New CNC'er - Mach 3 REF ALL HOME gone bonkers!

[handlewanker]

Hi....thanks for all that....much clearer now.

One thing I'm still not clear on........if you bought a used mill from someone and you don't get the computer that worked it.......where would you get an XML file when you connect to your computer and load Mach 3?.....especially if it's a DIY build or the original manufacturer of the mill is not in business any more.
Ian.

[ger21]

where would you get an XML file when you connect to your computer and load Mach 3?

You don't need an .xml, you just manually setup the machine by entering the proper information.
Imo, manufacturers that supply .xml files are doing their customers a disservice.
By manually setting up Mach3, you learn much more about your machine, and you're much better able to fix issues that come up.

[handlewanker]

There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel now..........am I right in saying that the XML file is just for convenience......and the machine can run without you having one if you know how to do all the settings for Mach 3...... and is made so that when it's loaded the machine runs at it's best characteristics according to the manufacturers and no further settings in Mach 3 are needed....unless you want to change them to your preference?.....that would have to be an out of the box already set up and ready to run situation.
Ian.

[ger21]

Yes. The manufacturers supply .xml files to cut down on support issues.

[handlewanker]

Hi, thanks everybody for the much appreciate info.

I've got my original XML file that came with the mill from Skyfire.com on a flash drive, so in the event that my computer hard drive fails and the computer loses it's mind, I can at least do a reload to Mach 3 when it's up and running again.
Ian.

[RCaffin]

Hi Ian

As Gerry said.
A 'default' XML file does come with a new installation of Mach3, but it is of very little real use to you as far as motor connections go. Artsoft has NO IDEA about how your machine is wired, so you HAVE TO go through the setup procedures yourself. But it does cover lots of obscure parameters which 99.99% of the world will never need to change.
It would not be a silly idea to copy a recent XML file off to another machine every month or two as a backup. IF your PC crashes, the backup might save a bit of time on the reinstallation.

Cheers
Roger

[Cabinetman17]

Ok, So I've played with the port and pins and I seem to get 2/3 of the way then I'm back to square one. Please could someone take a look at my XML file and point me in the right direction as I've been at this for a while now.

I didn't know how to upload XML as it was denied so please change extension back to XML

And when I'm on your continent I'll buy you a beer.

Thank you in advance

[ger21]

My suggestion would be to start with a clean profile and set up everything fresh. Do 1 item at a time, making sure it works, then close and restart Mach3 between each setting, to make sure that it's saved.

I see a lot of issues with your .xml. You have output pins set for multiple things.
And on your inputs for home and limits, some are set to active low, and some are not. I would expect them to all be the same?

[ger21]

One other tip. Don't use spaces in the name of the .xml file. Profile names with spaces can't be used by shortcuts.

[Cabinetman17]

update: I've now switched to 3D printing service and because I was originally a prop maker these two just compliment each other.