Electronics problems

[andycorleone]

Yesterday I receive my Eletronic Kit. I having problems making work the 3 axis at the same time (BTW I'm using mach3) I test each motor and driver and work perfect. I'm not sure if the problem is the breakout board or the software. let me explain you if I use port 23(for X), 45(for Y) 67 (for Z). X doesn't work. But if I use 45(for X), 67(for Y) 89(for Z) Y doen't, got it? hope make sense.

[irving2008]

Originally Posted by andycorleone Yesterday I receive my Eletronic Kit. I having problems making work the 3 axis at the same time (BTW I'm using mach3) I test each motor and driver and work perfect. I'm not sure if the problem is the breakout board or the software. let me explain you if I use port 23(for X), 45(for Y) 67 (for Z). X doesn't work. But if I use 45(for X), 67(for Y) 89(for Z) Y doen't, got it? hope make sense.

Andy,

Do you mean port pins 2 & 3 for step/direction etc...

What kit are you driving and what breakout board?

It sounds like you have a common return circuit issue. Where are you connecting the common wires of the driver inputs?

[ger21]

Make sure the cable your using has all the pins straight thru.

[andycorleone]

Originally Posted by irving2008 Andy, Do you mean port pins 2 & 3 for step/direction etc... What kit are you driving and what breakout board? It sounds like you have a common return circuit issue. Where are you connecting the common wires of the driver inputs?

Thanks for the replies
1) yes
2) http://buildyourcnc.com/electronicscombo.aspx

[irving2008]

Originally Posted by andycorleone Thanks for the replies 1) yes 2) http://buildyourcnc.com/electronicscombo.aspx

Andy,

I've reviewed the wiring videos for this - they are pretty conventional. I suspect your problem is a missing or poor connection of the +5v to the DIR(+5) or PUL(+5) of one or other of the drivers. Recheck all your connections. If you have a test meter, measure the voltage between the breakout board ground (black -ve lead of test meter) and at each of the +5 connections on the breakout board and driver to confirm they are all at +5. If that is correct, measure the voltage between the DIR(+5) (red lead of meter) and the DIR(-) on each driver. This should be +5v in one direction and 0v in the other for each axis. Similarly measure the voltage between the PUL(+5) (red lead of meter) and the PUL(-) on each driver. This should be between 0 and 1.7v when stationary and between 2 and +5 when the driver should be stepping - it will be higher with increased step rate (you may need a fairly high step rate to see an obvious change). Compare a working axis with a faulty one to confirm any differences. If that doesn't identify the problem come back and let me know what you found.

If you don't have a test meter, £19.99 will get a decent one at Maplins, or you could use a small LED and a 330ohm resistor as a simple logic probe (let me know if you need more instructions).

[andycorleone]

Thanks I will do that but maybe is going to take me a while, I will PM in a few weeks with my results

[irving2008]

Originally Posted by andycorleone Thanks I will do that but maybe is going to take me a while, I will PM in a few weeks with my results

I would also reiterate ger21's point about the cable... not all printer cables are created equal. My suggested tests assume you've done the obvious like checked the 'printer' cable is intact and connected through on all pins (or at least those you are using)

[andycorleone]

YEah maybe is the cable do you think this one will work? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=350105815990

[irving2008]

Originally Posted by andycorleone YEah maybe is the cable do you think this one will work? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=350105815990

Assuming what you need is male to male then yes... but why not check out your own cable first. There is an outside chance it could be the parallel port on your PC too but that's very unlikely if you're using that breakout board.