Can't get steppers to actually step

[naPS]

I have a Syil X3, with the v1.3 break-out board. I've followed all the steps listed in other threads from folks that had the same problem I've had.

What it basically boils down to is that I can see the inputs just fine, and I'm fairly certain the break-out board is seeing the outputs just fine as well, it's just not sending pulses.

All three inputs work for me, X stop, Y stop, and Emergency stop. I use Mach3, and can see them all working in the diagnostics screen. When I take voltage readings on the breakout board on the pins that lead to the drivers, I can see the voltage go from 0 to 4.4vdc or so when I'm switching directions, I just never get a voltage on the pins that are supposedly the pulses. I'm not even sure if I should be able to see voltage on something that's pulsing, I think I should, but I'm not positive.

I know I've got the pins correct for my break-out board, and I know I've got the motor settings right. Even if I don't, I've tried every mathematical combination possible for the pins, and I haven't been able to get the steppers to turn. I'm curious to see if there's a tool out there that can read the pulses from the parallel port so I can at least see if I'm getting the correct signal on the pins that I have assigned. Or, if there's something that I can disable on the break out board to eliminate the charge pump feature from Mach3.

This whole setup used to work about a year ago, and then I had to take a break from milling for a bit, and tried firing this thing up using a different computer this weekend. I'm fairly competent with electronics and whatnot, and was hoping I could figure this out on my own, but have run into a complete dead-end. I'm considering just scrapping all the Syil electronics altogether, since they're kinda garbage, and just converting over to a Smoothstepper and PMDX-126, and possibly a PMDX-107 to control the spindle if I can figure out how to get that to work. I think the drivers are good, and will probably keep those, and I was fairly happy with the steppers as well, so no real reason to swap those out yet.

[M250cnc]

You can only measure the pulses with a scope.

Phil

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

[neilw20]

On the BOB make sure the emergency stop pin is linked, or connected to a normally closed switch.
No link = nogo

[naPS]

On the BOB make sure the emergency stop pin is linked, or connected to a normally closed switch.
No link = nogo

Yup, I can see the emergency stop switch in Mach3, and it's operating properly.

[neilw20]

The two pins marked on the corner connector marked 'FREE' must be linked to enable the drivers. The direction leds on the drivers should change when you jog one direction, then the other way.
At least that what is needed on the v1.2 board.
Circuit diagram attached.
You are correct. The ES is an input to the computer, but the driver needs an enable signal.

[naPS]

Yeah, checked the jumper - it actually has to be in place if I'm seeing the switch in voltage from 0 to 4.4 on the pins that the ribbon cable that goes to the drivers attaches to.

Odd thing is, I'm seeing the signal when I check it with a fluke, but I'm not seeing the LED on the drivers light up with the direction change. Each of the drivers has the red light on when I power the machine up, but I never see the green or yellow LED's light, even though I know I'm getting the signal to them.

I'm starting to wonder if having the signal at 4.4 volts instead of 5 volts could be the problem? Still wouldn't explain why the steppers don't move in whatever direction, but it's a start. Maybe the charge pump isn't getting the signal it needs either if my voltage is a little low.

[neilw20]

Page 10 of attached file has driver details.
Might help with your measurements.
5v goes to high sided of opto.
The input side gets pulled down.
If bad signal at driver, then the enable line will have the same problem.

[naPS]

Okay, got it working. I borrowed a friends o-scope and verified that the parallel port was sending the correct pulses and whatnot. So, that was all good.

What ended up doing it for me was a jumper on the break out board. There's a small LED and a 3 pin jumper right next to where the e-stop input terminals are. The LED was not lit, so in desperation I moved the jumper next to it over, and voila! When I turned the machine back on, the LED was lit, and all the steppers are stepping and all is right with the world.

It's definitely a different layout than the board in the diagram, but the diagram was super helpful for figuring out which pins were doing what on the driver terminals. Thanks for that Bob.

Now I just gotta stuff all the boards back in the unit and clean the rails, and I should be making chips tonight! First order of business is a four finger ring for my kid. I suspect he really wants to use it as a set of brass knuckles, but I'll give him the benefit of doubt for the moment.

[neilw20]

Happy to be of assistance.