Mach3 + SmoothStepper + G540 = No go

[CarbonKevin]

I've just completed my first router, and am beginning testing of the unit.

I've not set up home or limit switches; merely bridged the limit switch connections to simulate the "NC" state of each switch.

I've got the G540 Mach 3 XML file loaded.

I can use the jog functions; both keyboard and the GUI arrows that come up when you hit "tab". The unit jogs just fine this way.

I see a common question is, "do the steppers lock up when the program starts" - yes!

When I do the circle wizard, I can post the G-code and a toolpath is generated. Back to the main screen, I can hit Cycle Start, the steppers unlock (I think?) and after a few seconds, an error comes up saying "The Smoothstepper ran out of data" and such and such.

I should also note that I'm running the demo version of Mach3, as I want to verify that the thing works before I drop (more) money on this project of mine.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Kevin

[ger21]

Never used a Smoothstepper, but from what I've read, you may be getting interference on the USB, and/or losing connection to the Smoothstepper.

[m1911bldr]

I had basically the same issue. I turned down the data stream speed in SmoothStepper config to 1KHz (don't remember it's actual name but it's th etop left-hand window in the SmoothStepper config menu (PlugIn menu bar)) and turned off the USB power saver function in the Device Manager (Control Panel/System/Device Manager/USB Port Hub controller (all of them)/Properties/Power Management). Cleared up my "Timeout error retrieving data" and the "SmoothStepper ran out of data" issues.