Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Compters without printer port

Hi:

Just to kick in on timing issues on the mach3 side there are a few things to keep in mind.

1) The faster a computer is, the less its likely to be affected by other processes. A 1Ghz will be 100 times as sensitive to
processor interferance as a 2Ghz machine.

2) Dont do anything to a computer that has no bad effects. Optimising a perfectly running system is likely to degrade performance.

3) If having trouble, first shut off everything in the msconfig/startup tab. 80% or more of the time the problems one see's are
related to a process in the startup list of msconfig.

4) Mach3 runs at the highest interrupt priority available in a cpu, its affected primarily only by DMA access lengths. So the usual
culprit is thumb drives, and network interfaces. ( Some have network bridges for example, that when shut off clear the problem. )
Wireless netword adapters, if unused should be shut off as they will continue to search for IP information when left unconnected, shut them
off if unused. They typically give a pulse deviation every 5-6 seconds if they are the problem. A 1 second interval of trouble is usually a
USB access of some sort.

5) Try Mach3's drivertest immediatly on startup.. if it runs well, but degrades a few minutes later you have a software process thats starting up after
boot that is affecting you, a reinstall and format of Windows will fix that trouble 90% of the time or more.

6) If having trouble, always run drivertest.exe, it shows very well if trouble is occuring or not. It should be pretty clean on any cpu 1Ghz or higher.

7) Dont run very high rates unless you have a very fast computer. 100Khz will work only for uber computers at 4Ghz or higher normally.
Running the kernalk faster that needed is silly, it just eats time. SO tune your motors at 25Khz, if they wont go fast enough, try 35K..then 45K..etc..
and use the lowest speed kernal you can. This makes the system optimal for your machine.

8) Most printer port addon cards work well, as long as they are pci cards. Most .. but not all. I use LAVA brand myself..always works fine here. They cost typically about 20 bucks..

9) For laptops, only pcmcia printer ports work, no usb addon printer ports will work.

Just a few notes in case they help.


Thanks,
Art

----- Original Message -----
From: Roland Jollivet
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, January 09, 2010 5:22 AM
Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Compters without printer port



You need to look into that. I seem to remember it discussed on the EMC forum
in terms of Linux, and that it's related to interrupts from the power
management.

I may be wrong on the specifics here, but one needs to have a careful look
at all the processes run by XP, and stop/disable all the uneccessary ones.
Also envisage/keep the PC as a dedicated controller, rather than a generic
desktop machine. Ie no other programs. Keep it minimilast for Mach only.

Roland

2010/1/7 Danny Miller <dannym@...>

>
>
> My desktop PC has an on-board LPT port and I disabled the on-board video
> in favor of a card (on-board video is said to be a problem for Mach3).
> Mach3 reported it as "excellent" or whatever for performance... but I
> noted this queer thing where during a G move it would make a "thunk"
> like once a sec, very noticeable in the rotary table. That's due to
> some sort of inconsistency in the pulse train.
>
> I do recommend the SmoothStepper, the performance is better than you'd
> ever get with a parallel port. Especially if you were gonna go out and
> drop a few $ on an LPT card anyways, save that $ and spend it on an SS.
>
> Danny
>
>
> caudlet wrote:
> > --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com<CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO%40yahoogroups.com>,
> "Ronald" <ronaldshaul@...> wrote:
> >
> >> From what I read, the cnc programs utilize the parallel printer port for
> control. Many of the newer computers, especially laptops, do not have this
> port. What do other do to work around this problem?
> >>
> >>
> > 1. Buy a refurbed PC with XP Pro 2.8G processor & 1G ram for $159.00 has
> Printer port and serial port.
> >
> > 2. Buy a new desktop and a PCI add-in (expansion) Parallel Port card for
> about 14.00 bucks
> >
> > 3. Buy a USB CNC driver solution for MACH (about $140.00) aka Smooth
> Stepper by Warp9
> >
> > Laptops are poor choices for CNC controllers unless your intent is to
> setup your CNC machine on the kitchen table each time or make to easily
> portable. The PC that runs a CNC needs to be considered a dedicated
> Controller. It has to be optimized to run the machine. Laptops break easier
> and are more expensive to fix/replace. There are problems with some laptops
> (even with a Smooth Stepper). You may face video or other timing problems
> with MACH on a laptop. About the best PRO for a laptop and CNC is it runs
> off a battery so the Ground is via the system (more noise immune).
> >
> > Check EBAY for good deals on computers that will run MACH and not bust
> your wallet. I have been buying nice HP's and Dells that are refurbished and
> ready to run. I buy 17" LCD monitor for less than 50 bucks. You do not need
> a Dual-Core-whiz-bang computer to run MACH (or EMC2) but it needs to be
> considered part of the machine if you want to be able to just fire it up and
> cut something.
> >
> > TOM Caudle
> > www.CandCNC.com
> > Totally Modular CNC Electronics
> > New low cost All-in-one 5 axis Controller with TubeSlicer (tm)
> Technology.
> >
> >
> >
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>
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