Lot of problems after new install and MachStdMill

[jeffrey001]

Hi,


Just did a new install of Mach3 Ver. 3.043.019 because I wanted to install MachStdMill too and on the website, they ask for Mach3 ver. 3.043.022

Reminder: To use MachStdMill you must run Mach 3.43.22 or newer.

This is a new (for me) motherboard, P4PE 3.2Mhz but I think it is a bit slower than that and needed it because the old one had only USB1.0

Install New Mach3 and the last version of MachStdMill available on the website, ordered the license and installed license.

This is a nice screen set but I miss the sliders for all DRO's, don't know if I will keep it.

There's variation of RPM of the spindle, approximately 50 to 150 RPM .

Feed is never the same, if in my program the feed is set to 70 ipm, sometime will get 130, 140 of 25, or 35, never at the same place and can reed Gcode with good feed.

I have to put value of 50% in the FRO to slow the feed but it vary anyway.

If I need ver 3.043.022 and the last version on the FTP site is 3.043.019, is this an error.

I have tried the RUN FROM HERE and it broke my limit switch on the Z axis.

I did the Windows XP optimize list and this is a fresh install.

If I move the mouse, I get some RPM variation too.

I was in the middle of a job and the computer just stop for no reason.

What could be the problem, don't know what to do.

Jeff

[mvcalypso]

Jeff,
MachStdMill (MSM) requires mach 3.43.22 as minimum revision level. This is stated on download page for the software, in the MSM readme file and again during the installation process.

The source for current mach revs is not the mach FTP site. The FTP site is where Artsoft keeps older (i.e. obsolete) mach versions. You need to go to the mach DL page to get the required version of mach.
There are two version of mach available from the machsupport site DL as of about 5 minutes ago:
Lockdown: 3.42.40
development: 3.43.22
The mach DL page URL is ArtSoft USA - Software Downloads


If you attempt to start MSM with a mach version earlier than 3.43.22 one of two things will happen:
a) if the mach version is old enough to not have the interface that lets a mach script get the mach version, you will see a message "Scripter error" when loading MSM. The message can't be improved as Mach emits this message before the MSM load script can be run to find out what the running mach version is.

b) if you run a mach version new enough to have the required interface, MSM will know the mach version running, see that it is too old and refuse to run - but it will tell you why first.

So step one to run MSM should be for you to DL and install the required 3.43.22 mach version.

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You said you ordered and installed a MSM license. Please contact me by either direct email or PM with the license ID you purchased and I will verify the status of the license.

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If you are running the 10x7 resolution screens the Override sliders are on the fly out page, if you are running 12x9 they are also on the run page. This is covered in the MSM user manual in several places including chapter 3 which covers the basic Mach controls.

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The actual Feedrate will vary as a program is run - that's normal. In Gcode you set a target feedrate. Mach tries to keep that target but the actual feedrate at any instant will vary as the cutter changes direction, accelerates, decelerates etc.

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I suggest that you install the mach version that is needed for MSM. Also be sure to read the README file so that you correctly set up a profile for use with MSM.

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Several of the other things you listed sound to me like PC configuration issues (Mouse movement changes RPM, PC freezes).
I would suggest that if you are setting up a new control PC, that you want to narrow down the possible causes of problems. A good approach for that would be
a) install mach 3.43.22
b) run just the standard mach 1024 screen set
c) become familiar how mach operates (re feedrate variations etc)
d) After you have a stable stock mach configuration, then you can start adding in other variables (such as running MSM).



Once you are running compatible software versions, if you still believe you are experiencing an MSM problem, please drop over to the MSM user forum at Calypso Ventures Software User Groups - Home and I'll work with you there to take care of any issues.
(as part of being a good online neighbor, I prefer not to do lengthy MSM support threads on other people's forums).

Dave
(MSM author)

[jeffrey001]

Hi Dave, Thanks for the reply.

I've been working with CNC for 25 years now and I'm a Mach3 user for 3 years.

I know how feed rate work, they're no feed rate change in the program, only one at the beginning.


Will do what you said and see if they're any change.

As far as feed rate override slider, will check in the manual

I have a 17in monitor, with auto enlarge option checked in general config

Thanks, Jeff

[mvcalypso]

Jeff,

The mouse movement impacting RPM is a bit worrisome - that sounds to me like there is some interaction happening in the PC at the low level which is impacting mach. If the PC has on board graphics (I.e. graphics built into the motherboard) check to see if the graphics uses main PC memory. The symptom's you described have the feel of an interrupt or memory conflict issue.

re the Xp optimization procedure - this may not be what you want to hear, given you've already done it.... The artsoft recommendation is generally to do that only as a last resort.

FYI, to see the appearance MSM was designed for, in the Mach general config dialog:
a) turn off "auto screen enlarge" (I personally call that option "stretch and distort)
b) Also turn off "boxed DROs and graphics" (that makes Mach draw underlines below the DRO digits).
c) "Hi-Res Screens: can be off or on. I run it off. This impacts how mach draws screens and it's really is not dependent on what resolution a screen actually is.


BTW - if you are on a 17" monitor, and it's resolution is better than 1280 x 960 (3:4 aspect ratio 17" monitors are typically 1280x1024) you may want to run the higher resolution (12x9) MSM screens.
See MSM manual section 9.3.1.1 for how to change from the 10x7 screens (the default MSM uses when first installed) to the 12x9 screens.

Let me know how it goes.

Dave

Hi Dave, Thanks for the reply.

I've been working with CNC for 25 years now and I'm a Mach3 user for 3 years.

I know how feed rate work, they're no feed rate change in the program, only one at the beginning.


Will do what you said and see if they're any change.

As far as feed rate override slider, will check in the manual

I have a 17in monitor, with auto enlarge option checked in general config

Thanks, Jeff

[ger21]

Are you using a Smoothstepper? Guessing from the USB reference?

[jeffrey001]

Thanks for your replies.

Will check what you said tonight and come back to you.

Maybe, will try to uninstall the 019 version of Mach3 and replace it with the 022

By the way, I'm not using the Smooth stepper.

See you later.

I'm do not blame the MachStdMill because it is a great looking screen set and lots of functionality but I very surprise with the sliders that were missing but like you said, will check in the manual


Jeff

[jeffrey001]

HI, tried what you said about showing slider and it works, was setup with 10X7

Did an install of ver 3.043.022 and will try new program.

Thanks, Jeff