Tiddy CNC.

[TonyD]

Here is an example of what I am seeing. The four error screens should be read right to left.

1.Start ProTune, Select Com1 all ok so far.
2.Select 2nd icon from left, Read/Write drive parameter. OK So far.
3.Immediately I get error message 1, please check if the communication cable or drive is OK.
4.I click OK and I get the message Read finish successfully.
5.I see Screen 2. The parameters Configuration screen.
6.I leave this open or closed, dosent matter, I want to do something interesting and Select 4th icon from left, System Config.
7.Immediately I see Com Error! message, Please check connection and restart!
8.I click OK and immediately I see screen 3, the SystemConfig screen, clicking Start does nothing.I cant close this screen top right.
9.So I decide to close the whole application, restart and go straight to System Config, I see error message 4, Com Error, Fail in reveiving monitor data.
Thats about it, I have to click OK 4-5 times to close the dialogue and the protune app essentially does nothing for me.

[TonyD]

I'm still not convinved I have the cable wired correctly, can anyone confirm the pinouts above please? They are as per the leashine data sheet but I just want to be sure.

[firetrappe]

Tony, it looks like a problem with the cable to me. I bought mine from Gary @ Zapp so i'm not sure of the wiring. There is a little thread on Zapp's forum which talks about the cables : Zapp Automation Ltd

Not sure it it'll help, but maybe worth a quick read.

Si.

[EddyCurrent]

I'm almost certain it's not going to be COM1, did you look at the ports in device manager ? while you are on that page, keep plugging/unplugging your interface cable a few times so you can identify which component is changing then you can see which COM port it's using.

[TonyD]

Thanks Si, yes I suspect the same, I found that thread on the Zapp site but wasnt sure what he meant by pull the plug. In any event I think I'll order another cable wait and see.

[TonyD]

Eddy, thanks. It does seem to be COM 1 but thats becuase I only have one physcial port on the machine and I do get someting out of it when it find a port that works. I plan to go and get a RJ12 crimp too tomorrow from Maplins and have a go at building another cable, I'll post as to my progress.. :)

[TonyD]

It was the Cable! Thanks all for the advice and support. :)

[firetrappe]

Glad you got it sorted out in the end Tony.

Si.

[TonyD]

So. frustration with the electronics over and frankly the "is that it?" feeling from ProTune in the rear view mirror (apart from the fault codes which were interesting and somewhat revealing) I took a look at the mechanicals again as there was some resistance/binding on the right hand X Axis. I attached the fixed and floating bearings on the frame using the link to the gantry to support the alignment and did the best I could do at the time. The problem is there is no adjustment in the design, mainly becuase it was made using hand tools/small press drill and one or two trips to people with milling machines (for the slot in the front Y Plate, and a small pocket on the inside of the Z Axis).

So I'll need to come up with some plates that allow the fixed and floating bearings on both sides to connect to the frame with some (mainly horizontal) adjustment, its about 1mm out end to end currently. More on that when I get some time..

[JAZZCNC]

So I'll need to come up with some plates that allow the fixed and floating bearings on both sides to connect to the frame with some (mainly horizontal) adjustment, its about 1mm out end to end currently. More on that when I get some time..

If it's out that much then Be very careful not to run the gantry right upto the ends as you can easily bend the screws.