Hi Patrick,

I would recommend that you download Mach3 from Artsoft and try it as the demo version. If it solves your problem then it is the Chinese Mach3, they generally do not work. You will need to install it in a different directory and copy the configuration file (.xml) for Mach3 from your Chinese version into the new directory.

The demo version of Mach3 will run a limited number of lines of Gcode, so you can prove it works. Then you will only need a proper licence.

Please keep the forum posted with your progress.

BTW it is normal for the steppers to go solid on the spindles, when they are powered and normally in hold mode, they switch to half the step current. Is that what you mean by 'locking' ?

Cheers,

Rob