fishing and Seeing the Grandparents is Priority. Ill probably speak with you guys monday.

Creepy

Just an observation - first pic - kernel speed setting looks pretty low. will cause jerky motor moves if too high, not sure what happens when its low/on a laptop. iirc recommended is 65000, i've got mine set at 45000. (was jerky, so I slowed it down)

driver351

IT CUTS! got 8 slats done tonight. way more to go.... Im quite happy with how its working. I found out my second mistake on my table design. Looks like I have to mod it. Ill have some pics up after work tomorrow.

driver351

I have now just found another issue. But I would guess its something im not adding to my g code. After saving a file as g code and trying to run it through the machine It will only do the first cut. Then It continues to run through the g code, but will not fire the torch again. What am I missing here?

jeepsr4ever

Usually thats a ground or consumable issue.

driver351

I had patched my ground wire a while ago and It had come loose. That problem is solved. Now is My torch suposed to run constant? It Just fires at the start of the cut, sometimes from the home position as it moves across the table to the initial pierce point. It will do the Initial cut, lift, and move to the second cut without shutting off, and repeat untill the part is cut out.

jeepsr4ever

Sounds like it could be a sticky relay. The relay should click on and off. With the plasma cutter off got o mach 3 and turn your controller on and go to diagnostics and see if output 3 is lit up. If it is you will need to click the active low in ports and pins (output settings) and click active low green for output 3. If it isnt lit up yellow then click spindle toggle and see if you hear the relay click inside the unit. Repeat several times to make sure it is clicking on and off.

driver351

Im sorry for the slow response.
I had a setting wrong.

Im starting to get the hang of things!

This was for a local store

And some Gifts!

driver351

Now would it be possible to retro fit a pencil torch in place of the plasma cutter? I cant see it being a big issue. a local farm equipment dealer is needing brackets cut from 1 inch plate asap. I would be turning the torch on manually.

jeepsr4ever

The torch creates a constant heat source. This can and will expand everything. We dont suggest it on these machines but it is in your possession you can try it.