Re: Mach 4-Axis Board Configuration
Posted: Sun May 20, 2012 8:04 pm
SeeMeCNC user notes for the 4 axis HY-TB4DV-M 4 Driver Board.
This board is a common import and the manufacturer has some common problems. With only a little effort, you will find this a very reliable, powerful, and inexpensive control solution for your SeeMeCNC 3D Printer. This board makes SeeMeCNC machines the FASTEST available today!
There are no drivers, firmware, bootloaders, version concerns, etc. It's old school cool. Just plug into a desktop PC parallel port and begin.
===================================
Reference document about the 4 Axis Stepper Control Board:
===================================
Copy the following XML file into your Mach3 installation folder. Right click, and extract. Close folder. Choose "Mach Loader" (should be on your desktop after download and install from Artsoft) and you will see this profile automagically listed. This will 'launch' Mach3 with all the right start up settings.
===================================
If your motors go 'dead' when you reset the e-stop, check this: Following MHackney's post screen shots above, and specifically referring to the "OUTPUT SIGNALS" tab on the "PORT & PINS" dialog box, you might need to reverse the "Active Low" settings. We had to do this on one of our PC's at SeeMeCNC headquarters. If the 'enable' pin and "Active Low" settings on these outputs are reversed, the stepper will receive power during an "Emergency Stop". Then turn off when the E-Stop is reset. Simply open the "PORTS & PINS" and go to the "OUTPUT SIGNALS" tab. Then reverse the setting under "Active Low" for each "Enable 1, Enable 2, Enable 3, Enable 4).
===================================
Setting your axis calibration is pretty easy. Don't feel overwhelmed at all the settings. However, you should refer to the Mach documentation.
Look right above the emergency stop reset button. "Set Steps per Unit". You will choose an axis, move a specified amount, measure, then enter actual distance moved. Mach will make adjustments to your motor tuning 'steps per' based on your data entry.
===================================
And a photo of the 4 axis stepper control board.
DIP SWITCHES IN THIS PHOTO ARE SET to go with the 'Mach-Loader' Profile above. The A axis for extruder (not spindle) is Slic3r ready! The photo also shows jumpers installed on a HY-TB4DV-M:
~PartDaddy~
This board is a common import and the manufacturer has some common problems. With only a little effort, you will find this a very reliable, powerful, and inexpensive control solution for your SeeMeCNC 3D Printer. This board makes SeeMeCNC machines the FASTEST available today!
There are no drivers, firmware, bootloaders, version concerns, etc. It's old school cool. Just plug into a desktop PC parallel port and begin.
===================================
Reference document about the 4 Axis Stepper Control Board:
===================================
Copy the following XML file into your Mach3 installation folder. Right click, and extract. Close folder. Choose "Mach Loader" (should be on your desktop after download and install from Artsoft) and you will see this profile automagically listed. This will 'launch' Mach3 with all the right start up settings.
===================================
If your motors go 'dead' when you reset the e-stop, check this: Following MHackney's post screen shots above, and specifically referring to the "OUTPUT SIGNALS" tab on the "PORT & PINS" dialog box, you might need to reverse the "Active Low" settings. We had to do this on one of our PC's at SeeMeCNC headquarters. If the 'enable' pin and "Active Low" settings on these outputs are reversed, the stepper will receive power during an "Emergency Stop". Then turn off when the E-Stop is reset. Simply open the "PORTS & PINS" and go to the "OUTPUT SIGNALS" tab. Then reverse the setting under "Active Low" for each "Enable 1, Enable 2, Enable 3, Enable 4).
===================================
Setting your axis calibration is pretty easy. Don't feel overwhelmed at all the settings. However, you should refer to the Mach documentation.
Look right above the emergency stop reset button. "Set Steps per Unit". You will choose an axis, move a specified amount, measure, then enter actual distance moved. Mach will make adjustments to your motor tuning 'steps per' based on your data entry.
===================================
And a photo of the 4 axis stepper control board.
DIP SWITCHES IN THIS PHOTO ARE SET to go with the 'Mach-Loader' Profile above. The A axis for extruder (not spindle) is Slic3r ready! The photo also shows jumpers installed on a HY-TB4DV-M:
~PartDaddy~