Can someone give me some information regarding their Mach 4 control setup? I have been searching for an up to date solution and i cannot find any consistent information anywhere. I would like to run Mach 4 and a Gecko G540 / UC100, however all the information i can find is outdated by 3-4 years. I would really appreciate any information! Thanks.
Hey there, I use Mach4 on a Kyo Sphinx CNC. I use the Gecko G540 with a PMDX 411. There are no issues at all. Been running well for almost a year now. Installed limit switches, emergency stop, and as solid as you can expect.
Hey Matt, Thanks for the reply! How was the setup? Run into any issues getting the PMDX working correctly?
Hey Jestah, Thanks for the reply. I am not stuck at the moment, i just want to know that if i do get stuck, someone here is running the same setup or something similar without issues!
I have a PMDX motion controller I can drop onto my parallel port rig that is running mach3 and drop the mach4 demo if you get really stuck. Good luck and let us know how you get on
I wouldn’t say there is anything you get stuck on. More of it is just doing the calculations for the motors. Once you get it moving, you just need to play with it a little until you find settings that are comfortable for your machine. My Kyo Sphinx is very stable and so my speeds are set fairly high. If you are just getting started with your build, I suggest you measure 10x and cut once. Make sure everything is extremely squared before going to the next step.
Ok great! I finished up the machine last week so i am on the home stretch with the electronics now. I am ordering the parts/ Mach 4 software today, so i will be working on the project next week. I will keep you guys posted. Thanks for the help!
Hey guys quick update. Parts arrived and I have movement! I am still in the process of calibrating my steppers, however things are going smoothly. I had to read the manuals a few times and do a little research, however I am pretty confident i should be able to make my first cuts by the end of the week. I was pretty nervous about spending the money on this setup since i had only had experience with Grbl and the Xpro2, however i am pretty excited that i made the leap. Here are the parts i used: Gecko G540 ( Comes with 4 DB9 connectors, nice touch ) - G540 4-Axis Digital Step Drive Resistor Pack for the G540 to reduce stepper output (Openbuilds 3.0 Nema 23's) - Current Set Resistor Pack for G540 and G251X PMDX-411 SmartBob (Parallel port to USB connection ) - PMDX.COM - Products for CNC and motion control applications Side note: I thought about going with an older designated parallel port connection / computer, however went with the PMDX-411 because i wanted to run this machine off the same computer i use for SolidWorks. There is zero delay in jog movements etc. I am running Mach 4 / Windows 10 / I7 setup without issues at the moment. Mach 4 - PMDX.COM - Products for CNC and motion control applications Meanwell 48v Power Supply - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G8UDEQ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Emergency Stop - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NTT91Y0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Limit Switches - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZV8501/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 18/4 Gray Shielded wiring for stepper extensions - Southwire (By-the-Foot) 18/4 Gray Stranded CU CL3R Shielded Security Cable-57573099 - The Home Depot 18/2 Gray Shielded wiring for limit switches / emergency stop - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwi...3R-Shielded-Security-Cable-57573199/204725192 I am waiting on some additional DB9 connectors to arrive to make some extensions, i recommend buying them ahead of time because the delay is killing me! I plan on adding a relay to the setup to operate my mister through Mach 4 which should be exciting.
Nice work on the build so far and exciting times ahead. I have just finished a build and made a few updates to the build I am working and once I have tested (by tomorrowish) it I am happy to post up my G540 control circuit if it is of any help in getting it wired....
Nice! Are you posting the updates? I am wired up at the moment, minus the relay / extensions. I want to try and find a relay that is 48v compatible and run it off the same power supply, however i have a spare 12v supply handy if i cant find one. I have never tried Mach 3, however Mach 4 has plenty of options to play around with including some handy wizard helpers. I downloaded the demo at first, then went ahead and ordered the license.
Hey guys, quick update for anyone that is interested. I managed to get Mach 4 running smoothly on an old designated freebie computer from my office. The attached image is progress from last night. Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 / 2.2 GHz with 3GB of vintage DDR2. It came with Windows XP, however i upgrade immediately to a fresh install of Windows 7 Pro 64 before giving it a try. I will be upgrading to 4GB of memory (max supported), a faster DW Caviar Black HHD i have laying around and a new 1-2GB graphics card. Right now i am using the existing case to house the electronics etc., however if the setup continues to work out well i will upgrade to something designed for better airflow. I managed to fit everything inside including the additional 48v power supply (not shown in the image attached). I am also adding some fans to get air blowing directly onto the G540. I spoke to the designer of the unit and he assured me that my proposed water cooling solution was not necessary..
