Bug reporting for PSCNC

[Jeff]

Hi all, 

If you run across any problems with the PSCNC program relating to G-code execution, it would be a big help if you could isolate the few lines of G-code that are causing problems.  The sorts of bugs that are cropping up at this point tend to be with specific numerical data (generally for something really large or something really small), and without a specific example, they are next to impossible to track down.  (Note: setting the CamBam or other CAM program's post processor to produce line numbers will help to isolate the errant chunk of G-code.)

Thanks, Jeff

[mj...@zips.uakron.edu]

Jeff,

My Dad purchased your CNC mill and we assembled it last weekend. Made a couple quick engraving cuts in wood and all seemed to work pretty well. A couple issues I am noticing however with issues 1) and 2) relating to PSCNC of course...

1) When I turn on the Makita router, occasionally (about 40% of the time) I receive a NC communication error and the program crashes. Is the Makita just creating a power surge and somehow receiving that electrical impulse through the USB communication cable?

2) Even after a successful homing procedure, I occasionally execute manual lines of G-code. For instance... "G00 X0 Y0 Z0" and click "Execute", the motors will make a very brief noise, like they moved 0.001" but they aren't actually moving any significant distance.

3) Also, the Makita RT0701C is the newest and only available model at Home Depot, so I picked it up. But it only has a 1/4" collet. If a 3/8" or 1/8" was available, that would be nice. Suggestions?

Have you seen these problems and/or have a remedy?

Thanks,

Mike Longest

[Jeff]

1) When I turn on the Makita router, occasionally (about 40% of the time) I receive a NC communication error and the program crashes. Is the Makita just creating a power surge and somehow receiving that electrical impulse through the USB communication cable?

This may be some sort of grounding issue.  Have you tried  plugging the router into a different outlet?

2) Even after a successful homing procedure, I occasionally execute manual lines of G-code. For instance... "G00 X0 Y0 Z0" and click "Execute", the motors will make a very brief noise, like they moved 0.001" but they aren't actually moving any significant distance.

This could possibly be that the motors did not initialize properly.  (That's the little thumping noise you get when you start up.)  It also could be you've got too much friction in the drive and you are getting a servo error.  Can you isolate the problem to one particular axis?

3) Also, the Makita RT0701C is the newest and only available model at Home Depot, so I picked it up. But it only has a 1/4" collet. If a 3/8" or 1/8" was available, that would be nice. Suggestions?

The router used to ship with a 3/8" collet ring in addition to the 1/4" collet.  You might check the Makita site to see if you can find it as a replacement part.  They may have discontinued it, though, because it was not very accurate.  They don't have an 1/8" collet for this router, but you can buy a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.  I like the one from stewmac.com. 

Jeff

[mj...@zips.uakron.edu]

Couple things I've noticed...

1) We tried plugging the router into another outlet (but might be on the same circuit) and physically grounded the machine using a jumper cable to a water pipe in our house. Issue still occurs. Will try running router from another circuit next time.

2) Cleaned the threads thoroughly and added a light amount of WD-40. Manual execution still does not work. Manual execution DOES work however if I open and run a G-code program (.nc file) first.

3) Will pick up the new collet.

Do you have a list of G-codes recognized by PSCNC? Cambam is a very useful program but canned cycles are not recognized by PSCNC. Does Mach3 work with this machine and/or expand its capabilities?

Thank you.

Mike

[Ted Markson]

Mike - There are a few threads addressing drills. Below is one ..... 

https://groups.google.com/d/msg/lobocnc/6KrJAjoby4E/Zr5X2YYQChMJ

Here is an updated script I use for drills in Cambam. 

====================

G00 X$x Y$y 

G01 Z$z F$f 

G00 Z$r F10

====================

Ted

[Jeff]

1) We tried plugging the router into another outlet (but might be on the same circuit) and physically grounded the machine using a jumper cable to a water pipe in our house. Issue still occurs. Will try running router from another circuit next time.

The problem may be a ground loop rather than not being grounded.  Too many ground connections creates a loop and you can get unwanted currents flowing in this loop when you turn on a high current device.

Are you using a laptop or desktop PC with your mill?  Laptops tend to have the signal grounds isolated from earth ground, which helps to eliminate ground loops.   Also, what type of 24v power supply are you using for the mill?  Try plugging in the 24v supply through one of those 2-3 prong AC adapters and do not connect the earth ground connection.  This will make sure the (-) output of the power supply is not also connected to earth ground, which can create a ground loop.

Also, I'd remove the jumper cable from the machine frame to the water pipe.

-Jeff

[mj...@zips.uakron.edu]

Jeff,

Been pretty busy and haven't had a chance to play with the mill.

The issue was noticed with a laptop, but this is the only device we've tried so far. We are using the Jameco power supply recommended in the parts list. Will try the adapter next time it's fired up.

-Mike