Need Help!- Why is pin no.4 not lit?

[Frederic Gagnon]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to set-up a new Gecko G540 in Mach3. I'm able to jog in all directions, except Y where it only travels in +Y. When I look at the DIAGS screen, I can see that the pin 4 which controls Y DIR is not lit. I checked the continuity in the cable and it's ok. I even checked the internal header cable from the motherboard to the connector in the back of the PC and it,s OK. The port is set to EPP. Any ideas ?? Could the Gecko be defective and not receive/send back signal on that pin ?

thanks!

P.S I double-posted this message in the Gecko drive forum

[Claude Boudreau]

Originally Posted by Frederic Gagnon Hi guys, I'm trying to set-up a new Gecko G540 in Mach3. I'm able to jog in all directions, except Y where it only travels in +Y. When I look at the DIAGS screen, I can see that the pin 4 which controls Y DIR is not lit. I checked the continuity in the cable and it's ok. I even checked the internal header cable from the motherboard to the connector in the back of the PC and it,s OK. The port is set to EPP. Any ideas ?? Could the Gecko be defective and not receive/send back signal on that pin ? thanks! P.S I double-posted this message in the Gecko drive forum

You must have double check section 5.3 right?

http://www.machsupport.com/docs/Mach...all_Config.pdf

[Frederic Gagnon]

Originally Posted by Claude Boudreau You must have double check section 5.3 right? http://www.machsupport.com/docs/Mach...all_Config.pdf

Yes, I have used the Gecko xml file and double-checked the output values.

Meanwhile, I have decided to install Mach 3 on another older, dedicated PC. I have finally been able to get control of the stepper driver, but the PC will freeze from time to time.

Went through the Windows XP optimization, disabled ACPI in the BIOS, still freezing....

[Claude Boudreau]

Originally Posted by Frederic Gagnon Yes, I have used the Gecko xml file and double-checked the output values. Meanwhile, I have decided to install Mach 3 on another older, dedicated PC. I have finally been able to get control of the stepper driver, but the PC will freeze from time to time. Went through the Windows XP optimization, disabled ACPI in the BIOS, still freezing....

Do you still have the no.4 pin unlit with the older pc?
I dont have gecko but my diagnostic page show only pin 4 and 8 lit.

I would look for a program working in the background (as internet ,screen saver,anti-virus...)

This search result might be of some interest: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/mach_m...=mach+freezing

[Frederic Gagnon]

Hey Claude!

I uninstalled every software on the system except Mach3, including anti-virus and the firewall (it's not connected to internet). Cleaned up the startup sequence as well. So I did some tests earlier with that setup, and still freezes randomly (needs reboot).

Basically, by changing PC I fixed my pin no. 2 problem, but got a new one!

Possible solution : I just found out that Artsoft highly recommends using a graphic card that is not integrated on the motherboard, and this old pc was ripped of all extension cards and is running on the internal video..ahah! It seems the motherboard can't drive at the same time a video card and the high speed pulsing in parallel port.

Will try to find an old AGP video card somewhere to see if that is the cause.

Regarding your question, I think I had 4 pins lit in the diags window (like 6 thru 9) but not sure. will check tomorrow.

Merci

[Frederic Gagnon]

EUREKA!!!!!!!!!

Adding an "external" graphics card fixed the freezing!!

now the fun begins...

[Claude Boudreau]

Originally Posted by Frederic Gagnon EUREKA!!!!!!!!! Adding an "external" graphics card fixed the freezing!! now the fun begins...

Just a quick follow up here , on your diagnostic page witch pins is highlited now?
Glad to see you've fix your problem.(to freeze is no fun)

salut!
Quebecois?

[Frederic Gagnon]

Here's a screen grab. Much less pins are on.

(je suis à Bécancour, anciennement Montréal...)

[Claude Boudreau]

Originally Posted by Frederic Gagnon Here's a screen grab. Much less pins are on. (je suis à Bécancour, anciennement Montréal...)

Looks more like mine now.Not sure why only 2 lit...

Acadien du nord du Nouveau-Brunswick