Some really basic Questions

[Chris64]

I'm just about done connecting my CNC controller...at least one axis. I wanted to just get my X axis figured out and tuned a little before connecting the others because that gives me the most travel...and thus the most room for error.

Q#1) How can I just send test moves? I half expected to see a set of buttons for moving axis around but none that I could find. Also when I went to the MDI tab, and tried to enter a command, nothing on the screen indicated that it was doing anything though (like the DRO). I was entering something like G0 X10.0[enter].

Q#2) I had no problem simulating moves by uploading a G-code file and running it. But, when I would go to start a file, mach would always stop after the first Z axis lowering. I'd have to hit start again. Is this normal or am I missing something (likely the later)?

[Chris64]

OK...I'm not sure what wasn't set correct before but the MDI screen is working now. I'm scouring the docs from the website and they are quite thorough.

Just curious, the jog on/off in the docs appears to offer a mouse control. i can't get this to appear for me (I have the jog on/off button though). Should this be available with the default screen in MachMill3?

[ger21]

Try hitting the tab key.

[Chris64]

Try hitting the tab key.

Thanks...that was it!

[Chris64]

I'm trying to get the program execution to not stop with every M command and Spindle speed change. The manual says this is in the Config>logic dialog. Anyone know where this is? I just can't find it...

[ger21]

I don't think it'll do that. You can make it stop for every tool change, or you can also add the stop M code, M1? maybe, not sure. But I don't believe you can get it to stop for every M code or S word.

[Chris64]

I don't think it'll do that. You can make it stop for every tool change, or you can also add the stop M code, M1? maybe, not sure. But I don't believe you can get it to stop for every M code or S word.

OK...I'm mistaken. BTW - When the manual refers to config>logic, they're talking about General Config. I guess this is probably a Mach2->3 change that didn't get updated.

It's stopping with every M6 (tool change) which is probably OK. The odd thing is that I have it on "ignore tool change" but it still stops...no biggie.

It is stopping with every Spindle change though which is annoying though. I suppose I could just find a way to not export these values from my CAM.

[ger21]

OK...I'm mistaken. BTW - When the manual refers to config>logic, they're talking about General Config. I guess this is probably a Mach2->3 change that didn't get updated.

That actually changed in the middle of mach3. Try uninstalling and reinstalling a new version to see if it corrects the issue your having. If you have "ignore" checked, then it should ignore it.