Have Mach 3 trial ...now what?

[monte55]

I bought a new desktop and have downloaded the trial of Mach 3. Three icons appeared on my desktop....Mach 3 mill........Mach 3 Plasma......Mach 3 Turn. My table will be used for plasma, router, or just to draw to start. Which do I use of the three? What is the first step to setting up to control my 4 axis Xylotex driver? Is there a step list somewhere to guide me through this?
Thanks ..........Nick

[HayTay]

Originally Posted by monte55 Is there a step list somewhere to guide me through this? Thanks ..........Nick

I would suggest that before you jump in and find yourself too deep that you download, print and read the Mach3 manual. I would also suggest that you view the following Video Tutorials (at the least):

Downloading and Installing
Hooking up Inputs and Outputs
Screens - An Overview
Coordinates / Homing

The videos weren't around when I was configuring Mach2/3 for my Xylotex controller, but I read the manual twice noting critical areas the second time through. It took a little more time up front, but saved a bunch of time in the long run.

More importantly, everything went smoothly, AND I didn't fry my Xylotex board or the parallel port on my PC's motherboard!!!

[ger21]

Use Mach3 mill to start, and Mach3 plasma for plasma. You'll have to configure it for each one.

As HayTay said, watch the videos. Then watch them again.

[monte55]

I'll probably draw with my table first untill I know it's doing what it should. Then I'll plasma or router. You say start with mill. Even if plasma is closer to what I'll do? I want to download a manual but only what will apply to me now.
Which do you suggest? Thanks guys for your input. One day when I have this under my belt a bit I hope I can help others that are where I am now...Nick

[ger21]

I don't know what Mach3 plasma looks like, so I can't comment. The manual you want is using Mach3 mill. But, watch the videos first. It'll make more sense.

[HayTay]

Originally Posted by monte55 I'll probably draw with my table first untill I know it's doing what it should. Then I'll plasma or router. You say start with mill. Even if plasma is closer to what I'll do? I want to download a manual but only what will apply to me now. Which do you suggest? Thanks guys for your input. One day when I have this under my belt a bit I hope I can help others that are where I am now...Nick

Download, print and read (& re-read & re-re-read) the Using Mach3 Mill Manual. PAY ATTENTION TO EVERYTHING and note any references to Plasma, THCOn, THCUp, & THCDown. The THC part stands for Torch Height Control and is specific to controlling plasma cutters and digitizing probes.

The Using Mach3 Mill Manual will be applicable to what you are doing now and what you're looking to do in the future. Keep the manual handy, I've been using Mach3 for a while now and still crack mine open fairly often to check on something, to make notes, or to find out how to use all of the other features of the Mach3 interface that I'm still not sure of what they do, or why I would need them. Some I find handy, others, well, I'm still not sure of what they do or why I would need them. I cannot emphasize enough about reading and re-reading the manual, it'll help give you a jump start now, and later, when you're trying to do something that has you banging your head against your desk, you just might dislodge a reference to something you read in the Using Mach3 Mill Manual that will help you out.

Oh, and you're welcome!!!

[monte55]

I'll do it. Thanks again.............Nick

[monte55]

Mach 3 is controlling my 4 steppers from the Xylotex board. No fires yet. I took my wireless laptop to my shop, watched Mach videos tutorials while I set up the desktop that will control the table. I opened a g-code file in Mach
and ran it. It's cool to see all 4 steppers turning about as the program runs. I even managed to get a drive slaved to X. I need to reinstall the motors on the table. I may need to retune the steppers. Listen to me....It sounds like I know what I'm talking about. I really don't. Three days ago I thought I will never get it. Thanks for the help of GER21....Haytay...and others, I'm begining
to see some light.


I'll be back........................................with questions

[HayTay]

WooooHooooo! We knew you could do it! Isn't it a total rush to see all of your hard work come together and watch your motors zip the cutter mount around your table? You bet it is !!! Just wait 'til your first cut, there will be no stopping you then.

Nick, have you shared any pictures of your build with us? If not, that oversight needs to be corrected, post-haste.