587,998 active members*
1,676 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Posts
    0

    Something HAS to be wrong with my steps per inch....

    Hi folks.

    Im a total newbie, I'll admit.

    Im running a cncrouterparts.com design 80/20 build.

    I'm using a Gecko G540, Nema 23 steppers, 5 start 10 tpi leadscews, and of course mach3.

    I have seen others using steps per inch at "4000"

    200 step motors x 10 microstep drives, x 2 turns per inch on the screws.


    But, my steps per is only accurate around "160". Thats right, one-hundred-sixty.


    I cant figure out what I'm doing wrong. Any ideas?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    You probably have your default units set to mm's. Change to inches and retune the motors.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Posts
    0
    I did check that, I thought it was correct, but now I'm guessing not.

    160 x 25.4 (mm in an inch) = 4064

    Will recheck and report back.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Posts
    0
    Yep. Sure was in "mm"

    Here's where it gets really interesting.

    I reset my steps per inch with mach loaded up with no G code.

    I had to set it to about 100,000 steps per inch to be in the ballpark of 1 inch. I knew this wasnt right, but it worked....sort of....The DRO on mach read 1 inch of movement for 1 inch of travel.

    Then I loaded my G code, and the steps per inch was no longer accurate. It changed, with my G code loaded, to where I wanted to be, 4000 steps per inch.

    Great, I suppose, but why did my "steps per" change when the G code loaded?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    You have a G20 or G21 in your g-code, which is changing the units.

    You're steps per unit isn't changing.

    Set the default units to inches, set the proper steps per inch, and make sure youre g-code doesn't have a G21 in it, and it should work fine.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

Similar Threads

  1. Calculating steps per inch!
    By Pplug in forum DIY CNC Router Table Machines
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 12-10-2010, 12:03 AM
  2. Steps per Inch Question
    By jtluttrell in forum Linear and Rotary Motion
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 01-13-2010, 02:07 AM
  3. Steps per Inch / mm
    By themonster in forum Linear and Rotary Motion
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 08-25-2008, 02:08 PM
  4. steps per inch
    By Chris Tucker in forum Linear and Rotary Motion
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 08-14-2008, 01:50 PM
  5. Steps per inch formula, What I am doing wrong?
    By Noah in forum Gecko Drives
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 05-28-2004, 12:56 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •