PM-45M-CNC Setup and Configuration with Mach3

[Boswell]

I figured we could use a thread specific to configuration of the Precision Mathews 45M-CNC. This will make it easier for people to find from searches in the future.

I have attached my XML configuration file. I am not sure if it is directly interchangeable with other systems but likely it is with the one issue that I have the PBJ Multi Interface ScreenSet 2013 installed.
Just put this in the MACH3 directory and it should show up in the list of systems when you use the Mach3 loader.View attachment PM-45M-CNC.xml

 

[Ray C]

I figured we could use a thread specific to configuration of the Precision Mathews 45M-CNC. This will make it easier for people to find from searches in the future.

I have attached my XML configuration file. I am not sure if it is directly interchangeable with other systems but likely it is with the one issue that I have the PBJ Multi Interface ScreenSet 2013 installed.
Just put this in the MACH3 directory and it should show up in the list of systems when you use the Mach3 loader.View attachment 71216

Boswell...

Hi... Found a few moments and tried this profile. It doesn't seem to be compatible with my system. When I select that profile, the Mach 3 crashes...

I'll try the older driver in a few moments...

Ray

 

[Boswell]

Boswell...

Hi... Found a few moments and tried this profile. It doesn't seem to be compatible with my system. When I select that profile, the Mach 3 crashes...

I'll try the older driver in a few moments...

Ray

for whats it worth, I am pretty sure I used the newer driver. but I have not heard if you can move XML files between systems or what the gotcha's are.
It is an ascii file so you can open it with a text editor but it is not formatted to make it easy for humans to read.

- - - Updated - - -

Here are some screen shots of my MACH3 configuration pages.
it may take several post to get them all, not sure what the limits are.

 

[Ray C]

for whats it worth, I am pretty sure I used the newer driver. but I have not heard if you can move XML files between systems or what the gotcha's are.
It is an ascii file so you can open it with a text editor but it is not formatted to make it easy for humans to read.

- - - Updated - - -

Here are some screen shots of my MACH3 configuration pages.
it may take several post to get them all, not sure what the limits are.

Much thanks... It's working fine. Now I need to go back and make sure I understand everything. Most of it makes sense in hindsight but there's a few things that don't make sense.

Anyhow... A million thanks for the jumpstart!


Ray

 

[ajg308]

How did you get to these settings? I just used the settings out of the PDF on the disk that came with the mill. Yours look different.

 

[Boswell]

How did you get to these settings? I just used the settings out of the PDF on the disk that came with the mill. Yours look different.

I started with those, at least where I could make sense out of them. one difference is that I am NOT using the supplied pendent so that is not enabled in my config screens. If I remember the steps per revolutions was not specified or was wrong in the documentation so I worked it out by using the built in calibration mode and adjusted slightly to be a logical number (8000). I then tested this with an indicator. I don't remember what else is different but I know that the screen shots supplied with the red circles did not always have the right information in areas that were not in the circle.

If you have a question about a particular parameter, I can explain how i came to it.

and in full disclosure, know that I am computer geek with no cnc or really much machining experience so I could easily have something wrong here.

 

[Ray C]

Hi all...

Once again, a big thanks to everyone for helping out. I'm in the process analyzing all the configuration information as I'm privy to some of the stuff that came from China. Some of that stuff was not working when Matt tried it or, it worked but was in Chinese only...

I shall spend the rest of this weekend researching, reviewing and validating all available information about the basic CNC config parameters. I'll compile it in some reasonable format and share it (by request only) to interested parties here for review and comment. A copy will also to go the fellow in China who integrated the system. It will take a little while to converge on an agreed-upon configuration but, it will be worth the effort. In parallel with that effort, I will also write-up a user manual that describes the basic physical setup and mechanical aspects.

Ok, standby... We're making good progress...

Ray

 

[ajg308]

That is great, it will be a huge help to all those that follow.

I spent almost this whole week on this setup, some good instructions would have cut off a couple days.

 

[Boswell]

That is great, it will be a huge help to all those that follow.

I spent almost this whole week on this setup, some good instructions would have cut off a couple days.

I spend several hours trying to understand why when I told it to HOME the Z-axis would go down instead of up. Took some time to learn about how this is configured in MACH3. I never would have figured it out if it were not for the great you-tube tutorials on Mach3. I highly recommend them them for anyone that is new to Mach3. They cover a lot of ground, not all of it relevant overall worth the time.

 

[Ray C]

I spend several hours trying to understand why when I told it to HOME the Z-axis would go down instead of up. Took some time to learn about how this is configured in MACH3. I never would have figured it out if it were not for the great you-tube tutorials on Mach3. I highly recommend them them for anyone that is new to Mach3. They cover a lot of ground, not all of it relevant overall worth the time.

Absolutely... I viewed all the videos several weeks ago and they are invaluable. Keep in-mind folks, there's a huge learning curve ahead -actually, several of them. One for the machine itself. One for Mach 3. Another for your CAM software...

As I take notes, I'm writing things in a logical progression so that future newcomers can hone-in a little faster...

EDIT: FWIW, I am re-reviewing the Mach 3 tutorial videos this morning... There are 4 or 5 and each is about 30 minutes long.

Ray