I bought a used Minitech Mill2 and it did not come with much in the way of troubleshooting materials. I downloaded Mach 3 to control it. I have the parallel port hooked to my PC, the motor board hooked to the functioning power supply, and the control box plugged in. The spindle is plugged into the control box and runs, so power is making it there. The cooling fan turns on in the box when the power supply is turned on, so power is live there as well. After opening Mach and using the manual control screen (tab button) to test the movement, I'm left with nothing. No stepper motor movement, sound, nothing.

I am a total newb to this, so please help in laymen's terms. I don't know what to do to get this going!

I strongly suggest that you call Jack at Minitech. His website is: http://www.minitech.com He can get you going.

Good luck!

hey there, first thing ya need to do is relax. this will happen.
go here
www.minitech.com/support and download the mach3 that already has the ports and pins ect setup. you may have to play with motor tuning ect but first things first.

Do you have yahoo messenger?

*EDIT* I work closely with Jack on certain problems i am sure he is out of pocket right now, so I will gladly help you.

NOTES: with the minitech link I gave you, you can download not only the motion control software, but also the pdf documentation for the mill. It needs to be noted that the motion control software download is the demo version of mach 3 with the needed setup. if you own the license to mach3 it needs to be copied into the directory or it will limit you.
I am open for some phone support if needed PM me for my phone number.

Well I downloaded the Minitech version of Mach3 and this time was greeted by a clicking sound when trying to move the x-axis. Y & Z remained non-functional.

Thanks for the links, I hadn't seen that on the Minitech site before. I tried e-mailing them a couple weeks ago, but did not get a response. I'm reading through the whole thing presently.

Jack at minitech is a very busy man. Small operation........

a couple of questions.....
is the computer that mach3 is installed on, is it a dedicated computer for the machine or does it have alot of software installed on it?
There is a test program in the mach3 directory. its called driver test.exe run this program. After running the test the line on the screen should be near flat. if it spikes alot then you may have to find another pc with a clean install of windows xp for a dedicated control.

It is not a dedicated computer, I wanted to test the machine first. I can't find the driver test.exe you speak of. ???

Thanks for all the help.

It's in the Mach 3 folder on your C drive. You may want to do the optimizations if you're using XP as well but the Mach webpages are down at the moment.

may sound like a dumb question but I have to ask, this is on a windows XP computer and not a vista os right?

here is one of the many windows xp optimization files that I know of. Dont do this on your daily computer as some of the services that are disabled you may need for your daily computing needs.

9 times out of 10 you can get away with just a clean install of windows and disable the power management, screen saver ect. Of course you need a fast enough pc. I am running mine on a amd 2100+ which is about a 1.7 ghz processor. My video card is lacking so I disable the tool path screen. Also a ample amount of ram is a good thing.

Yes, it's XP home edition.

I found the DriverTest. When I open it, a small box pops up and disappears too quickly for me to read, and nothing else happens.

interesting, do you have any printers installed to the printer port?

when you installed mach3 you did installed the pulsing driver when it promted you right? Also did you reboot after the install?

What version are you running, click "help" then "about Mach 3 controller".

Also, did you restart after you installed mach 3 BEFORE you used it?

Yes, I have a printer hooked up, it's on a usb port. I fully plan on a dedicated machine very soon, but is that much computing power required just to run the axes via arrows? I want to make sure the machine is fully operational before buying a dedicated computer.

It's version R3.041 just installed today. Yes, I restarted before use.

I don't remember a specific prompt about a pulsing driver, but I installed the full thing agreeing to everything along the way.

reboot your pc and try the drivertest.exe again. The usb printer "SHOULDNT" effect it but it could I guess.

in the device manager there should be a "mach X pulsing engine" as hardware.
the pc specs are required because mach3 uses pulse outputs to the printer port. to jog, no you should require much. but if your machine is not "CLEAN" it will interfere with the pulses

Yes, I have a printer hooked up, it's on a usb port. I fully plan on a dedicated machine very soon, but is that much computing power required just to run the axes via arrows? I want to make sure the machine is fully operational before buying a dedicated computer.


The problem is depending on what you're running on your PC, Mach doesn't like it and that's why the optimization steps can sometimes be necesary. I have to run it or else I get buzzing and grinding sounds through my steppers and it just doesn't work correctly.

Weird that the driver test is not working though, it works perfectly for me and I have the same version as you.:confused:

i just ran the driver test on my internet (Dailey use pc) and even with alot of stuff running and all my crap installed i got a descent pulse stream. its a old p4 3 gig 2 gig ram.

ok, one other thing to do, is lower the kernel speed in mach3. by default the minitech is set to 45,000 lets lower this to 25,000hz
open mach 3 click on config at the top and click on ports and pins. In this screen towards the bottom left you will see kernel speed, click the bubble next to 25000hz click ok, then close mach 3. Then re open (you have to restart mach3 for the change to take effect.

reboot your pc and try the drivertest.exe again. The usb printer "SHOULDNT" effect it but it could I guess.

I pulled out all usb accessories and restarted. Same results as before.

in the device manager there should be a "mach X pulsing engine" as hardware.
the pc specs are required because mach3 uses pulse outputs to the printer port. to jog, no you should require much. but if your machine is not "CLEAN" it will interfere with the pulses

Yes, mach x pulsing engine is there. The submenu mach 3 driver said it was functioning normally as well.

if you cannot run drivertest, then I am going to assume you have a service or resident program that will not allow it to run. If the driver test wont run, then I dont expect mach3 to run either. So now you have a situation. Have another computer you can try it on? Have another hard drive which you can do a clean install of windows xp and mach 3 on? I also hope your not using a laptop.........

if you cannot run drivertest, then I am going to assume you have a service or resident program that will not allow it to run. If the driver test wont run, then I dont expect mach3 to run either. So now you have a situation. Have another computer you can try it on? Have another hard drive which you can do a clean install of windows xp and mach 3 on? I also hope your not using a laptop.........

No, no other pc based machines in the house. Three Macs, but that doesn't help much here. I'm halfway tempted to run down to Staples (only shop in town still open that sells computers) and buying another right now just to see.

You all seem positively leaning towards computer. Would the x axis be trying to energize and move while the others aren't if it was all computer?

Thanks all.

If the driver test won't run, uninstall Mach and then reinstall.

Run msconfig > startup. Uncheck all programs.

Once you have March working, go into motor tuning and set the pulse width to 5uS. Let us know how that works.

This assumes that all pins are set correctly.

if you run to the store and buy a pc you will have more problems then your having now. Why? VISTA...... and the high likley hood of not printer port. DAMN USB!!!!!!

if you have the minitech controller that came with the machine originally (ASSUMING YOU DO) then its a standard config which the mach3 version you downloaded from minitechs site should have everything setup right.

have you checked to make sure that your printer port is infact lpt1 or 378? if you know how to get into your bios (CMOS) and again assuming you know what im talking about........... go into your bios and make sure that the lpt is set to 378 and is either set to SPP or EPP... no EPP 1 or EPP plus modes.

ohhh I just remembered. You were asking about a printer port to driver cable a while back, are you sure you got a straight thru cable?

here is why the assumption of the pc is first and foremost. you cannot run the drivertest. this is critical for mach3. It tells ALOT about the condition of the environment that mach3 has to operate in. Try uninstalling mach 3 then deleting c:/mach3 folder. Reboot. Rerun the minitech mach3 install. Reboot then try running the drivertest. Then come back and tell us it works. Dont skip any of the steps. Especially the last one. And dont come back saying it dont work, I dont want to hear that LOLOL Let us know.

Especially the last one. And dont come back saying it dont work, I dont want to hear that LOLOL Let us know.


lol!!

The cable I got is an IEEE 1284 male to male two way data transfer cable.

It is running on LPT1 0378-037F

I'll go try the un-install/re-install.

I completed all the uninstall/reinstall steps including the reboots. After running the drivertest.exe, the program shows in the file line, but nothing happens. Still no movement from the jog buttons:confused:

Anybody know anything about the Minitech dealer in Vegas? minitechcnc.com?
I'm pretty close to Vegas and he advertises training, maybe I could get him to come help me set it up for a fee.

Did you uncheck all the startup items and set the pulse width to 5uS?

any way you can give me a call? I can walk you thru some of the basic things to check. PM me if so

check your Pm and give me a call......

I was wondering what is the color of your stepper motors? Are they the light blue ones (older)? I remember setting up my Mini-Tech mill, with the program they sold back then, CNC Pro. It had some different options on setup. I remeber the light blue ones required a different menu pick.
Tom

I was wondering what is the color of your stepper motors? Are they the light blue ones (older)? I remember setting up my Mini-Tech mill, with the program they sold back then, CNC Pro. It had some different options on setup. I remeber the light blue ones required a different menu pick.
Tom

They are black Superior Electric stepper motors. I remember seeing a copy of CNC Pro on a disk, but I could not open it, so I went with Mach.

See if the motors have 'Slow-Sync' printed on them. Mine worked with CNC Pro, but I didn't like the program. I never ran a CNC program on that mill. I did a few thing in manual mode. I would guess Mach3 would be a better program. Although I haven't worked with it yet. I didn't notice a tool register in CNC Pro.
Tom

See if the motors have 'Slow-Sync' printed on them. Mine worked with CNC Pro, but I didn't like the program. I never ran a CNC program on that mill. I did a few thing in manual mode. I would guess Mach3 would be a better program. Although I haven't worked with it yet. I didn't notice a tool register in CNC Pro.
Tom
They do have "Slow-Syn" printed on them.

How can it be used in manual mode? I assume I'd have to buy thumbwheels to replace my steppers?

Its probably been 5 years since I ran the machine. I should have used the term MDI or Jog buttons. As I remember I installed the CNC Pro and my stepper motors jittered but didn't move. I think I called or E-Mailed Mini-Tech. The tech support told me to change the menu pick from whatever type of stepper motor to the 'slow-sync' type. Again this was 5 years ago. Then the stuff worked. I am wondering if this is your problem with Mach3. I don't know much about Mach3 or what types of servo/stepper motors it can run. I can try and send you the files for CNC Pro. Since you have a copy of it, I don't see any problem there. I will have to find it though. If this is your problem and Mach3 doesn't mesh with 'slow-sync' stepper motors, you might need to change to a different, compatable stepper or servo motor. Maybe send Mini-Tech, that your motors are 'Slow-Sync' type and if that creates a problem with Mach3 and how to fix it.
Tom

The steppers should not be an issue with mach 3. I got him the correct ports and pins config and how to set it up in mach. he is having a problem with not being able to run the driver test. So that has to be fixed first. I am very confident that mach3 will run this machine.

Welcome to the Zone


We have had the same issue will the drivertest.exe not able to run.

The solution we found was to delete the mach3 directory "C:\mach3" from the hard drive then do a complete re install.

If you reinstall on top without deleting the directory the problem still persists.

Next step clean windows install without any third party software.

Jeff

"Roberts Pal"

P.S. Robert is A Minitech Guru

Not doubt he will have you up and running in a flash!

Jeff...

I'd be interested in the pin cofigurations etc. to set up Mach3 on the Mini-Tech mill. I will probably be selling mine, I have a full size Bridgeport clone (SuperMax). I figure having the machine setup for Mach3 or at least directions for such would be a good selling point.
Tom

After suffering a hard drive demise in the subject computer, I replaced it and installed XP today. Followed the optimization instructions on the first page of this thread. Installed Minitech's Mach3 with all reboots. Configured all ports and pins, and still nothing. Driver test results in nothing and jog controls result in nothing.

Any other ideas? How can I make sure the control box itself is functioning? Cooling fan is blowing, so there is at least power. I'm coming close to selling this and letting somebody with more experience figure it out.

I also installed Mach3 to drive my MiniTech mill. Nothing happening. I could move the axis with CNC Pro II, so the machine does work. I haven't checked the printer port ID and optimized Windows XP. I did put in the pin outputs as in the instrutions I recieved. I'll try again tonight. I did list the mill on E-Bay.
Tom

I also installed Mach3 to drive my MiniTech mill. Nothing happening. I could move the axis with CNC Pro II, so the machine does work. I haven't checked the printer port ID and optimized Windows XP. I did put in the pin outputs as in the instrutions I recieved. I'll try again tonight. I did list the mill on E-Bay.
Tom

Do you have an item number for it on ebay? I'd be interested to see how it does.

Do you have an item number for it on ebay? I'd be interested to see how it does.

The item number is 320283227011. There was one last week that went for about $1500. It was an older model like mine. It was just the mill, with the standard spindle. No power supply, no program and no spindle motor. It was listed as new and even had the protectorant sheet on the plexiglass shield. It started out at $950. I think there were two bidders.
I have been looking at a few different programs, ZuesCNC and Turbo CNC. They both have free downloads from the internet. ZuesCNC's is a trial or demo and TurboCNC is a shareware. I'll how far I get with TurboCNC. Its suppose to work with 486DX or better. The ZuesCNC is 233Mghz or better and both in DOS. I have two 200Mghz at home. I'll give Mach3 another chance though. I have to see what the printer port is and then try the Windows optimizing stuff.
Tom

Anyone know the size of the motors on thses machines? Like NEMA type.
Tom

The Minitech is fitted with nema 23 steppers

Some of them have a special thrust bearing that is attached to the motor.

If you change motors and don't reuse the bearing you will have run out issues.

Most likely you do not have a motor problem, If you cant do a driver test there is something else wrong.

Jeff...

Jeff,
Someone ask on E-Bay what size they are. I checked and searched, but couldn't find an answer. I think its either pin or port selection. I'll try again tonight. Also, the pins from the setup file from the Minitech page and the pins from the instructions sent are different.
Thanks,
Tom

Does your Minitech have the old round style steppers?

The old blue ones are 150 ounce, they should be marked.

Jeff...

Yes they are the old blue ones.
Tom

Tom,

The motor data plate:

I did get the mill running in CNC mode with CNC Pro II last night. I tried again to mess with Mach3. I looked for the printer port call out. It listed LT1 port and some numbers and letters after that. The port callout didn't match any of the ones listed for Mach3. I tried to figure out how to change it, but the MS help isn't very good. I'll surf the net and see if I can get some instrutions that make sense to me.
Tom

if Im understanding you right. the numbers were something like 0x378 this is the physical address assigned to the printer port normally assigned by the computers bios or cmos. To get into the bios most pcs require you to press DELETE or a FUNCTION key F1 F2 ect. on the post screen. This is the very first screen you see when you turn the computer on. Alot of name brand computers hide this screen with a company logo. Most tell you how to enter bios or setup on this screen.

note in the pictures how the printer port address in mach matches the physical resource address in the device manager in windows. Also make sure that the check mark in mach is checked to use the port. Mine is now as I dont use this pc to control a cnc.

I did sell the mill on E-Bay for the opening bid of $950. There was only one bidder. I think 25 watchers and about 800 looks. I did have two offers. One for $800 and the other for $300. I turned both down. Both gave me the your mill is an older one, so its not worth much more than that. One of them bid much higher on a MiniTech mill with maybe a bit newer motors, that wnet for $1576. That one was just the base mill, no extras, no program and I think no motor for the spindle. It was basically new unused though. I was surprised at who bought it and did a double take.
I'm a bit disapointed as the the final price, but that's they way it goes.
Tom

Thanks everybody for your help. I have decided to sell it. If anybody has any interest, here is the link: http://www.cnczone.com/classifieds/showproduct.php/product/2429

pb4ugo,

You might want to take the time to have Fixittt fix it.

Otherwise, you are not going to get anywhere near $3,000.00.

Since is not running you will get very low offers.

Good Luck,

Jeff...

I see most of the value being in the tooling, spindles, etc. Then if an experienced user bought it and got it working, great! Otherwise they may go Gecko or something and still be in it less than $4k, less than the cost of the extras. Am I way off base?

Pb4ugo,

Average old Minitech's like yours sell on eBay for between $750.00 and $1,500.00 for a mint like new one.

Small end mills average around $7.00 each so if you had 200 brand new you might add $1,400.00

Personally, I don't think you will get any interest for what you are asking.

Especially since its not working.

Someone could buy a Brand New Taig for $2k

Jeff..

I am the new owner of this fine mill.
I thought I paid to much but the location and my education went for it anyway.
I think alot of the problems he had was the machine was damaged in shiping. The chip tray was bent along eith the x and y table ways. That stoped the movement of the table. I removed the tray and leveled the x & Y. I got the machine working on a win 98 machine and the original software from 1996. After watching the videos for mach3 it tells you how to find out the port for your printer port and how to set the pins to connect to the mill. I'm trying to find out what those pins are and a replacement step motor for the machine and I think I will have it in business running mach 3.
Any sugestions for a replacement motor and where to find them?
Thanks

Thanks Fixittt.
I should of read the whole post before I reply.
Thanks for the info.