Hi All,

Having difficulty setting up a new PC on a 3 axis cnc router I have previously used.

When running the parallel port test immediately after the system preparation screen it says "Pulsing too fast" then it goes into the "system take over in..." mode and the speed says excellent.

Following this test I am still unable to get any movement out of my motors. I have been through the pin I/O successfully before on this cnc machine and am confident the configuration is correct.

The only reason for moving to a new PC was the old one crashed, it was still under warranty and received this replacement.

I do have a non integrated video card.

Would installing a dedicated parallel port possibly help?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Castleworks

Can you attach your xml please.
Hood

Hi Hood,

Attached is my XML file, it is pretty basic. I am new to Mach3 so hopefully it is something simple I am overlooking and that I just forgot since the last time I ran through the configuration.

Do you have an E-Stop fitted?
When you jog with the keyboard do the DROs move?

Hood

Yes, the readouts move as they should.

I know I am getting power to the motors, as I hear them "engage" when power is applied.

Have you set up the steps per unit correctly as it looks default?
What drives/motors/reduction/ballscrew pitch do you have?

On the diagnostics page is there a Time in Int and a pulse frequency?
Hood

I have not set up the steps, I was thinking the default worked last time simpy to get things running

My ball screw is a 0.5" lead Motors are Keling 1.8 deg / step

On the diagnostics page the pulse freq is 25003 and the time int is varying between 5.8 and 6.0

As an added note I do not see any activity on the breakout board _status LED's) when sending a jog command.

I really appreciate all the suggestions

Ok what kind of breakout?
If you have a volt meter disconnect the port cable from the breakout and you will likely have to change the active state of the E-Stop in Ports and Pins, Inputs to Active Low.
Next put the volt meter on Pin 1 and Pin 25 and jog the X one way then the other, does the voltage change between 5v and 0v depending on jog direction? If yes then check between pin 2 and 25 and jog again, does the voltage show a slight change as you jog?
If yes then it would seem the port is outputting correctly.
If no to either then remove the cable and check directly at the computer port and repeat the checks above.

Hood

Looks like I have a breakout board issue.....

X axis pins vary 0-4.3V when jogged

Y Axis pins vary between 0-3.3 V

Z axis pins vary between 0-3.3 V

The board is from cnc4pc.com  one of their multifunction board.  I will start looking at troubleshooting it

I am not familiar with these boards but I seem to recall some require a power supplied to them so could that maybe  be your problem?

Hood