Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Newbie questions???????

#1 Yes Mach3 will allow use of the Z axis in a manual mode but you would probably have to use the M6 toolchange codes as the point that you readjust the Z axis. Then press cycle start to continue.
#2 on a small machine like your I would use a lighted power strip located right next to your keyboard. Plug the machine and the driver control box into to this. In case of a emergency simply press the lighted switch shutting off both the spindle and the drivers.
The opto isolation is helpful but not always required. Many drivers have optoisolation in them so adding a breakout board with additonal opto isolation isn't wise.
Opto isolation is used where electrical noise can cause false triggering of the driver or when there is the risk that if something went wrong and the driver could send more than 5V back to the parallel port. Optos would prevent burning out the parallel port.

Dan Mauch
economical 3D scanner software and kits
low cost stepper and servo motors.
cases for Gecko drives
kits and assembled 3-4 axis drives
www.camtronics-cnc.com
www.seanet.com/~dmauch

----- Original Message -----
From: Jack Mc Kie
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 7:46 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Newbie questions???????


I have started to retrofit my X2 mini-mill using a Xylotex 3 axis
controller. I plan on using Mach III.

#1 Does Mach III support 2 axis use allowing manual control of the Z
axis? I have used 2 axis prototrac retrofit on a bridgeport and want
to operate in similar mode.

#2 I want to add an "emergency" (aw sh__) button to the machine. I am
also unclear as to the function of "opto-isolation". I am thinking of
adding a opto-isolated breakout board from homeshop cnc. Will this
break-out board allow for a very simple set up of an emergency
switch??? Does the opto-isolation merely reduce "noise" or does it
protect the computer also???

Any assistance/insight on these would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jack





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