Advanced Search

I don't know why there seems to be a dependency on an old Python3 version, I don't see that anywhere in the Debian config folder.

github.com/LinuxCNC/linuxcnc/blob/2.9/debian/control.top.in#L44

Not obvious because some step drives list the microstep ratio:
2,4,5,8,16,32 etc but some list steps per revolution, 400,800,1000,1600 etc

OK, i have to ask, why FreeCAD after Inkscape?
If you are trying to do a depth map, none of those are good choices, try dmap2gcode from ScorchWorks website, it is very easy to use and works perfectly.
That is derived from the already included image2gcode that comes with LinuxCNC, so did you ever try to open a image file with LinuxCNC ? It works fine, but does require a bit more testing to get good results.

Have you checked the DIR output pins with a voltmeter when jogged in either direction?

A suggested step/dir daughter cards are: 

7I78 (4 differential step/dir outputs 1 encoder, analog spindle interface),
7I85S (4 differential step/dir outputs, 4 encoders, 1 serial port)
7I88 (8 differential step/dir outputs)

common parallel port breakouts:

Sainsmart 5 Axis CNC BOB
CNC4PC C11G
CNC4PC C10

 

1 piece props will require supports and that will require a lot of sanding and cleaning of all surfaces.
Multi piece ones are much easier and less cleaning and end up much more balanced.
A few nights back i had a light bulb moment, to print 1 piece props with no supports and at very low layer height so the next layer still has where to land, but i have yet to test how that ends up. I would start at 0.1mm for first test.

Hakan wrote:

I like this!
 

So do i, for float switch also, but i digress as i did complain when PlasmaC was developed about double probing being a waste of time.
Someone insisted on "precise" pierce height to 0.1mm, for something that does not care even being a full mm off.

Yes, that really made a difference! Much more distinct and quicker too.
I wonder if there is a way to upload a short video? All kinds of pictures are possible, yes, but a video?

Here is the only change I made in plasmac.comp.
It made plasmac skip the PROBE_UP sequence for the ohmic probe.
 

Ten 5 mm cuts in 1 mm sheet including probing before the cuts.
It goes down, contact detected and directly up to pierce height and starts the cuts.
 
I like this!

 

I know this may sound a little silly but is there a connection between the breakout board's gnd and the 7i97t ground. Some people have either forgotten this or just didn't know.
Not being familiar with your breakout board but does it require a heart beat pulse to enable the outputs ?

Sorry if this sounds a little too basic.

Many thanks Sven, probably I miss something in my config, maybe in the festo drive. Because when I launch linuxcnc the festo drives goes in error “EtherCAT process data invalid”. I’m not sure of the drive reference method on the festo side.
When I’m able I’ll upload my festo setup from the festo automation suite.
If it’s not a problem for you to share your setup it would be great.


Many thanks again, Lorenzo 
 

Thank you for the detailed explanation and the diagnostic command!
I’ve run the suggested test and got this result:
0001FFFF
As I understand it, that means the P2 outputs are alive and the U22 buffer is fine.
However, the motors still don’t move — there are no step/dir pulses visible on the outputs.
All firmware and HAL configurations are the same as before, when everything was working perfectly.
The P2 connection was made directly through a terminal breakout (type MC-IDC26-H),
and three servo drives were connected in step/dir mode (DB100S type drives).
Could you please advise where else I should look next?
Is there any way to further test the internal stepgens or confirm that the signals are being generated in the FPGA?
Also, which daughtercard would you recommend for connecting three drives via step/dir to the 7i97T - something that would provide a safer or more isolated connection than the raw P2 header?

Ah gotcha Dont know why it didnt cross my mind there may be a multiplication factor somwhere!

I believe this issue has been fixed in 2.9:
github.com/LinuxCNC/linuxcnc/pull/3537

Note that if you are considering to update the currently recommended version is 2.9.7pre:
forum.linuxcnc.org/21-axis/57364-axis-co...-9-6?start=10#336538

The issue with pendants not working in 2.9.5 and 2.9.6 has been identified and a fix has been pushed.
However there is currently a problem with the buildbot so a manually build 2.9.7pre .deb file is available here:
forum.linuxcnc.org/21-axis/57364-axis-co...-9-6?start=10#336658

1. What daughtercard is used to drive the step/dir outputs?

2. A relatively common cause of parallel expansion failure is voltage exceeding the -0.5 to +7V range applied
to any I/O pin (even for an instant). One easy way to do the is to plug in the P2 connector when the system is
powered and there  is no common ground reference between the 7I97T and the connected device.

3. When damage occurs, the typical damaged component would be U22, this can be checked with mesaflash
assuming W21 is in the up position and P2 unconnected, running:

mesaflash --device 7i97t --addr [card_ip_addr] --rpo 0x1008

Should respond with 0x0001FFFF (all P2 pins read high)

if not, its likely that U22 has been damaged

(U22 is ~$1.50 in ones and relatively easily replaced if you have hot air tools)