Machine consistently pausing briefly, after 15-20min in to a job?

[magicniner]

That's a good point but his PC shouldn't have internet access, at least whilst running CNC and should have updates turned off, if it has anti-virus this should be stopped whilst running CNC.
If something grabs enough resources to stop Mach3 running it throws an error, stops and requires reset, don't ask how I know! ;-)

[charlieuk]

I don't have the PC connected to the Internet at all the only thing I use it for is the cnc. I had the virus scanner problem at the start so that should be still off. The only link to any other computers is via loading g code through a memory stick. The fault does not creat a e stop just ether a very sudden stop which I notice mostly on the X axis as I run it quite fast which I worrey about it loosing position as its on a rack and pinion or it pauses for a second and then carries on

[phill05]

Check you have adequate cooling to your driver cards, I had a similar problem adding a 2nd cooling fan sorted it.
Check your computer cooling fan is working too.

Phill

[magicniner]

So Mach3 is pausing briefly?

[charlieuk]

possibly, I ran the same file today I did not have any problems

[A_Camera]

possibly, I ran the same file today I did not have any problems

I still think it is the PC grabbing resources. Mach3 may not be able to detect it if it is halted by the OS. Another thing I thought about is the look ahead buffer. I have a weak memory that I had similar issues a long time ago while I used the parallel port of a Windows XP computer. After I changed to USB the problem was gone. My current laptop has Windows 10 and anti virus on, it has Internet connection as well and don't seem to have problems. Is your computer still running under XP? Is it old? Are you using the parallel port?

[lucan07]

The Mach3 software tends to operate at a low level and on older machines its biggest competitior for resources can be the graphics especially with onboard or lower spec GPU that can grab memory fo compensate. I have seen similar problems and sorted them by simply reducing graphics overheads you don't need full 32bit graphics for mach3 and reducing graphics overheads can free a large amount of resources on older machines, but worst offender is if you enable Mach3 hi res screens options it will then draw screens twice to remove pixelation.

[m_c]

via loading g code through a memory stick.

Just to clarify, are you running code from the memory stick, or copying it to the PC before running?
I have heard of a few times where running from memory stick/external drives that has caused problems.
There are settings where USB will go into a low energy/power saving mode after a set time of inactivity, and if it does, it takes a little bit longer for Mach to read the next chunk of code, which can cause it to stall briefly. Copying the file to PC should eliminate that issue though.

Also, as Jazz mentions, ensure all the power settings are set so the PC is always on. On modern PCs, you usually have to create a new power plan with everything set to always on (Control Panel -> Power Options)

[A_Camera]

Just to clarify, are you running code from the memory stick, or copying it to the PC before running?
I have heard of a few times where running from memory stick/external drives that has caused problems.
There are settings where USB will go into a low energy/power saving mode after a set time of inactivity, and if it does, it takes a little bit longer for Mach to read the next chunk of code, which can cause it to stall briefly. Copying the file to PC should eliminate that issue though.

A very good observation... Running code from USB memory is not a very good idea, I didn't think anyone would do that. I use memory sticks to transfer files only, not to run anything from.

Also, as Jazz mentions, ensure all the power settings are set so the PC is always on. On modern PCs, you usually have to create a new power plan with everything set to always on (Control Panel -> Power Options)

Under Advanced settings you can change how the USB is handled but in any case, I'd not run any code from a memory stick.

The other thing I think may cause issue is the "Look ahead" buffer size in Mach3 or the network card setting. He is using Ethernet to communicate so if the card is allowed to sleep it may cause issues.

[Lee Roberts]

Hiya,

I've stepped in to moderate this thread, now split, the off topic portion of this discussion can be found and continued here: Windows 10, is it better than the rest?.

Sorry for any inconvenience, please feel free to continue this discussion.

.Me