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Hi
I have read that Mach 3, will not work on a 64 bit PC, but having just downloaded the Mach 3 PDF, from Artsoft, it states "will run on Windows 2000, XP, or windows vista 32 bit" ? The computer i wish to use with Mach 3, say's on it's system pages that it has a Pentium 4 processor with 64 bit technology on board. Does this mean i have to have a new 32 bit processor, or XP 32bit software installed in my computer or both?
Regards
Ray
Pentium 4 computers are old machines, I doubt very much your computer is s 64bit.
Go to: Control Panel\System and Security\System and see if you have this text: System Type: 64 bit operating system. or 32 bit of course, that will let you know what system you have.
Yea if you look on the same page/screen where it tells you your CPU type it should say something like "System Type" and then 64 Bit Operating System.
If you have a CPU that supports 64bit operating system's but the Operating System currently installed is only of the 32Bit version, then you should be fine.
To determine your computers operating system, use the following method:
Microsoft Windows XP
1. Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
2. Click the General tab.
The operating system description should read as below:
• 64-bit operating system: Microsoft Windows XP x64
• 32-bit operating system: Microsoft Windows XP
.Me
One thing to note, is that Mach 3 itself will run on 64-bit Windows, it's the parallel port driver that won't.
So if you're not using the parallel port, then it doesn't make any difference.
I run Windows 7 Home Premium x64 on my cnc computer, but I am not using the printer port, I am using ethernet smoothstepper.
As above it does not matter if the hardware is 32bit or 64bit, Only if windows is 32/64bit.
I had no end of problems trying to use printer ports, so I gave up and when over to the ethernet smoothstepper, and never looked back on that.
There are loads who still run using only printer ports and have no problems at all.
Many thanks for your help, this as left me with a problem. I have followed your instructions, and it definateley say's "64 bit technology" but equally important , i think, is i have also discovered during this investigation that my PC has an "INTEGRATED" video card fitted, something else MACH 3 states will not work. So it looks like i have a decision to make - Do i purchase a computer that runs on 32 bit, with a non integrated video card ? have my local PC Guru convert my current PC, or go along the road of "ETHERNET CONTROLLER" whatever one of those is. Any help or advise on this issue will be gratefully accepted.
Ray
Ray, Got a load of Dell computers here that have been bought just for running Mach3 on PP.
work well and as a stand alone just for a machine we have had no problems with them.
Hi John S.
Have you got a list of the PC' with specs and prices ?
Ray
PM sent....................
I would like to get MACH 3 or MACH 4 Software but i'm not sure of the hardware? I have a UC100, is this all I need to connect to a 3040t cnc with a paralell interface, using Mach3 or Mach 4? Please tell me what I need hardware to run either Mach 3 or 4!
Thanks!
Nebe
Tom Megna
Don't need anything too powerful. Any PC capable of running XP upwards with the parallel port will work. Personally I would go with a PC running Win7.Quote:
Originally Posted by tommegna
If you are using a UC100 then you don't even need a parallel port as the UC100 connects via USB. The UC100 also means that PC power/speed becomes pretty irrelevant - if it runs Windows 7 or later (XP if you have to!), then it will almost certainly be OK for Mach3 and a UC100.
thanks for the help! All of this is new to me and very confusing! Is Mach 3 hard to learn?
Thanks,
Tom Megna
Classic problems with Mach3 are getting the ports and pins set correctly and getting the motor tuning (speed and acceleration) set up. However, that's something that you will need to do with any motion control software. After that, Mach3 isn't that difficult to use. There are the odd classic gotchas like remember to hit "Return" after entering a numeric value but all things you get used to. Biggest single "operational" issue is probably getting to grips with work and machine coordinate systems. You have to understand these to make proper use of the machine. Again, not a Mach3-only issue - true for all motion control systems. However, once you get to that point there are plenty of people here to handhold you through the processes.
Like Neale says the setup of pins etc and knowing coordinate systems applies to all controllers. I build a lot of machines for first-time users and mostly running Mach3. The reason I use Mach3 is that it's easy to use and while true it's not supported anymore there is still a massive user base if anyone needs help. The fact it's not supported by Artsoft isn't really a problem because mach3 is very well fettled and once the machine is set up there is no need to mess around updating etc. If it works leave it alone and I've yet to find a machine it doesn't work with.!
It's common for new users to be overwhelmed by all the options and buttons but after the machine is set up, which is a one-time deal, then there is very little to set up a job and cut the part. Within 60mins a complete novice with Zero experience of CNC can be working the machine cutting parts.
Setting the machine up is a bit more involved but that's where we can help. Just ask.
Edit: You may not be aware that you can download Mach3 and run it in simulation mode without being connected to the actual machine. I tell all my customers to do this as they can run G-code they created and learn how to set up a job just as if it was on the machine.
If you set up the motor tuning etc just like the machine would be set up then mach3 doesn't know or care if the machine is there or not. It will cut the part virtually and stop for tool changes etc just like it would for real. It will show cut time and prove your code.