Experience and Opinions about SmoothStepper

[jharvey407]

I built a 36" x 52" 80/20 cnc router. I am using Keling KL-4030 drivers with a CNC4PC bob. I am running Mach3 on a robust dedicated computer with a parallel port on the mob.

Everything works very well and is a great tool for my business. I am in the process of promoting our new CNC capabilities and finding customers.

My concern is reliability. As my CNC customer base grows I want to be able to produce the best results possible. I have only had a few problems with missed steps, but I know that they can cause a nightmare on long running jobs. I don't think the missed steps have been caused by overloading the machine. The machine will rapid at 1000 ipm. I have it set up for 500 ipm rapids, and typically use a cutting speed of 240 ipm, cutting wood and plastic at .125" or .25" doc. I think any missed steps would have come from the computer.

Is the SmoothStepper the answer?

I would like hear opinions and personal experience about the SmoothStepper from other CNC builders.

[ger21]

I think any missed steps would have come from the computer.

If missed steps are a very rare occurrence, then I doubt it's the PC. But whether it really is or not, can be extremely difficult to track down, especially when it's not repeatable.

From my experience, acceleration has more effect on missing steps than velocity, as much more torque is required while accelerating. Try lowering the acceleration 10-20% ans see if the occasional missed steps go away.

Increasing the pulse width in motor tuning a little probably wouldn't hurt, depending on what it's currently set at.

[jharvey407]

If missed steps are a very rare occurrence, then I doubt it's the PC. But whether it really is or not, can be extremely difficult to track down, especially when it's not repeatable.

I think I know what is causing it.

I believe it's when someone else in my row of wharehouses starts a large tool and drags the mains voltage down. I was able to replicate it once by running most of the tools in my shop and then starting the table saw while a job was running. There was clear evidence of missed steps.

Any thoughts?

I though the smooth stepper might be the answer.

[ger21]

Get a UPS for your PC, and it should fix the problem.

[jharvey407]

Get a UPS for your PC, and it should fix the problem.

I'll give that a try.