Originally Posted by
UglyMachine
Hello,
I cannot get basic functionality out of my factory-installed CNC. I cannot get something as simple as a 1-axis jog out of it. It has always had this problem, and I need to repair it.
Whenever I power up the GeckoDrive, its fault light comes on, and it reports a fault to Mach 3. The error light comes on even if the parallel cable is removed, so I don't think the problem is in my computer set up.
If you are using the new Gecko 540 drives, check the small slide switch marked " charge pump" this must be in the ON position.
Using an Ohmmeter, I confirmed that, with the front-panel switch in the up position, there is a short-circuit between pins 10 and 12 of the GeckoDrive, so the problem is not the E-Stop circuitry.
If this is the motor engage / disengage switch, it may be upside down- in the disengage mode it will cause the fault lite to come on.
No matter what I do, the GeckoDrive sends a reset signal to Mach 3. If I click on the 'reset' button in Mach 3, the software reports that it has received a reset signal and the reset button in Mach 3 continues flashing. This happens with the Patriot's front-panel switch in the up position and in the down position.
I'm fairly certain that I have Mach 3 set up properly, but I cannot be sure because the instructions included with the machine are vague and in many places incorrect.
Can somebody give me some clues as to the cause?
Thanks,
UglyMachine