[Wdwkr53]

I have a homemade machine using Mach3 and an old XP with a parallel cable. The first thing I noticed was my auto zero touch off pad didn't make a connection to stop the downward Z travel. Then I noticed my Ref All didn't move when pressed. Upon investigation, the machine coordinates reset to 0,0,0 without the gantries moving. Next I hooked up a laptop I use on my metal minimill and it did the same thing. Also, it kept changing the input signals as to high/low settings. I'd fix it so the reset button would be happy, then random settings would turn yellow and it would change on me. So I went back to the XP and noticed that none of the limit switches activated at all anytime. So I opened up my control box to see if anything was amiss. I do have 36vdc and all the wires seemed tight. I sounds like a stray signal or power supply wavering, but I don't know where else to check. The breakout board is lit, but maybe it is dying. What should I replace or check next? It actually ran part of a 1+ hour program without faulter, but then suddenly quit.

[ger21]

The only thing I know of that would cause Mach3 settings to randomly change would be a pirated Mach3 license file.

[Wdwkr53]

I remembered one more oddity. While connected to the laptop through USB, the UC100 would randomly go offline. If that also happens with the XP parallel port (it doesn't pop up any message), then could it be the C10 parallel connector or the board?

[RCaffin]

It DOES sound like a faulty connection somewhere.

Cheers
Roger

[ger21]

If the UC100 is losing connection, it's an issue with the USB connection to the UC100.

[RCaffin]

Or maybe the USB port on the PC. One port on my desk machine is decidely wobbly.

Cheers
Roger

[Wdwkr53]

I got my new C10 BOB today and replaced the other. Now it works fine and I did a 1/2 hour job without a hitch. Damn electronics. They're like employees on crack -- undependable!

[RCaffin]

Most electronics are quite reliable, until they have been ... cracked?

Cheers
Roger

[Wdwkr53]

I contacted Keiling and they had Arturo from CNC4PC contact me. He suggested checking for a ground loop. I went back to my old WinXP and parallel port and all was working well until yesterday. I was into about an hour run when the machine suddenly stopped and tripped the reset button. The bit wasn't jammed. I couldn't reset, so looked on the Diagnostics tab and all switches were lit up! Next, I unplugged the parallel cable and all the lights went out but nothing worked. Then I put my UC100 cable on the laptop and the same indication of all lights on happened. The NEW C10 board has a green status light and nothing has changed. I reset all the jumpers. It appears as if there is a sudden "reverse sensing" of the parallel port.