An XML file sets all the ports, pins and other parameters necessary to make your machine run under Mach. You copy it into the main Mach3 folder, then it will show up in the list of Profiles you choose from when opening a program in the Mach3 loader. You can get a Sherline XML (inches or metric) from the Mach FTP site:
ftp://ftp.machsupport.com/XMLs
The other factor that might be operating against you is the laptop. Mach is famous for not getting along with them. The problem is the low voltage coming out of the parallel port. Desktops put out about 5 volts, which Mach needs for its logic control. Laptops put out about 3.3 volts, which isn't enough. Try using a desktop computer, and see if the problem persists. You might be also able to get a PCMCIA card that provides a parallel port for the laptop, if you're determined to use it - Quatech puts out a pretty good one, see:
http://www.quatech.com/catalog/parallel_pcmcia.php
Let us know how it goes for you, okay?
Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com
Originally Posted by roadhog  Hi all yes i have a shirline drive box the set up is new as ive had it about 4 weeks still not made anything yet as the code i produced would not work with the programs it came with on the linex system. So i thought id use my laptop to run mach3 under windows, ha and guess what still no luck its not driving the motors I get a slight hissing from them and thats it any one got any idears, I put the sherline thingy on and i get 1 motor to drive but it will only go one way and sound like its struggerling.
please please i need help this thing is driving me mad.
and big thanks to all for help so far. |