Mach2 and any other program that runs a CNC machine really needs the full attention of the PC. One job is run in realtime, the one that sends out step and direction pulses. But this job is dependent on the non-realtime task feeding it with data. If another realtime task (like playing music or video) is competing with Mach2, it is not easy to say which of these will win if both needs the CPU at the same time. This probably was never tested as it is not a common scenario. It is also not easy to tell if the Mach2 non-realtime task will get enough CPU time to calculate all the trajectory data in time when it's needed. Windows have no mechanism for setting up task priorities and preempting less important tasks.
So to be on the safe side, let Mach2 be the one and only job run by the PC when running the CNC machine. This is valid for any program doing a job like this, Mach2 is just mentioned because it seems that is what you are using. And if you run into trouble and need to call on Mach2 support, make sure you tell him what other tasks you were running at the same time.
I am in no way affiliated with Mach2 or Artsoft, I write this based on 20 years of experience working with realtime system support.  |