Need Help!- New Hermes VG3400

[underthetire]

I have an old Hermes Van Guard 3400, with Gravograph 98. I can no longer adjust the feed, either with the PC or on the amp unit. Also can not offset the Z axis any longer through the PC. I tried 3 times re-loading the software, and even copied the Machine.ini file from an old back up, same results. And the printer driver just shows Generic/text which I think is correct. Anyone have a good idea?

[Tweakie]

There is more than a good chance that the software and machine were designed to work with Windows98 and the later operating systems just wont work.

Just a thought.

Tweakie.

[miki1705]

Ok, first thing you need to make clear is to define what do you mean by "feed"? Is it speed on X and Y axes? If so, you define this in machining dialog of G98. Also, what do you mean by "offset z"? Please explain. G98 is working ok on Windows XP, but cannot work on Vista or W7. What is version of your software (build)? I can help you with your problem, just need more information.

[underthetire]

Machine is still using W98, and I can engrave, just can't control the speed (fast, medium,slow) and Z offset for engraving depth. Looks like the EP module actually has a problem. As far as G-codes, this is an engraver not a CNC, so I don't know what a G98 would have to do with it.

Thanks for the suggeestions.

[miki1705]

G98 is not a G-code, it is Gravograph's engraving software Gravostyle 98. I thought that you are using this software to run your machine, I guess I was wrong. Sometimes when using this software, if you import some files from other software, curves are not all conected, or they have an overlap. In that case, you loose controls for X,Y and Z axes inside machining dialog. I thought that this could be your problem, guess I was wrong.

[Paxtraxx]

I have a pretty good grasp of this software both the installation and the operation (I have a Vangard 4000 machine) please ask me any questions, I will help where I can.

The X, Y, and Z speeds can be changed 2 ways,

1st, when defining the tool

or--

2nd, when machining the (run) box allows a low-medium-high speed adjustment that is pre-set (yet user adjustable) by clicking on the X/Y or Z images

[underthetire]

Yes, i'm aware of the way to change it, it just won't work. And yes, i'm sorry G98 is a machining code on other equipment. We are using Gravograph 98 on a win 98 system. Using the gravograph software for the text and such, not doing any importing. I just got funding to upgrade the software, and PC, so probably going to try that first.

[Paxtraxx]

a couple of caveat's concerning upgrades.

1. Not alot of newer pc's come with a 25 pin parallel port for connecting the EP module (look around). I have had some moderate success with several different USB to Parallel port converters, but not all of them.

2. Modern PC's have vastly faster speed than the machines that were available when the New Hermes equipment was manufactured (late 80's early 90's) and I've had to "play" around with baud settings and com port settings.

3.Software.. If you're not already using (or don't own) Gravostyle98, I (personally) would suggest an alternate software/EP module solution as New Hermes software is VERY EXPENSIVE, and so is their customer service (non existant unless you send them money). In the few times I have called just to buy a belt/bearing etc. they want to sell service packages etc. that are BS and no way worth what you get. They should really examine their customer interface and costs as they could be doing alot more business.