Messages

1

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / Re: PMDX-424, constant PC connection required?

« on: October 29, 2023, 10:02:06 PM »

The PC needs to remain connected to the board during the process of running the G-code because it is Mach4 software that is feeding the motion commands in small bits to the PMDX-424.

The PC does not need to be, and probably should not be, connected to the Internet while running Mach4.

2

Parallel Port breakout boards, motherboards, and dedicated accessories / Re: Outputs Enabled Light

« on: April 07, 2023, 06:37:39 PM »

After phone discussions with Tony, we have concluded that there is indeed something wrong with his care. He is returning it for warranty repair.

Steve Stallings
PMDX

3

General Discussion / Re: 424 relay

« on: February 15, 2023, 08:43:58 PM »

Nothing wrong with using m3/m5 to control torch firing.

It sounds like something is corrupted in your configuration.

Please switch to using direct email support using the email address on our Contact and About Us web page.

Create a "Packaged Profile" and send that to us as an email attachment and we will go from there if the profile looks OK.

4

General Discussion / Re: 424 relay

« on: February 15, 2023, 03:10:49 PM »

Did you mean after the first m5? A g5 is not a valid G-code command?

5

General Discussion / Re: 424 relay

« on: February 15, 2023, 07:50:22 AM »

Does the G-code program simply continue running without turning the spindle off, or does the program actually hang?

Is the m5 command the last line of code in the program?

6

General Discussion / Re: Quick Fusing a 424

« on: January 26, 2023, 05:12:17 PM »

Fuses are for protecting circuits from overload due to current. The PMDX-424 has an internal self resetting "polyfuse" to interrupt the current that it draws from the 120 VAC mains if there is a fault within the PMDX-424 or if something overloads one of its outputs.

Having a fuse in the 120 VAC power line feeding the PMDX-424 is useful if you are concerned about short circuits in your wiring harness.

Protection from power surges would require a "surge arrester" which works by clamping excess voltage, not a fuse. It is common to find 120 VAC outlet strips with built in surge arresters. Such a power strip may be useful to protect the PMDX-424, and also the computer and monitor associated with the system.

Stand alone surge arresters are available, but they typically cost more than an outlet strip with an internal surge arrester.

Here is one example of a stand alone surge arrester:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/175581200914

7

Parallel Port breakout boards, motherboards, and dedicated accessories / Re: 107 Pin Options

« on: January 12, 2023, 02:01:51 PM »

If you do not need to run your spindle in reverse you can set the PMDX-107 to Run/Dir mode (Config switch 3) and do not connect the Dir output of the PMDX-107 to the VFD. This will allow you to use pin 14 for other purposes without disturbing the VFD.

8

Parallel Port breakout boards, motherboards, and dedicated accessories / Re: PMDX 126 J11 GND TO MACHINE

« on: November 16, 2022, 10:24:09 AM »

The "GND" terminal on J11 is isolated from the computer interface by the PMDX-126, so the PMDX-126 and computer are protected. This signal is intended to be safe to use with the safety ground and/or chassis of a CNC machine.

Other parts of your machine wiring that also connect to the "GND" terminal of J11, J12, and J13 of the PMDX-126 will all be connected to the same circuit. Normally the items connected to these "GND" terminals are designed to also be safe to connect to the safety ground and or chassis of the machine, but I wanted to mention that for completeness of this response.

If you are using a simple isolated probe plate connected to the "E" input on the PMDX-126, your cutter/probe is expected to complete the circuit back to the "GND" terminal. While many machines will work by using the chassis to complete the circuit, I recommend using an "alligator" clip on the cutter/probe with a wired connection back to one of the "GND" terminals for more reliable operation.

9

Parallel Port breakout boards, motherboards, and dedicated accessories / Re: Trouble with using the pmdx-107 to control spindle with mach 3

« on: October 19, 2022, 12:32:02 PM »

Most VFDs come from the factory set up to expect commands from the front panel and require changes to parameters to configure them to look at signals on the interface screw terminals.

The Danfoss VFDs are quite complex and the documentation is hard to understand. I suggest that you look at this Danfoss video on YouTube to understand their parameter settings. The significant stuff related to external signals begins as time 4:30 in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF333rDvmgI

10

Parallel Port breakout boards, motherboards, and dedicated accessories / Re: Trouble with using the pmdx-107 to control spindle with mach 3

« on: October 18, 2022, 09:28:13 AM »

The settings that you listed are not unreasonable, depending on how your machine is wired.

The first stage of getting the PMDX-107 to work is to use the test button to verify that your VFD wiring and parameters are correct. The test button works regardless of other Mach settings, it will even work while Mach is not running so long as the PMDX-126 has power. Once you get the spindle to respond to the test button you can proceed to configure Mach.

The description of how to use the test button is in section 2.6 starting on page 9 of the manual here:

http://www.pmdx.com/Doc/PMDX-107_Manual_12.pdf

11

General Discussion / Re: emco compact 5

« on: October 08, 2022, 09:06:45 AM »

The servo motor driver interface will determine what sort of control signals are needed.

The tool changer is a rachet mechanism run by a small motor. You will need to write a macro to sequence operations.

G76 threading operations rely on spindle position feedback to synchronize Z axis movement to the spindle, not the other way around. Threading does not utilize spindle speed control to do this.

I suggest you join this forum for lots of useful information:

https://groups.io/g/Emco-CNC-Users/topics

12

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / Re: PMDX 424 Y axis dead

« on: September 26, 2022, 10:00:52 AM »

This is not a common failure and you are the first to report this specific failure.

Your unit is covered under warranty. Please contact us about repair.

13

Parallel Port breakout boards, motherboards, and dedicated accessories / Re: TruCut CNC error ESS_v10rd1d

« on: August 25, 2022, 11:52:46 AM »

One of your photos shows a pop-up window from the ESS plug-in that says:

"CTftp::WakeUpClient board does not reply"

This indicates that the ESS plugin in Mach3 was unable to connect to the ESS SmoothStepper board.

This could be due to IP address configuration errors for the plugin or problems with Ethernet communications card or wiring associated with the computer.

The ESS is made by Warp9TD.com and they have tutorials and a support forum that you can sign up for help. It is worth while to sign up as the support on the forum is generally good and they do not offer phone support.

14

Cables, connectors, switches, contactors, sensors and other items / Re: PMDX-411

« on: August 07, 2022, 09:05:47 PM »

This sort of upgrade is usually possible, but it will require enough understanding to configure the new software to match your old machine. If you have never done this sort of thing, you are in for a learning experience including investigating how your old setup was wired and configured.

15

Box level controller products / Re: Pmdx-340 stalls stepper motors

« on: August 07, 2022, 09:01:40 PM »

If you feel the motor vibrating or making a squealing noise, then the PMDX-340 is still driving the motor.

Your symptoms sound like the motor's speed or torque capabilities are being exceeded.

Check to see that your DIP switch settings for motor current have not accidentally changed.

Check to see that your software's maximum speed settings have not changed.

Also check that your mechanical systems are clean, properly lubricated, and aligned.