Caution - Mach Looses It's Mind

[bill south]

While trying to surface a piece of stock with the newfangle conversational feature of mach3, I requested a surface of -.012 for a start with a 3/4 tool in aluminum. I couldn't post the code so I cancelled the request. Code was posted in any event and I started getting all kinds of errors with buffer over runs and illegal gcode. The machine starts moving on its own and crashes my z-axis (bye tool). I hit estop and prevented more damage but with the machine off line, mach just moves the heck out of the axis with no program running. Movements are at random.
I do have a encoder interface board installed (rogers) but do not have the macro running! Anyone seen this before????
I tried to get to newfangled solutions, but I forgot my password and the screwy system they use with the emails just don't work. So, I couldn't post on their forum. They just keep sending new codes for the password and never get you to the screen for a new password!
Heck of a morning already.
Bill

[ger21]

If the machine is moving without Mach telling it to, it's almost always noise. Sounds like your using servos, so probably noise on the encoders, or improperly wired encoders.

What version do you have installed?

First thing I'd do is uninstall and reinstall Mach3. Then run the driver test, and make sure it's working properly. Then disconnect the encoder board, and wire up one motor at a time and get each one working properly before proceeding.

You do have the encoder wires going to BOTH the rogers board and the drives, right?

As for Newfangled, Brian, the owner, answers most of the questions at the new Mach forum at www.machsupport.com Ask any questions you have there and you should get an answer pretty quickly. But. His wife is about to have a baby, so you may not get an answer from him today, or even the next few. But try posting there anyway, and maybe you'll get some help. I'd also try emailing Ron, or posting on the Yahoo group, as Ron reads the group daily.

[bill south]

Thanks Ger!
I don't think I have a noise problem in that unless I try to run the surfacing routine, Mach 3 runs normally. Only when I use the newfangle wizard does it do this. I even can take the surface value of -.012 out of the input and put is zero and everything is normal. The axis movements are also drawing in the preview ares of mach which would not happen if noise is moving the axis. Wow, wierd!
I did the uninstall and reinstall to see if the encoder board macro was still in the system but it did not do any good.
Again, unless I run the -value, mach is working normally. Howver, if I try to use it, things get mighty scary in a hurry.
Interesting problem. BTW, the newfangled wizards with Mach both rock. Love both and have regiesterd both to support the effort.
Wow, great minds!
Bill

[ger21]

OK, I thought it wasn't working at all, not just the wizard. Like I said, then, try posting the question on the Machsupport forum and wait for a reply from Brian. Have you tried the latest version of Mach3?

[Barker806]

This is the first time I have heard of this... Could you please mail me and tell me how you are doing it? I will need all the settings that you are typing in.

Thanks
Brian

PS Sorry abou the tool