X5 Home / Limit switches

[soo]

Hello all

I'm just learning and this might be a dumb question but... how can i get my X5 limit switches to work? If i first active each axis both limit input pins, then i cant home the machine properly because they are same switches..

Do i have to active each axis limit input pins everytime when i use the machine after homing it?

I have also configured softlimits in mach3 and it will work fine until i set a work offsets, this will mess up the softlimits.. or am i doing something wrong?

Thanks in advance.

[neilw20]

Once the homing and softlimits are setup correctly, and softlimits are turned on, then the machine need only be referenced at initial startup, or after a crash has caused stepper(s) to loose steps.

If softlimits are turned off, that is the only time work offsets (which are set outside the machine limits) can mess things up.

Once setup, you never change the settings in the homing/soft limits pages.

Don't try to use Mach3 with the RED indicator surround Machine Coordinates button.

You will become, very confused, very quickly.

0. Read the Mach3 Manual, Chapter 5, 7 and nine, and better still the whole manual. UNDERSTANDING is the key to making it work as designed.
1. Reference the machine.
2. move to where you want the 0,0,0 for the job to be, and zero each axis with the buttons next to the Reference Button.

Use G59 Pxxx to select different work offsets. xxx can be 1-250
On second screen you can select the work offset too.

Don't fiddle with numbers on the diagnostic screen.

I am not sure how X5 is set up, whether as individual switches, or all in series.
The Syil .XML file, I imagine, should work, if all of the switches are working correctly and there are no wiring faults.

[soo]

I think those loose steps caused the machine pass over the limits because it went out just few mm's out of limits after a little crash. So after crash i should always re-home the machine. I have had only 2 little crashes, one hand always ready to push e-stop.

I have read the Mach3 mill manual several times but always something will forget.

Separate mechanical limit switches would be nice extra protection. The machine works great and i have made few simple parts and soon i will try to machine aluminium.

Thank you very much and have a nice christmas and happy new year!

[neilw20]

If you want some limit switches, I am sure you could add some.
It seems we always use the machines right up to the limits, at times.
Just put them all in series, normally closed and put in series with the emergency stop circuit. You will need an over-ride switch to jog off the limit once you have tripped it.
You shouldn't need to be nurse maid. Let the ES circuit work for you,.