[Lappy]

hey Gerry thanks for that, definitely did the trick.

I just added the cap (.1uF) to the input pin and to ground and it has seemed to of done the trick.

Thanks again for the great screen set really makes a difference especially when your on the cnc a lot.

Cheers
Glenn

[Analias]

Gerry have you heard of any problems with referencing-all with the latest development version of Mach3. I installed R3.043.067 while trying to deal with an ESS issue. If I call "reference all" it references the Z axis and stops, no messages or errors. Pressing the individual reference axis icons works.

If I run the M884.m1s macro (original/unmodified) in the VB editor, I can step through the code and each axis will reference, but running the whole macro without stepping through it only causes the Z axis to reference.

When I upgraded to the new version, I backup my current version and did a fresh install of Mach3, your screens, and then copied my macros, plugins, config, and license file over to the new install. The configs look right.

Could I have missed something when upgrading?

[Analias]

Quick update. If I uncomment the "While IsMoving()...Wend" blocks the macro will run all the way through.

[ger21]

No, I haven't heard anything. I'll take a look at it.

When upgrading to a new version, you really just need to install it over the top. No need to do all the stuff your doing.

[Analias]

What is the purpose of the "De-ref All Axis" button? When should it be used?

[ger21]

Quick update. If I uncomment the "While IsMoving()...Wend" blocks the macro will run all the way through.

OK. This was just reported last week.
.067 was released to stop this from happening with the parallel port. It may have broken the ESS.
I just reported this issue.

As for the De-Ref, I really don't know when you'd use it. It's in the stock screen, so I added it.

[Arbo]

Is there really any reason to upgrade mach3 if what you have is working just fine? No doubt there are probably some 'bug' fixes, but I am using the same version I bought, downloaded and installed years ago, and so far haven't seen any problems.

[ger21]

Imo, you shouldn't upgrade unless you need a feature that your version doesn't have, or need a bug fix.
Every version has bugs, so if you have a version that works, it's a good idea to stick with it.
I'm using 3.42.020.

[Analias]

Is there really any reason to upgrade mach3 if what you have is working just fine? No doubt there are probably some 'bug' fixes, but I am using the same version I bought, downloaded and installed years ago, and so far haven't seen any problems.

In my case, the ethernet SmoothStepper is only supported by more recent releases of Mach3, and I'm trying to solve a problem with the ESS on my CNC router. Normally, I would stick to a version that works and only consider a newer version if it provided new features I _needed_ or fixed a problem I'm experiencing.

[GG67]

Gerry,

I just purchased the screen set (but have not used it yet) and have read through every post in this thread to see if my question has been addressed before so having not found the answer I will post it here.

- I am going to use this on an LMS3900 Mill with a CNC kit.
- I am using a G540.
- I will have a "fixed plate" (Touch and Tool Probe from CNC4PC).

My question(s):
- Is there (or can there be) a button to set Z0 without using a movable plate?
- Do I just use the "Z Zero" button next to the Z DRO?

My scenario:

I find my top of part the old fashioned way by bringing 1st tool to the top of my raw material (clamped in a vise) and use a thin (.0015") shim between the tool and raw material and set this as Z0.

I will then use the fixed plate for each subsequent tool change.

Great looking screen set.

Thanks,
GG67

[ger21]

My question(s):
- Is there (or can there be) a button to set Z0 without using a movable plate?
- Do I just use the "Z Zero" button next to the Z DRO?

Yes, just use the Z zero button.

My scenario:

I find my top of part the old fashioned way by bringing 1st tool to the top of my raw material (clamped in a vise) and use a thin (.0015") shim between the tool and raw material and set this as Z0.

I will then use the fixed plate for each subsequent tool change.

Unfortunately, that won't work. In order to use the fixed plate, Mach3 has to know where it is relative to the original Z zero that you're setting. This is normally done with the macro that uses both plates.
What you would need to do is modify that macro or write a new one to set the reference position of the fixed plate. The location is stored in a DRO that's located off the screen (hidden from the user).

I just took a quick look, and it looks like it might be as simple as stripping out the part of the macro that probes to the movable plate.
If you really want to do it this way, and need help with the macro, send me an email.

[ger21]

There's an open source pendant that works with Mach3 on Kickstarter right now.
If anyone using the 2010 Screenset is interested in it, I'll have modified versions of the 2010 screens available when it's finished.
Jog It! Open source controller pendant for EMC2 and Mach3! by Jerome miles — Kickstarter

[ger21]

There's an open source pendant that works with Mach3 on Kickstarter right now.
If anyone using the 2010 Screenset is interested in it, I'll have modified versions of the 2010 screens available when it's finished.
Jog It! Open source controller pendant for EMC2 and Mach3! by Jerome miles — Kickstarter

[LouF]

Gerry, with the open source pendant will be able to input for the Park position and the auto zero routines?


Lou

[ger21]

I believe that you'd need to change the firmware in the pendant, and assign a shortcut key to the Auto Zero button in a screen editor.
You'd probably also want to make some new buttons for the pendant?

[LouF]

Gerry, thanks sounds like to much bother for me..


Lou

[Lars65]

I have bought it, but not got it delivered.

[ger21]

I sent you a PM.

It amazes me how many ISP's block emails with attachments without the recipient's knowledge.

[adprinter]

Gerry,
I've been working with the 2010 screen set, the last couple of days. Finally got things wired up and working correctly. There is one item, that would be a very nice improvement: an audible Beep, anytime the Probe LED is lit up. My computer screen faces away from my machine, and it is awkward trying to set up a mirror at a viewing angle which allows me to see when the Probe LED is lit up. I realize that this could quickly become an annoyance, so perhaps a button script to turn this feature on, or off would make for the best over all improvement.
I did have some issues, in getting the tool change macro to function correctly (since my machine has almost 7 inches of Z travel). The initial Auto Zero would function great in setting the Z Zero using the movable plate. However, when it then moved to the fixed plate, the tool would come down 6 inches, then slow jog down to 6.25 inches (Never actually contacting the fixed probe plate) and then it would reset the Z approximately .5" too high. After several attempts at editing the macro script to correct this problem (increase it to 7 inches of probe travel), I ending up simply raising the fixed plate's mounting to bring it within the 6 inch range. And restoring the original (un-edited) macro script.
This seems to have corrected the problem, since the stock I had mounted on the table is over an inch thick. I am curious to see what it will do, if I mount a thinner piece of stock on the table (thereby making the distance of the movable probe plate at a height which is BELOW the distance to the fixed probe plate from the Z Home switch). The problem may return.
But for now, I absolutely LOVE this thing! It has turned my machine into the Robot I have always wanted! THANKS for a Great Product!

[ger21]

After several attempts at editing the macro script to correct this problem (increase it to 7 inches of probe travel)

You only need to change one number in the macro to do this. I'll post an example later today.

As for the beep, I don't know if it's possible. I think you can get Mach3 to play a .wav file. I'll look into it.