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IndustryArena Forum > Machine Controllers Software and Solutions > UCCNC Control Software > Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)
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  1. #1
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    Question Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Hello,

    Just getting things setup up and running with the new hardware/software.

    I had the system up and running with Mach3 and through the parallel port.
    I was loosing steps due to the PP card issues.
    I got a hold of a smoothstepper for a week and had it running with a couple of clicks.
    Everything works no wiring issues...

    -----

    Now I have a UC300ETH-LPT5 and the software loaded up and plugged in, UC300 detects (And flash auto updated)
    Everything powered up, everything connected and I created a new profile and imported my Mach3 profile.
    (PP cable plugged into port 1 of the UC300)

    The limit switches work. The emerg stop works. The probe works (all signalling correctly through the Diags page)
    The motors lock up, but wont turn? Can't get the spindle to cycle on/off.

    I can't change the STEP/DIR pins, when I change them and click apply, they revert back to zero.

    Thoughts?
    Thanks!
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails P_20170405_195131_vHDR_Auto.jpg   P_20170405_195207_vHDR_Auto.jpg  
    My Build: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/113711-my_build_-_many_thanks.html

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
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    634

    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    I'm not in front of my controller but, I think if you change a value and hit apply, it will revert to whatever it was before. You have to change a value, hit ENTER, then hit apply. You can change as many values as you like before hitting apply but you MUST hit enter when you're done changing a value for it to stick.

    I know for a fact that's true for most numerical settings. If that's not it exactly, it's something similar to that to get the value to stick before hitting apply. I kind of recall having the same issue a few years ago.
    -Andy B.
    http://www.birkonium.com CNC for Luthiers and Industry http://banduramaker.blogspot.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
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    943

    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Pin settings revert back to zero if the setting is not valid and that means that you trying to set an output pin to an input function or an input pin to an output function. the software verifies this and nulls out the value if the setting is invalid.

  4. #4
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    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Okay, thanks,
    So gotta hit enter, then apply, then save.
    If you try to enter an invalid setting, UCCNC wont let you. Good to know.

    What setting I'm missing to get the motors turning?
    My Build: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/113711-my_build_-_many_thanks.html

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
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    943

    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Step port and pin is 0 on your picture so the software will sure not move your motor with these set to 0.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
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    35538

    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    You can only use ports 2 and 3 for what you're doing.
    Ports 1,4, and 5 use pins 2-9 as inputs, which is why it's not working for you.
    You DO NOT need to click Enter IF you use the up/down arrows to select the port and pins. But you DO need to click Enter if you type the numbers in, like in Mach3. (But there's a setting to remove this requirement)
    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)

  7. #7
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    241
    Quote Originally Posted by ger21 View Post
    You can only use ports 2 an 3 for what you're doing.
    Ports 1,4, and 5 use pins 2-9 as inputs, which is why it's not working for you.
    You DO NOT need to click Enter IF you use the up/down arrows to select the port and pins. But you DO need to click Enter if you type the numbers in, like in Mach3. (But there's a setting to remove this requirement)
    I was thinking that. Watched a couple videos and saw the PP cable in port 2. Ill make the switch tonight after work and let you know.
    My Build: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/113711-my_build_-_many_thanks.html

  8. #8
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    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Before I posted, I tested it, and when entering port 1, the values reverted to 0's, but when you use port 2 or 3, they take.
    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)

  9. #9
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    Cool Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Okay, good news. I got movement!

    The Mach3 import didn't pull all the setting over, so I had to go through them all and verify.
    Biggest problem was I plugged into port 1 instead of port 2.
    Once that was done, set up the STEPs and DIR pins and I had movement!

    I installed the 2017 screenset. The Auto Zero macros works as they should, but I'll probably need to tweak the Post Processor to enable the tool change?

    I'm using my old PostP from Mach3 (Mach2_3_ATC_Arcs_inch from Aspire)
    I made a simple two tool toolpath for testing.

    - I first homed the machine
    - Then I ran the Auto Tool Initiate
    - I loaded my code and hit CYCLE START
    - The code ran through to the tool change(The tool was already in) so I hit CYCLE START again.
    - The Machine dropped Z to my safe Z height, and scooted across the table
    - It never went through the sequence of Zeroing the installed tool
    - I let it finish the first tool code
    - When it finished, the spindle shut off, Machine moved Z to safe Z and stopped
    - The Machine did not move to the tool change position
    - I hit CYCLE START again, and the code continued on through toolpath 2
    - When the code finished, the spindle shut off, and the machined moved to the park position.

    - What I found I can do, is once the spindle is off, and its waiting for the tool change, I can click the 'Goto tool change position'
    - There, I changed the tool, then hit the Auto Zero (machine then zero'd)
    - Hit Cycle Start, and everything ran as it should.

    I'm sure it runs like it did in MAch3, and I'm also pretty sure I've missed something again LOL

    -----

    This is my first run/test with the new setup.
    First and biggest thing I noticed was how smooth and QUIET the steppers where! (AMAZING!)
    Gerry's screenset is once again awesome! - So easy to use and move around in.

    Couple notes:
    - There is no 'Recalculate Toolpath' like there is in Mach3?
    - The text in the gcode text window is hard to read due to the colors used.
    - The graphical preview window is nice, but takes a little getting used to as it doesn't show the entire table, just the working area.
    - On the 'CLOSE FILE' button, I would like to see an 'Are you sure' pop-up (I miss clicked it instead of Rewind and lost the code)
    - The CPU usage is was around 6-9% while running in Mach3. CPU usage in UCCNC is 1-3%
    - I would really like to see a 'Verify' feature added... Just for piece of mind.

    More to come as I get some time to play, but so far I'm liking this new setup!
    My Build: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/113711-my_build_-_many_thanks.html

  10. #10
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    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Did you only have one number for both (all?) tools? I believe that it only zeroes the tool if the number changes. If it's the same tool, it doesn't re-zero it.
    I'll have to go back and look into that tomorrow, but I think that's how it works.
    If that's the case, there should be a message - "Tool Change ignored - New tool = current tool"


    - What I found I can do, is once the spindle is off, and its waiting for the tool change, I can click the 'Goto tool change position'
    I would not do that. It should be going to the tool change position.
    If your tools do have different numbers, send me the code, and your profile, and I'll look into this.

    - There is no 'Recalculate Toolpath' like there is in Mach3?
    No, because there's no need for it. If you edit the code, it will recalculate automatically.
    Mach3 sometimes required it, but UCCNC doesn't.

    - The text in the gcode text window is hard to read due to the colors used.
    You can change all of the colors on the Settings page.
    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)

  11. #11
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    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Hi Gerry, technically, its one tool, I did however change the tool number for each toolpath I made.
    (Specifically for this test)

    - It's not going to the tool change position, the machine cuts the toolpath, then stops at the last code, as raises to home position (1.5")
    - I hit Cycle start, the spindle winds up, and it moves to the next code.

    Good to know about the recalculate.

    Attached is the GCode, and the (zipped) VCarve files.

    -----

    The next problem I have is the circles are not round?!
    I guess there are no ARCs in UCCNC yet?

    Also, the GCode that gets created by Aspire, UCCNC says there is unknown gcode?
    Same PostP I used for Mach3.

    Thanks!
    My Build: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/113711-my_build_-_many_thanks.html

  12. #12
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    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Okay, after a little more reading and trial...
    I've found that because I'm still in the imperial age, I needed to adjust the 'Linear and Corner Error' settings.
    - I'll fine tune these later...

    Rounds came out round, but there was a noticeable slowdown, and jerky movement in the rounds.

    Now to play with the Post processor to figure out what gcodes are not supported.
    (Again, using the Post Processor for Mach3 ARC ATC from Aspire - Attached)
    My Build: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/113711-my_build_-_many_thanks.html

  13. #13
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    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Change the two "length" settings also. Divide them by 25 for a starting point.

    Is the current tool # changing on the run screen?

    Send me the UCCNC profile file (.pro).
    I'll look into it this evening. I haven't seen the tool change not working, and have not had any other reports of it.
    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)

  14. #14
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    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Here's my profile.
    Thanks Gerry.
    Attached Files Attached Files
    My Build: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/113711-my_build_-_many_thanks.html

  15. #15
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    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    - It's not going to the tool change position, the machine cuts the toolpath, then stops at the last code, as raises to home position (1.5")
    - I hit Cycle start, the spindle winds up, and it moves to the next code.
    In Settings > Function, set your tool Change Operation to Automatic Tool Changer.
    That should fix it.
    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)

  16. #16
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    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    I was bored
    Here is the complete run of that gcode.
    I just got the movie editor and not sure how it all works yet... just wanted to get this posted.

    https://youtu.be/XT4vYGeiWww
    My Build: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/113711-my_build_-_many_thanks.html

  17. #17
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    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Did you see my previous post?
    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)

  18. #18
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    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Nope, didn't see it, but I swear I (think?!) I tried changing that before?!
    Another brain fart...

    Thanks Gerry, but we're not quite done yet LOL
    The tool change routine is working now...

    I think I still need to edit my PostP.
    - UCCNC still throws an errors about unknown gcode (I know, I can hide the warning, but I'd rather fix it then hide it)
    - At the completion of a toolpath, the spindle doesn't shut off.(No M5 at the end of the toolpath) - <FIXED>
    (I found and edited the PostP)

    Is there another checkbox I missed somewhere?
    Sorry for being a dumbass, and thanks for sorting me out!
    My Build: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/113711-my_build_-_many_thanks.html

  19. #19
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    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    Try using this post.
    Attached Files Attached Files
    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)

  20. #20
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    241

    Re: Converting to UCCNC & UC300ETH-LPT5 (From Mach3/PP/SS)

    K, as noted about, I got the PostP edited to add in the M5 on completion of the toolpath <-- Spindle now shuts off after the toolpath

    So now, I see, at the start of a new toolpath, the tool is zero'd, then raises Z to safeZ, then when
    moving across to the workpiece, Z slowly moves down on a slope towards the work.
    - Meaning I don't think its using the safeZ when moving back towards the work after a toolchange.

    So now, I need to figure out what gcodes are in my PostP which aren't supported by UCCNC.

    ... Just working out load here... Let me know if I'm making too much noise LOL
    My Build: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/113711-my_build_-_many_thanks.html

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