Mach, where's parallel port?

[daisydog]

I have the latest lockdown version of Mach3 and it will not send a signal to the parallel port. I run a g-code file with m3 and m4 comands and the spindle speed set to s500. The spindle direction output is pin 14, when the file is ran the vdc at pin 14 is 5vdc and does not change during or after the g-code file. I have spent at least 30 hours over 3weeks and probably 20 e-mails with Scott the Mach tech trying to figure this out.

The pp is not connected to the bob, I have a multimeter hooded-up directly to the the pp. I have the "spindle relay" checked off, the "use spindle motor output" and "step/dir motor" checked on. The spindle in motor outputs is enabled and the port being used is 1 and the dir pin is 14.

Scott has suggested that I consider the Smooth Stepper, but I don't want to just start throwing money at this it's bad enough spending all the time, however I would gladly get the SS if I knew it would work. I am to the point that I just want this thing to work or abandon it and buy a Wincnc controller.

Has anybody been through anything like this and what are some possible conclusions to this Mach mystery.

Thanks,

Joe

[ger21]

Try another PC.

[ataxy]

did you set the irq for the pp, i had to set it manualy

[daisydog]

What do you mean, I have the pp set-up in the config to match the windows pp.

Thanks,

Joe

[daisydog]

Is anybody else having trouble getting Mach to run? If not are you happy with Mach and is it dependable.

I frequent several cnc sites and Mach has more threads than any other software, most involve people looking for cures to problems. Is this because Mach is so popular or because it is so unreliable?

Is Mach just an inexpensive controll software for hobbyist or is it a software that can be taken seriously and used for business? Is anybody using it for business?

How about their support, I could not get it to work so they recomended I get a smoothsteper. I did it still won't work. There new plan for me is to buy a different bob even though I explained to them that the bob was not hooked-up as instructed in the smoothstepper manual. I can't wait for the next nugget of wisdom maybe buy a new shop. I will have to say that they don't leave you hanging, they answer those e-mails very fast, however they evidently have an alergy to telephones.

Thats All,

D-dog

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by daisydog Is anybody else having trouble getting Mach to run? If not are you happy with Mach and is it dependable. I frequent several cnc sites and Mach has more threads than any other software, most involve people looking for cures to problems. Is this because Mach is so popular or because it is so unreliable? Is Mach just an inexpensive controll software for hobbyist or is it a software that can be taken seriously and used for business? Is anybody using it for business? How about their support, I could not get it to work so they recomended I get a smoothsteper. I did it still won't work. There new plan for me is to buy a different bob even though I explained to them that the bob was not hooked-up as instructed in the smoothstepper manual. I can't wait for the next nugget of wisdom maybe buy a new shop. I will have to say that they don't leave you hanging, they answer those e-mails very fast, however they evidently have an alergy to telephones. Thats All, D-dog

I am happy with Mach3 as much as most other software in that there always seems to be at least some problem that needs work. Brian is rewriting a bunch of the problematic code in the revision that will be mach3 v4.

That being said it is working well for me on my mill using the dspmc/ip control. It also ran my Taig mill thru the pport.
It took me about 2 hours to get it up and running.It had a candcnc breakout board and it worked very well other than the limitations of the Xylotex board. I was able to do a batch of 15 parts with a 15 min cycle time and I had no problems. Not to mention a lot of small one off jobs.
Of course, when I sold the Taig, I didn't want to sell my Mach3 license so I installed emc2 on a different computer and while it took several hours to get installed an setup, it too ran well except for the limitations of the Xylotex board.
The basic functionality of Mach3 should work right out of the box and work well. When you get into the more advanced functions you may or may not have problems as some of the more/ much more advanced functions need more work.
I have MACH3 set up and ready to go for my lathe also with the DSPMC/IP on Vista and as soon as the hardware is complete, I will be running the lathe with it.

I thankfully have a bunch of used computers floating around and if I had a problem getting it set up I would try a different PC to eliminate the computer right away. If I didn't have a spare computer, I would beg or borrow or purchase a inexpensive used computer just to be sure.

I also use Deskcnc on my router and it too has its share of limitations and quirks but it to is undergoing a revision to make it more user friendly.

Also worthy to note is that I actually use and LIKE VISTA, so I am not normall as most everbody dislikes Vista and are awaiting Windows 7.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by daisydog Is anybody else having trouble getting Mach to run? If not are you happy with Mach and is it dependable.

I had it running within 10 minutes of installing it. Been running for a few weeks now with zero problems.

Originally Posted by daisydog I frequent several cnc sites and Mach has more threads than any other software, most involve people looking for cures to problems. Is this because Mach is so popular or because it is so unreliable?

Mach3 has over 15,000 registered users, and probably thousands more running it unregistered (who don't need more than 500 lines of g-code).

One reason you see so many Mach3 posts, is because a LOT of users are new to CNC, and ask a lot of basic questions.

Another is because Mach3 is so customizable, and documentation in this area is lacking a bit. So people ask how to do different things.

Is Mach just an inexpensive control software for hobbyists or is it a software that can be taken seriously and used for business? Is anybody using it for business?

Both. Plenty of people use it to run machines for their businesses. There are several hardware options that will allow it to run large machines with large servos that require analog input, like the Galil cards, and the DSPMC that TotallyRC uses.

How about their support, I could not get it to work so they recommended I get a smoothstepper. I did it still won't work. There new plan for me is to buy a different bob even though I explained to them that the bob was not hooked-up as instructed in the smoothstepper manual. I can't wait for the next nugget of wisdom maybe buy a new shop. I will have to say that they don't leave you hanging, they answer those e-mails very fast, however they evidently have an allergy to telephones.

They really don't offer direct support, as the low cost of Mach3 doesn't allow it. There were some members offering pay phone support on the MachSupport forum at one time, but I'm not sure if they still do.

The best support you'll get is from the Yahoo group. Lots of very experienced long time users there, including those that use mach everyday in there businesses. And Brian, the developer, also answers questions there.


Back to your problem. Did you try a different pin, or a different PC as I suggested before. Although if it doesn't work with a Smoothsteper, either, than perhaps you have a configuration problem with Mach3. Try deleting the .xml file, and redo the setup. Of even uninstall Mach3 and reinstall. What version of Mach3 are you using? I suggest using the Yahoo forum support, as you should get the best advice there.


There's a company that will be offering an industrial version of Mach3, with full support. But the price will be much more than $175
http://www.industrycontrols.com/

[MattTheNoob]

My Mach experience was as smooth as silk. Try to get your paws on a loaner PC and see if that works better. That may help you with your troubleshooting.

[jalessi]

Joe,

30 hours is a long time, at most it would only take 30 minutes to swap out your P.C.

Are you running Mach3Mill or Mach3 Turn?

If you post your .xml file "Mach3Mill.xml" or "Mach3Turn.xml" one of us will check out your setting and verify that they are correct.

Mach3 is a extremely solid product, there are tens of thousands of satisfied users.

Jeff...

[daisydog]

Thanks to all for your suggestions.

I have already tried 3 different computers, I think that should be enough to eliminate that as the problem.

It was recently suggested to me that the usb drivers might not be installed on the computers. Does anybody know how to check this out and how to install usb drivers.

I am willing to try anything short of buying another periphreal product.

Thanks,

Joe

[pminmo]

Originally Posted by daisydog I have the latest lockdown version of Mach3 and it will not send a signal to the parallel port. I run a g-code file with m3 and m4 comands and the spindle speed set to s500. The spindle direction output is pin 14, when the file is ran the vdc at pin 14 is 5vdc and does not change during or after the g-code file. I have spent at least 30 hours over 3weeks and probably 20 e-mails with Scott the Mach tech trying to figure this out. The pp is not connected to the bob, I have a multimeter hooded-up directly to the the pp. I have the "spindle relay" checked off, the "use spindle motor output" and "step/dir motor" checked on. The spindle in motor outputs is enabled and the port being used is 1 and the dir pin is 14. Joe

Is the PP part of the motherboard or a plug in card? What kind of computer? What version of Windows?

[jalessi]

Joe,

Strange that you mentioned USB, are you trying to use a USB to parallel
port adapter?

If that is the case it will never work.

Jeff...