Mach3 screenset

[cnc_works]

For those of you who are using Mach 3 on their Shopbots, I feel compelled to mention a great addition in the way of a new screenset. It is called 2010 screenset written by Gerry and available on the Mach site as a download. It is Mach stepped into the modern Windows world with one of its main features being a semi automatic tool change for those without tool changers.

I'm running Mach with a wireless Logitech Rumblepad 2 and with the help of a little further customization freely given by Gerry, there is almost nothing I cannot conveniently control with my rumble pad.

No connection between Gerry and I other than me deciding to take a flyer on his screenset and falling in love (or is it lust?).

Anybody wanting any further details of how I'm using it feel free to e-mail.

Donn

[jakaprocki]

Hello Donn,
I am running a thought converting my 2005 Prt Alpha to Mach 3 with a full controller and hand held feed controller. Any company out there might have it? John

[ironsides]

For those of you who are using Mach 3 on their Shopbots, ....

Donn

I give up, what is Mach 3?

George

[Brady Watson]

I give up, what is Mach 3?

George

Pretty sure it's a razor blade (http://www.gillette.com/en/us/Products/Razors/mach3-turbo/mach3-turbo.aspx) :D

It's a generic CNC controller: http://www.machsupport.com/

-B

[donclifton]

Actually Mach 3 is a great controller, I have been using it for over 13 years and have converted 3 shopbot over to Mach 3. you can do just about anything you can think of with Mach like tangents.
I have the screen set 2010 and really like the tool changer part.
Thanks
Don Clifton

[cnc_works]

Yesterday, I saw the cutest mini bluetooth wireless keyboard about a third the size of a regular keyboard. Not cheap, but it would give complete control without needing to use a keyboard interpreter like you have to with the Rumblepad.

The rumblepad has proven itself very tolerant of dust so far, not sure you could say the same about any keyboard.

Yup, love that 2010 screenset.

[jerry_stanek]

I use a roll up key pad that is dust proof

[HelicopterJohn]

I will give the 2010 ScreenSet good marks. A nice Screenset with excellent product support at a GREAT price.

Don has helped me with my Shopbot conversion to Mach3 and everything is working great!!!!!!!!!

Our latest update was to install the Smooth Stepper which allows for USB control instead of the usual parallel port control. I am also running Mach3 on Windows 7 (32bit system) that is installed on my HP Laptop computer.

The Semi-Automatic Tool Changer that comes with the 2010 Mach3 Screenset works like a charm.

I also use a Super PID speed controller. It allows me to control the speed of the router from 5,000 RPM minimum speed to the full speed of the router with no loss of torque. This system can be used with a manual pot or controlled via GCode. I currently control the Router Speed via GCode with the Super PID and it allows me to use different speeds with different tools on the same cutting job.
;)

John

[Big-Tex]

Garry added tool change function I wrote for blue screen set, See mach 3 download section for screen sets. My screen set is free as my contribution for community that i have learned so much from,

[paul60]

Hi Donn.
can you explain what is a semi automatic tool change.
i run my shopbot on mach3
thanks paul

[cnc_works]

I think I can, Paul. In the process you set the initial z on the first tool normally to your usual z zero plate, the program then directs the bit to a second z plate that notes the relative position of the bit to zero. Which on the first one, of course, is identical. Then, when you change the bit, the program directs the bit to the secondary plate, which notes the difference in length between the first bit and the new bit and adjusts z zero appropriately.

Hope this helps.

[xtrafoam]

Actually Mach 3 is a great controller, I have been using it for over 13 years and have converted 3 shopbot over to Mach 3. you can do just about anything you can think of with Mach like tangents.
I have the screen set 2010 and really like the tool changer part.
Thanks
Don Clifton

Hi Don can you help me ? What do I have to change in my control box so my drivers and motors will work with mach3 ( what's the upgrade )

[donclifton]

It really depends on your controller. If it has gecko drives now you need a breakout board to interface with a pp. I have converted several.
Thanks
Don Clifton