Costom mach3 macro for 12 pocket ATC

[dukes57@295.ca]

I'm looking for some help with a Costum macro for a 12 pocket tool changer. This is a rotary tool changer and I have the ability to use what ever feedback setup is needed etc... It doesn't have a stepper motor or servo for the drive of this axis. The motor is a 208v 3ph controlled by forward reverse contractor
I want to leave things intact and just need a means of output to the forward contacts and an index input back to the CPU mach3 I know all of this can be easily done, as of now I have spent more time then I would like on this and don't want to spend more unless I have no choice. Anybody interested in making a couple of bucks and knows what there doing let me know and we can work out some agreement

[service_75]

So how have you made out with the macro for the tool changer, I to have the same ideas as well and dont know where to start. it seems as thought everbody on cnczone knows how to use V.B script and cypress enable etc... but me! Im more of the electrical hands on and no programing kind of guy. cant seem to get a good start on the m6start macro and what to do etc...? i have a book on cypress and there is a lot of reading, I was hoping to just get the basics of how to do a tool change and see if it will do what I want. Seen videos on you tube of rotary tool changes so I know it can be done just dont know where to start.

[ger21]

I to have the same ideas as well and dont know where to start

The MachSupport site seems to be down at the moment, but on the video page, is a toolchange macro video and sample macro file.

Basically, here's what you do.
First check the current tool in the spindle, and what the next tool will be. (GetCurrentTool(), GetSelectedTool() )
Then, if you need to unload a tool, move the spindle to the location (Code "G0 X.. Y.. Z.."), and release the tool (ActivateSignal() )
Then move to the new tool position and pick up the tool, then resume cutting.

[service_75]

Ger21 can you tell me is it better for me to try and learn Cypress enable or V.B for the purpose of learning macros in mach3. I understand electrical logic and wireing etc.. the issue Ive had for some time is finding the time to learn V.B etc... always want a quick solution, with that said I just cant get how to start. I open script editor and can understand how to open exsisting macros, run them and even follow some of the logic, Ive not been able to succsessfully write any thing. Just dont know best way to start, cypress or v.b

[ger21]

They are 99% the same thing.

[service_75]

I have a detailed book on cypress for mach3 so I guess I better get to lots of reading, if and when I get to reading if there are any questions I have, could I phone you and give you a couple paypal bucks for your time etc... let me know what you think?

[ger21]

I'm not the best person to be answering programming questions, as I just know enough to do what I need, and learn as I go.

Just post any questions and I'll do what I can to answer them.

[service_75]

Thanks

[dukes57@295.ca]

All thanks goes to ger 21 and hood for all success of the rotary 12 pocket tool changer and many more things.