VER 4.5 ISSUES

[pstenabaugh]

Under 4.5 3 of my motors will run as they are hybrid closed loop steppers, however the standard driver for my 'A' axis does not have an enable connection to it. I'm sure it has to do with software configuration some place so I need to compare the 4.12 and 4.5 settings. I'm heading out now to work on it.

[martyscncgarage]

OK, try and invert the step and direction signals in the ADVANCED tab for the 4th axis only then.

[pstenabaugh]

OK, I've just spent a couple hours piddling around with this system. I think there are some issues with 4.5. I have attached report files that are the same except for the DB25/Header setup. I have included Wizard setup images, I didn't include stuff that isnt of concern or where there has been nothing setup yet. If you need more I can get more images.

With the 4.5 installed - I cannot get the 4th axis to display, which is likely why it doesn't run. I have no idea why this is as the 4th axis is displayed on all the associated wizard pages but CNC12 doesn't display it.

There is an issue with 4.5 because when I setup the wizard with the DB25 selection - with nothing configured, then I can control the 3 motors with the VCP and the MPG. When the wizard is configured for the Header, then the VCP and the MPG will not work, although the DRO on the screen shows the values changing, but the motors are not running..... and that is the ONLY difference between the setups.... I've gone back and forth on this at least 5 times, so it's not finger problems, and I'm getting very frustrated.

I'll send another post with the 4.12 setup - strangely EVERYTHING works...... all 4 motors plus the MPG. I was mistaken, the standard stepper driver does have an ENA connection, but it's all set up properly. I have wired my controller as per your 'Leadshine DB' schematics. In 4.12 the driver is setup as 'Leadshine'.

I'll follow up with another post - I tried to attache more images but it didnt seem to work.

[pstenabaugh]

Hi Marty, here are some files from my 4.12 setup..... this one surprisingly works, although there have been times when the MPG would stop working. In this setup all 4 motors run, all 4 axiis are displayed on the DRO and the MPG works.

I haven't bothered yet to do any special setups, I just want to get things running properly on the bench first. I have all my cables etc made up and I'm ready to install the controller on my machine but I need to do some revisions such as a new X axis drive shaft, remount my Z motor and such so before I shut down an operating machine I need to know it will run after I do the install.

I'm running out of ideas and patience with this stuff. This software is the most complicated I've come across for a long time, it could be made MUCH simpler and more automated. At least the Wizard is included in CNC12 but there has to be a better way instead of having to restart the Acorn and CNC12 each time, I don't know why there cant just be a 'refresh' button.

Let me know if you need more info. I may be offline for the next day or so if you dont hear from me.

thanks for you help.

[martyscncgarage]

It looks like the 4th axis is not turned on in 4.5. It is N in axis Configuration. Click N and turn it to A and write the settings.

Thanks for posting the screenshots and further explaining.

Marty

[pstenabaugh]

Hey Marty, I changed that setting for the A axis and everything is a go now. I have all 4 motors running as well the MPG. I'll have to fine tune them once I complete the install on my machine of course.

There is still the issue of the DB25/Header setup. The software is backwards. If I select the Header setting, the motors do not run, nor does the MPG, however the DRO does show the numbers changing. By merely changing from Header, back to DB25 then everything works, so that's a bug they need to address asap. Please inform the folks who can do that.

On another note, once I am ready to do the final setups I need to know how to calibrate each axis for correct travel. In Mach 3 there is a really cool way to do it, so a feature like that added to CNC12 would be a very nice upgrade. I need to have each axis moving within at least +/- .003 or less for my router. I have not been able to find any information on how to do this calibration, can you enlighten me.

Thank you for help with this, you have been a great support person.

[martyscncgarage]

Hey Marty, I changed that setting for the A axis and everything is a go now. I have all 4 motors running as well the MPG. I'll have to fine tune them once I complete the install on my machine of course.

There is still the issue of the DB25/Header setup. The software is backwards. If I select the Header setting, the motors do not run, nor does the MPG, however the DRO does show the numbers changing. By merely changing from Header, back to DB25 then everything works, so that's a bug they need to address asap. Please inform the folks who can do that.

On another note, once I am ready to do the final setups I need to know how to calibrate each axis for correct travel. In Mach 3 there is a really cool way to do it, so a feature like that added to CNC12 would be a very nice upgrade. I need to have each axis moving within at least +/- .003 or less for my router. I have not been able to find any information on how to do this calibration, can you enlighten me.

Thank you for help with this, you have been a great support person.

You were so far behind in revisions. The signals were INVERTED. You need to experiment and use the ADVANCED TAB and invert signals as necessary. OR just leave it alone. Step and direction signals go out to both the header and DB25. They are INVERTED on the DB25

We know about how Mach does axis calibration. I have been asking Centroid to do something similar, but programming time is prioritized. Use the FINE DRO Calibration attached as a guide. For gage blocks, use 123 blocks that YOU check with a micrometer, write down on each gage block its measurement with a sharpie, then add them together. This is one of the correct ways to check your axis.

I like CNCSNW (Marc Leonard) way of checking backlash. http://www.cncsnw.com/Lashhowto.htm

WE COLLECTIVELY support each other. Once you are up and running, feel free to chime in other conversations with which you are most comfortable answering.

Thank you SO MUCH for posting the pictures/screenshots/report. Its like pulling teeth, but that is what tipped me off to your issue. I wished other users would please take the time to do the same and follow the post: viewtopic.php?f=20&t=383


Continued luck with your project!
Marty

[pstenabaugh]

Hey Marty, thanks for the DRO Adjustment file, that will work ok for me. I'm a machinist so I'm familiar with backlash etc, however on my router since I'm using ball screws and timing belts I am expecting little to nothing for back lash, but that still needs to be tested. I'm really looking forward to getting this Acorn running in the next week or so, I'm tired of using Mach 3, plus I really want to get setup with a tool touch and home switches etc.

Thanks again for your help.

Peter

[martyscncgarage]

Hey Marty, thanks for the DRO Adjustment file, that will work ok for me. I'm a machinist so I'm familiar with backlash etc, however on my router since I'm using ball screws and timing belts I am expecting little to nothing for back lash, but that still needs to be tested. I'm really looking forward to getting this Acorn running in the next week or so, I'm tired of using Mach 3, plus I really want to get setup with a tool touch and home switches etc.

Thanks again for your help.

Peter

Once you get things squared away, and used to Centroid CNC12, I really think you'll like your machine again.