Computer and Software upgrade

[Tom Mazz]

I have a PR96 that I purchased back in 2000 and have always run the original ShopBot software version 221. My old 486 computer finally died and I have now dedicated an older laptop with XP, to running my PR96. The ShopBot software installed on the laptop is 3.4.27. I have upgraded the control box firmware from the laptop and connection has been made. Distances are off and I’m not sure by how much. I entered my original unit values but that did not seem to work properly. I now need unit values for x,y, and z. ShopBot support told me that the Z value is transferred directly from dos but I think I screwed that up when I entered all my original values. The gears on my stepper motors have 20 teeth. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[gc3]

try 916.7328

[Tom Mazz]

Thank you for your quick reply. I tried entering 916.7328. I then tested the X axis by miving one inch. The result was a move of approximately 1 7/8 inches.

[Brady Watson]

Assuming you have direct drive motors with 20T pinions, try entering: 488.924 for XY Unit Values. That should get you in the ballpark. Tweak from there.

-B

[Tom Mazz]

Brady, Thank you for the reply. I never considered that I could plug in my own numbers. I thought it was an exact sience and values were cast in stone. I'm not done tweeking yet but I'm somewhere in the area of 510.000. Next question is how can I get this as exact as possible (any tips on measuring?) and when I finally figure out the number will this be the value for Z also?

[Brady Watson]

You can call ShopBot Support & they will look up their magical chart of Unit Values if you tell them what motors you are running, pinion tooth count and motor driver brand/type.

-B

[frank]

The unit value for a PK299 motor with 20 tooth pinions is 509.2958
Full chart is here: http://drshopbot.com/index.php?title=UnitValsPRT

[gc3]

I had this tucked away in a old tool box, might be of some help in the future to someone.

[tlempicke]

I mounted a dial indicator on the Y carriage and used that. It works great and will get it exactly but you do have to be careful of the indicator.