CNC 6040z USB z-axis

[Sashido]

Just to show what I am up against!
reply from the supplier: Sorry problems. most likely your fault. the machine only worky with our sw please follow instructions.
If buy other software, no support from us.
Can anyone recommend a decent controller? ideally with the plugin for mach3.
Thanks

[JAZZCNC]

The UC100 as a plug-in for Mach3 and UCCNC.

However, before you go off throwing money at this are you 100% sure it's dead.? It could just be a wire in wrong place or broken etc
Suggest you downlaod Demo of Mach3 then go wire by wire and confirm that your 100% sure using the correct pins.

Also if you have PC with parallel port then you could just buy £5 breakout board (provided isn't one in there already) and use mach3 using Parallel port driver.
Parallel port is more than good enough for these chinese machines and won't cost anything(Other than mach3 license if insist on using mach3)

Just so you know Mach3 the Skins you refer to or the supplier does will actually be screen sets and a custom screen set cannot affect the Step or Direction pins. Yes they could screw up and make it so won't jog etc using keys or buttons but any G-code would run and work regardless.

The Plug-in, however, is another thing altogether and affects all Motion control. So my first port of call would be to replace mach3 with a download from Artsoft and then go find another copy of the Plug-in for your Card.


Fault find is about being methodical so suggest you start by first checking all the wire connections. Test each wire if possible with multi meter.
Then re-install Software with known working versions and setup mach3 with correct pin and plug-in settings. Most plug-ins will have there own settings which you can access by going to Config menu then Config plugin and selecting your plug-in by clicking yellow Config button.
This will Normally open another window with all your plug-in settings and options. Say normally because you are dealing with Chinese Plug-in so could do anything from not open to opening pandora's box of chocolates.!!

If do all this and still no joy then call it Dead.!!. . . And move on.

[Sashido]

Thanks, JAZZCNC,
Well, the good news is that I have found the fault, turns out that removing the lid of the case and pushing the scope probe into the connector crimps recreates a circuit on the direction pin (now soldered, not best practice)! the worrying issue is that most of the crimps are very poor. I am supprised this was not picked up in quality control or inspection before the units final assembly. The machining of the case lid is appaling and in fitting back together puts even further strain on the connectors. ironically cutting the tywraps eases things cable wise. I have ordered connectors and crimps and will remake the interconnects.
Thanks so much for everyones help and suggestions, my next challenge will be to solve the licence issue.
Cheers,
Sashido