Digitizing probe and WinCNC

[kthomson]

Does anyone have any idea on the connections for a touch probe to the WinCNC controller? I bought a probe from them, which came in a box, with NOTHING else. There are NO instructions for connections. I went through their excuse for a manual, and I thought I had the connections and .ini file modifications figured out, but it doesn't work like it should. If I try to digitize in 'Auto', the Z axis raises to the limit, but does nothing else. I left a message on their "Tech Support", but have not received any reply or acknowledgment that they even received a message.

[Harryman]

Good luck dealing with them. I used WinCNC for 4 years and although the software works fine, dealing with the company is a joke. After your period of "support" runs out, they will refuse to help you unless you pony up something like $400 more for another 6 months or a year (can't remember exactly) of support.

If you're like me, you only have a couple of questions a year when you add a new thing to the system for example. Nope, no help, buy a service contract. The manual is marginal at best, there's no forum of users or anywhere else to turn. Even when you do talk to them, it's like an imposition for them to help you out.

I don't have a probe so I'm afraid I can't help you with it, except to suggest if you have support with the thing, badger them while you can to get it straight. If Troy won't return your calls (he's the support guy), ask for Mike, he's more helpful.

My true suggestion is to dump WinCNC and go with Mach3. A probe's a probe, it'll work with Mach.

[kthomson]

Oddly enough, the only other time I had to deal with them it was great. When my machine was about a year old, I had left a drill laying on the table (plugged in, don't ask why, I don't remember) and while moving the head, the cutter clipped the power cord. That fed back through the frame and took out the boards in my computer. I contacted them, they charged my card (about $600.00 as I remember) and sent me knew ones, next day. That corrected the problem, and when I returned the original boards, the credited my card and I don't think it cost me but about $110.00 for the repairs.

On the other hand, when I called them and explained what happened, they wouldn't even speculate about what the problem might be, I was pretty much on my own to figure out the problem and how to fix it. Since it affected all three axis (jumpy, speed changes, etc.) and the computer board was the only thing they had in common, I took a chance and ordered the boards.

I haven't called them about this probe yet, but so far they won't answer my emails.

Thanks

[kthomson]

My true suggestion is to dump WinCNC and go with Mach3. A probe's a probe, it'll work with Mach.

Will the Mach3 software work with the WinCNC controller boards? My problem is connecting the probe to an input that it will recognize. The probe is only two wires, but I don't know if it wants a 5V signal, or a GND connected to the input.

Thanks

[Torchhead]

The WINCNC controller card works only with their control software and vise versa. Depending on the motor drives you have, the conversion can be anything from quick and easy to gut wretching. I have done lots of conversions over to MACH from WINCNC so I know the process. It's basically ripping out their control card and software (Ebay anybody?) and loading MACH3 and using a powered/isolated breakout card. The parallel port acts as the I/O to the PC and the Breakout cleans, and buffers the port signals and the isolation kills pesky noise and ground loop problems on inputs. That will give you the isolated probe input you need (one pin). You can contact me off-list if you need help making the conversion.

TOM CAUDLE
www.CandCNC.com

[kthomson]

I've already been in contact with Tom at CandCNC and am looking at a conversion for my machine. I'm pretty fed up with WinCNC. They still haven't responded to a simple question that anyone who has been working there for more than a week shouldn't be able to answer.

Thanks
Ken

[cut more]

I just read this,
I have wincnc too and made my own probe thinking I could hook it up and digitize with wincnc, NOT!
I called them and they want like $300 to turn that on in the software.

I think you somehow have to get the probing activated in the software.

I am going to convert mine over to Mach if I can shut it down long enough to
do the conversion.

Cutmore

[kthomson]

You can turn it on yourself (according to the manual). You have to make a couple of entries in the wincnc.ini file to turn on the input, and to make it recognize the probe. Adding these lines:

[Aux]
auxin=c1 p2 b6 o1 d100
enab=c1

[Scan]
Scan=t2 a2 c1 s50 h.005 f30 p30
Scanfile=t.005 f0 o1 a0

will activate the 'Automatic' selection on the menu, I'm just not too sure about the 'c1 p2 b6' settings, that's what I was trying to get them to answer.

[WinCNCGuy]

kthomson,
This is Mike from WinCNC. I normally don't post, but I have to this time. Can you tell me who you talked to at WinCNC? Can you tell me what day that happened?
I'm assuming that you are finished with WinCNC from the email that you sent us yesterday, but if you are still interested in getting the probe working I have a few questions.
Who manufactured your machine? Did you purchase the probe from us or from them? If from them, did you first try to get help from them?
We have thousands of copies of WinCNC out there working every day. I also deal with the problems of many people every day. We are also training new tech-support people. If your call was missed, or you were redirected to the machine manufacturer and they couldn't/wouldn't help you, or your call was missed I'm sorry.
I don't know what happened before as far as your call went, but I do know that Kelly Davis answered your email yesterday.
If you are still interested, call me Monday, (304)472-7206 x101 or shoot me an email at the email address linked to my name. Be civil, please. I know you are frustrated, but if I am going to help you, you will have to respect me.
Cut More, you can call me or email me also and I will try to answer your questions.
I will not be in the shop for several days after Monday, but you can get help from Kelly.

[KHSpicer]

Mr Thompson,,,,, sorry to take take so long to answer you,, I still cant figure out this forum thing works,,,, this is the only way I can contact you,,,, have a few pics to send,,and really apreciate the time you already spent with your replies to my questions. I will intrested in how hard it was to switch to another controller and stuff,, you lost me when you got into the "serial ports" and some other things,, I am computer illiterate, Its all I can do to send emails the traditional way,,, let alone thru a fourum.. My e mail adress is marken1@chartermi.net if you want to just send direct to me,,, then i can send you pics of the projects I have been working on. Have spent the last month probing templets and converting to .dxf files,, so the next time I want to make parts, i can just go to the .DXF file folder ,,open it up , and get to cutting! If not I will understand and try to figure out how this web site works,, have a great day,,, and good luck on your conversion! ken spicer