Brummie, New Member Needs a Hand

[terry1956]

ok, check list.
check your pc is not using windows 64 bit, as this turns off the printer port and nothing will work. you will need to reformat c drive and install windows running 32 bit, or xp program.
if however you are not running windows 64 bit. then it looks like your ports and pins are not set up. to sort this we will need to know the name of the break out board you are using. at this stage we can’t go any further.

[Brummie]

Thanks for the detailed answer. I have a 32bit PC with windows XP. I know how to switch on the spindle controler and there is a "Thud" from the table then nothing happens. so i turn it off get angry and throw spanners and screwdrivers about. I am useless at following instructions. I NEED to see some one operate one. further info it is a CNCEST 6090. with no istructions for build and what i have found out i have to set the spindle some how? Hopefully someone from south wales see this post.

[john swift]

what does your machine look like ?

if its like this


It could be close enough to some of the 6040 machines
some members have for them to help

Next question is how is it connected to the PC ?
via a PC parallel printer port or a USB port ?

because different manufacturers use different electronics
photos of the inside will help identify what you have

some use an all in one 3 axis driver and breakout board plus a
single driver for the A axis /4th axis

others use four seperate stepper drivers and a breakout board

the advantage is if you damage a X,Y or Z axis driver you don't have to replace the all in one board
the down side you have a little more wiring


newer machines have a built in USB motion controller
that needs the correct "plug in " (software patch) for Mach 3 to work
this replaces mach 3's pulse engine that has low level control of a PC's printer port when your using 32bit windows XP to vista if I remember correctly

Mach 3/4 can not work with 64 bit windows
or any version of windows 10

John

[Brummie]

[Brummie]

Sorry it took ages to upload the pics.

[john swift]

OK
from the picture of the rear of the control box I see it has a USB interface to the PC

unless you have installed the correct "plug in " supplied on a CD that came with the machine
mach 3 will not to be able to control the machine

a picture of the board with the USB connector may help if a member recognises it

John

[Brummie]

Hi Mucca
There was nothing no Instructions no CD anything. I have tried to contact them, but they only sent a Link to ebay?

[cropwell]

Hi Brummie,

I have found a software download for a 4 axis USB Chinese machine. With a ton of luck it could work, but you will probably need a computer whizz-kid to set it up. Anyway, it is the best I can offer for now.

https://www.chinacnczone.com/en/mach..._l282_p15.html

Hopefully - and it is big hope - the Chinese machines with USB use the same controller.

The fact that your machine thuds when you switch it on means the motors are connected and the drivers enabled, so that is a good sign.

Best of luck,

Rob-T