Hi, Spencer

The latest version of the PoKeys software is always available for download from?. The setup package contains PoKeys configuration software and Mach3 plugin.

PoKeys devices have multiple uses and if the device is to be used as a standalone device, PoKeys software is needed to configure it beforehand. The software is also used for firmware updating and some device-specific configuration (e.g. kbd48CNC keyboard or PoRelay8 pairing with the device). And that is where the use of it ends if it is planned the device will be used with Mach3 or Mach4. The PoKeys plugin for Mach3 or Mach4 has to be configured via the plugin configuration!

Regarding your issues:

- multiple ways to access configuration screen: this is intentional - the plugin adds shortcuts to the configuration screen for each device to the Plugin config menu.

- the E-stop must be connected to the selected pin (in the case of PoKeys57CNCdb25, you can select which pin this is). By default, all PoKeys devices expect a NC E-stop switch between the E-stop input and GND.

- the switches 11-13 and limits - we would be very interested in knowing how to replicate the issue you are describing

- relay output: if the status indicator changes state, but the relay doesn't, I would check the signal wiring and grounding. The status indicators in the PoKeys plugin IO status window reflect what the device actually has on inputs and outputs

- if the device is loosing the connection with the PC, you may come accross the problem of Mach3 not detecting it. Again, this indicates grounding problems. Note that USB does not provide galvanic isolation and induced currents in the cable due to that will cause communication issues, where the PC's controller or the device will stop the communication. You can either fix the grounding on the machine - voltage between GND on the machine and GND on your computer (if you have a spare USB cable, cut it and expose the black GND wire) should be as minimal as possible. If this can't be solved, USB isolation device may be used (e.g. PoUSBiso)

- as mentioned in the beginning, the device must be configured via the plugin configuration dialogs.

Based on the list of your problems with PoKeys57CNCdb25 device (and other devices you listed), I would say that there is a serious grounding issue in your machine. DB-25/LPT cables carried only simple signals and there were many ground signals in parallel, which is tough to beat in terms of resistance to electrical noise or ground loop currents. USB is more complex and therefore more prone to being sensitive to such noise. However, it can be reliably used with correct measures applied as noted above.

Note that PoLabs provides official support via the online ticket system, available at??- we talked about the installation issues back in 2017, but haven't heard from you since.

Best regards,

Matev?, PoLabs

V V sob., 22. feb. 2020 ob 05:05 je oseba Bill in OKC too via Groups.Io <wmrmeyers=[email protected]> napisala:

I can't actually help you, I'm afraid. Stuff like this is why I keep trying versions of Linux. So far, it has the same sorts of problems. Maybe not quite so bad. But also a fairly steep learning curve to be able to do more than just operate the computer. SWMBO was just telling me there is a critical scientific instrument that needs software only written for the TRS-80. Just tell yourself you got off light! :)

Again, good luck!

William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion,
butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance
accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders,
give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new
problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight
efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
LAZARUS LONG (Robert A. Heinlein)

On Friday, February 21, 2020, 09:50:26 PM CST, spencer@... <spencer@...> wrote:

pokeys is supposed to just work. i doubt that compatibility would help. i followed all online suggestions about net 3.5 or whatever and that had already been selected.? i found info on firmware update and there was a pokeys config util that updated firmware among other things. this was not in the regular package i had gotten earlier. i installed this updated the firmware and checked configuration and it seemed to fix some things although not everything was available in the config program. i did this all off the real machine so need to test it tomorrow but am hopeful that the firmware update will be what was needed. i am pretty sure that the firmware was pre win 10.

i don't in any way blame the maker of Pokeys. i have to try to maintain compatibility of my legacy programs with new versions of windows and it is not fun.

hopefully i will find that everything works tomorrow.

if not i am looking for something that works with win 10 mach 3 doess smooth stepper really work? i don't want to spend $179 only to waste another day.

?

?

Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212

------ Original Message ------

From: "Bill in OKC too via Groups.Io" <wmrmeyers@...>

To: [email protected]

Sent: 2/21/2020 7:38:22 PM

Subject: Re: [MachCNC] Pokeys problems

If the computer isn't talking to the board, or whatever the thing is on the right pins, at the right data rates, and logic levels, polarities, and clock speed, you won't ever get it working. Sometimes that is because different operating systems do things differently, including talk to hardware. For example, a 9600 baud serial port may, if set up right, talk to a 300 or 1200baud modem. It won't talk to a 56k modem unless you know how to make the 56k pretend to be 9600baud. Parallel portsvhave several modes, too. Three, IIRC, But I haven't used them in so long I only remember EPP, and couldn't tell you what the differences were any more. Maybe setting the correct mode will solve your problem.? Different versions of OS used different hardware drivers, and the formats for those often changed as hardware advanced. New driver often won't run on older hardware or operating systems. Compatibility mode MAY fix that. Or you might have to set up a virtual machine on a newer computer and run the actual version of software you need. Or a complete legacy machine. My scanner is USB. I found I can get a program that will run it. Only it can't control the backlight, and it costs $85, which is more than I paid for the scanner. You problem will not be like mine. Probably. ;)

Good luck finding and fixing it.

Bill in OKC

William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion,
butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance
accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders,
give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new
problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight
efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
LAZARUS LONG (Robert A. Heinlein)

On Friday, February 21, 2020, 08:55:00 PM CST, spencer@... <spencer@...> wrote:

i can try that the next time i boot mach3 but the problem seems to be related to the pokeys plugin very specifically. hard to imagine it will make much difference.

?

?

Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212

------ Original Message ------

From: "Bill in OKC too via Groups.Io" <wmrmeyers@...>

To: [email protected]

Sent: 2/21/2020 5:45:13 PM

Subject: Re: [MachCNC] Pokeys problems

Have you set the compatibility mode for the software you're trying to run? That MAY help. Or not, but it's worth a try if you haven't already done it.?

I've not had to do it recently, since I'm still in info gathering mode, and I know it doesn't always work - my old Visioneer flatbed scanner with backlight for transparencies hasn't worked since Win95 went away. So when I try again, I have to look up how to do it:.?

That should help you find the info, and hopefully it will also help you get it running.?

I'm seriously considering setting up an OLD msi mb from the early 90's with FreeDos and trying that. It's been gathering dust since about 1998. I may have to run it from a floppy, not being sure I still have a functional drive to match.

Bill in OKC

William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion,
butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance
accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders,
give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new
problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight
efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
LAZARUS LONG (Robert A. Heinlein)

On Friday, February 21, 2020, 06:22:20 PM CST, spencer@... <spencer@...> wrote:

My router is working perfectly with an old Dell Optiplex PMDX122 on onboard parallel port.

I wanted to get a new little solid state computer working that does not have parallel port. I have a Pokeys of the type that connects to the BOB with a DB25 connector. I had tried using it in the past with the XP computer and was never able to get it working.

I though I could start over with a new computer new Pokeys software just downloaded etc. I have spent most of the day trying to get things to work. There are so many bugs I think the thing may be defective but appreciate any suggestions as to what I might be doing wrong or ???

How can I be sure I have the latest software that will work with win 10?

A list of problems will follow but first I want to ask what the right way to configure the Pokeys is? There is access to the configuration via config and then config plugins and also "plugin control" both bring up the same dialog but it seems that config and then config plugins fucks thing up more than the other route.

The estop function seems totally screwed up. I have tried inverting and not inverting the input. I have a normally closed switch so it seems it should not be inverted. Checking or not checking the inverted checkbox does not seem to change anything. It seems to be stuck on inverted because I have to hold the estop switch in the open position to be able to reset. After i reset i can let the switch slose and it does not (although some times it does) trigger an estop.

I can not choose a function for + limit switches 12 and 13? i can choose functions for - limit on all three switches 11 12 and 13 but if i select a function for + limit on 12 or 13, mach3 crashes with an unrecoverable error.

i have switch 1 which operates the relay on the pmdx board set for spindle control. i can turn it on with M3 but can't turn it off. once in a while the spindle off button on the screen will turn off the relay but this is only once in a while. I have monitored the output 1 status in the diag screen and it goes on and off as it always has using the pmdx alone with parallel port. Using the Pokeys the status toggles with the screen button or with M3 M5 but the relay almost never goes off. it does go off randomly for no apparent reason.

several times when loading mach3 (i left the option to ask which device to use each time) the Pokeys is not available as an option. Unplugging the USB plug and plugging it back in and starting mach3 again usually restores the option.

I have read the pokeys manual over and over and can not find anything i am doing wrong. other than the spindle, i am able to jog and the shared limit switches do work even though i can not configure 2 of the + direction ones. I believe that i am able to control other outputs on pins 14 and 16 reliably. I could probably add another relay of my own and operate the spindle with something other than pin one so if that were the only issue that can't be fixed well ???

however the estop problem is a show stopper.

i sort of remember that there was a standalone utility for configuration that i had used in the past but do not see it in the current download??

is it better to edit the xml file and if so, which one? there seem to be multiple copies in different places.? the file is quite large and it would be easy to mess it up. is there a guide to the common setting and where they are and how to edit settings?

should i just give up on this and get something else?? i also tried a CNC100 something or other a long time ago and never had much luck with that. I think I threw it away so as to not be tempted to waste more time.

i also got a thing from Amazn that i think came from Sain Smart that wasted a day. I struggled through the terrible documentation to finally get everything "working" but even though everything turned on and off etc. it went absolutely nuts in the middle of running a program. just decided to move random amounts. jogging tests worked fine but running a program it was totally fucked up. also motion at certain speeds was very jerky.

?

?

Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212

If the computer isn't talking to the board, or whatever the thing is on the right pins, at the right data rates, and logic levels, polarities, and clock speed, you won't ever get it working. Sometimes that is because different operating systems do things differently, including talk to hardware. For example, a 9600 baud serial port may, if set up right, talk to a 300 or 1200baud modem. It won't talk to a 56k modem unless you know how to make the 56k pretend to be 9600baud. Parallel portsvhave several modes, too. Three, IIRC, But I haven't used them in so long I only remember EPP, and couldn't tell you what the differences were any more. Maybe setting the correct mode will solve your problem.? Different versions of OS used different hardware drivers, and the formats for those often changed as hardware advanced. New driver often won't run on older hardware or operating systems. Compatibility mode MAY fix that. Or you might have to set up a virtual machine on a newer computer and run the actual version of software you need. Or a complete legacy machine. My scanner is USB. I found I can get a program that will run it. Only it can't control the backlight, and it costs $85, which is more than I paid for the scanner. You problem will not be like mine. Probably. ;)

Good luck finding and fixing it.

Bill in OKC

William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion,
butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance
accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders,
give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new
problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight
efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
LAZARUS LONG (Robert A. Heinlein)

On Friday, February 21, 2020, 08:55:00 PM CST, spencer@... <spencer@...> wrote:

i can try that the next time i boot mach3 but the problem seems to be related to the pokeys plugin very specifically. hard to imagine it will make much difference.

?

?

Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212

------ Original Message ------

From: "Bill in OKC too via Groups.Io" <wmrmeyers@...>

To: [email protected]

Sent: 2/21/2020 5:45:13 PM

Subject: Re: [MachCNC] Pokeys problems

Have you set the compatibility mode for the software you're trying to run? That MAY help. Or not, but it's worth a try if you haven't already done it.?

I've not had to do it recently, since I'm still in info gathering mode, and I know it doesn't always work - my old Visioneer flatbed scanner with backlight for transparencies hasn't worked since Win95 went away. So when I try again, I have to look up how to do it:.?

That should help you find the info, and hopefully it will also help you get it running.?

I'm seriously considering setting up an OLD msi mb from the early 90's with FreeDos and trying that. It's been gathering dust since about 1998. I may have to run it from a floppy, not being sure I still have a functional drive to match.

Bill in OKC

William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion,
butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance
accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders,
give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new
problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight
efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
LAZARUS LONG (Robert A. Heinlein)

On Friday, February 21, 2020, 06:22:20 PM CST, spencer@... <spencer@...> wrote:

My router is working perfectly with an old Dell Optiplex PMDX122 on onboard parallel port.

I wanted to get a new little solid state computer working that does not have parallel port. I have a Pokeys of the type that connects to the BOB with a DB25 connector. I had tried using it in the past with the XP computer and was never able to get it working.

I though I could start over with a new computer new Pokeys software just downloaded etc. I have spent most of the day trying to get things to work. There are so many bugs I think the thing may be defective but appreciate any suggestions as to what I might be doing wrong or ???

How can I be sure I have the latest software that will work with win 10?

A list of problems will follow but first I want to ask what the right way to configure the Pokeys is? There is access to the configuration via config and then config plugins and also "plugin control" both bring up the same dialog but it seems that config and then config plugins fucks thing up more than the other route.

The estop function seems totally screwed up. I have tried inverting and not inverting the input. I have a normally closed switch so it seems it should not be inverted. Checking or not checking the inverted checkbox does not seem to change anything. It seems to be stuck on inverted because I have to hold the estop switch in the open position to be able to reset. After i reset i can let the switch slose and it does not (although some times it does) trigger an estop.

I can not choose a function for + limit switches 12 and 13? i can choose functions for - limit on all three switches 11 12 and 13 but if i select a function for + limit on 12 or 13, mach3 crashes with an unrecoverable error.

i have switch 1 which operates the relay on the pmdx board set for spindle control. i can turn it on with M3 but can't turn it off. once in a while the spindle off button on the screen will turn off the relay but this is only once in a while. I have monitored the output 1 status in the diag screen and it goes on and off as it always has using the pmdx alone with parallel port. Using the Pokeys the status toggles with the screen button or with M3 M5 but the relay almost never goes off. it does go off randomly for no apparent reason.

several times when loading mach3 (i left the option to ask which device to use each time) the Pokeys is not available as an option. Unplugging the USB plug and plugging it back in and starting mach3 again usually restores the option.

I have read the pokeys manual over and over and can not find anything i am doing wrong. other than the spindle, i am able to jog and the shared limit switches do work even though i can not configure 2 of the + direction ones. I believe that i am able to control other outputs on pins 14 and 16 reliably. I could probably add another relay of my own and operate the spindle with something other than pin one so if that were the only issue that can't be fixed well ???

however the estop problem is a show stopper.

i sort of remember that there was a standalone utility for configuration that i had used in the past but do not see it in the current download??

is it better to edit the xml file and if so, which one? there seem to be multiple copies in different places.? the file is quite large and it would be easy to mess it up. is there a guide to the common setting and where they are and how to edit settings?

should i just give up on this and get something else?? i also tried a CNC100 something or other a long time ago and never had much luck with that. I think I threw it away so as to not be tempted to waste more time.

i also got a thing from Amazn that i think came from Sain Smart that wasted a day. I struggled through the terrible documentation to finally get everything "working" but even though everything turned on and off etc. it went absolutely nuts in the middle of running a program. just decided to move random amounts. jogging tests worked fine but running a program it was totally fucked up. also motion at certain speeds was very jerky.

?

?

Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212

If the computer isn't talking to the board, or whatever the thing is on the right pins, at the right data rates, and logic levels, polarities, and clock speed, you won't ever get it working. Sometimes that is because different operating systems do things differently, including talk to hardware. For example, a 9600 baud serial port may, if set up right, talk to a 300 or 1200baud modem. It won't talk to a 56k modem unless you know how to make the 56k pretend to be 9600baud. Parallel portsvhave several modes, too. Three, IIRC, But I haven't used them in so long I only remember EPP, and couldn't tell you what the differences were any more. Maybe setting the correct mode will solve your problem.? Different versions of OS used different hardware drivers, and the formats for those often changed as hardware advanced. New driver often won't run on older hardware or operating systems. Compatibility mode MAY fix that. Or you might have to set up a virtual machine on a newer computer and run the actual version of software you need. Or a complete legacy machine. My scanner is USB. I found I can get a program that will run it. Only it can't control the backlight, and it costs $85, which is more than I paid for the scanner. You problem will not be like mine. Probably. ;)

Good luck finding and fixing it.

Bill in OKC

William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion,
butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance
accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders,
give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new
problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight
efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
LAZARUS LONG (Robert A. Heinlein)

On Friday, February 21, 2020, 08:55:00 PM CST, spencer@... <spencer@...> wrote:

i can try that the next time i boot mach3 but the problem seems to be related to the pokeys plugin very specifically. hard to imagine it will make much difference.

?

?

Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212

------ Original Message ------

From: "Bill in OKC too via Groups.Io" <wmrmeyers@...>

To: [email protected]

Sent: 2/21/2020 5:45:13 PM

Subject: Re: [MachCNC] Pokeys problems

Have you set the compatibility mode for the software you're trying to run? That MAY help. Or not, but it's worth a try if you haven't already done it.?

I've not had to do it recently, since I'm still in info gathering mode, and I know it doesn't always work - my old Visioneer flatbed scanner with backlight for transparencies hasn't worked since Win95 went away. So when I try again, I have to look up how to do it:.?

That should help you find the info, and hopefully it will also help you get it running.?

I'm seriously considering setting up an OLD msi mb from the early 90's with FreeDos and trying that. It's been gathering dust since about 1998. I may have to run it from a floppy, not being sure I still have a functional drive to match.

Bill in OKC

William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion,
butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance
accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders,
give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new
problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight
efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
LAZARUS LONG (Robert A. Heinlein)

On Friday, February 21, 2020, 06:22:20 PM CST, spencer@... <spencer@...> wrote:

My router is working perfectly with an old Dell Optiplex PMDX122 on onboard parallel port.

I wanted to get a new little solid state computer working that does not have parallel port. I have a Pokeys of the type that connects to the BOB with a DB25 connector. I had tried using it in the past with the XP computer and was never able to get it working.

I though I could start over with a new computer new Pokeys software just downloaded etc. I have spent most of the day trying to get things to work. There are so many bugs I think the thing may be defective but appreciate any suggestions as to what I might be doing wrong or ???

How can I be sure I have the latest software that will work with win 10?

A list of problems will follow but first I want to ask what the right way to configure the Pokeys is? There is access to the configuration via config and then config plugins and also "plugin control" both bring up the same dialog but it seems that config and then config plugins fucks thing up more than the other route.

The estop function seems totally screwed up. I have tried inverting and not inverting the input. I have a normally closed switch so it seems it should not be inverted. Checking or not checking the inverted checkbox does not seem to change anything. It seems to be stuck on inverted because I have to hold the estop switch in the open position to be able to reset. After i reset i can let the switch slose and it does not (although some times it does) trigger an estop.

I can not choose a function for + limit switches 12 and 13? i can choose functions for - limit on all three switches 11 12 and 13 but if i select a function for + limit on 12 or 13, mach3 crashes with an unrecoverable error.

i have switch 1 which operates the relay on the pmdx board set for spindle control. i can turn it on with M3 but can't turn it off. once in a while the spindle off button on the screen will turn off the relay but this is only once in a while. I have monitored the output 1 status in the diag screen and it goes on and off as it always has using the pmdx alone with parallel port. Using the Pokeys the status toggles with the screen button or with M3 M5 but the relay almost never goes off. it does go off randomly for no apparent reason.

several times when loading mach3 (i left the option to ask which device to use each time) the Pokeys is not available as an option. Unplugging the USB plug and plugging it back in and starting mach3 again usually restores the option.

I have read the pokeys manual over and over and can not find anything i am doing wrong. other than the spindle, i am able to jog and the shared limit switches do work even though i can not configure 2 of the + direction ones. I believe that i am able to control other outputs on pins 14 and 16 reliably. I could probably add another relay of my own and operate the spindle with something other than pin one so if that were the only issue that can't be fixed well ???

however the estop problem is a show stopper.

i sort of remember that there was a standalone utility for configuration that i had used in the past but do not see it in the current download??

is it better to edit the xml file and if so, which one? there seem to be multiple copies in different places.? the file is quite large and it would be easy to mess it up. is there a guide to the common setting and where they are and how to edit settings?

should i just give up on this and get something else?? i also tried a CNC100 something or other a long time ago and never had much luck with that. I think I threw it away so as to not be tempted to waste more time.

i also got a thing from Amazn that i think came from Sain Smart that wasted a day. I struggled through the terrible documentation to finally get everything "working" but even though everything turned on and off etc. it went absolutely nuts in the middle of running a program. just decided to move random amounts. jogging tests worked fine but running a program it was totally fucked up. also motion at certain speeds was very jerky.

?

?

Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212

Have you set the compatibility mode for the software you're trying to run? That MAY help. Or not, but it's worth a try if you haven't already done it.?

I've not had to do it recently, since I'm still in info gathering mode, and I know it doesn't always work - my old Visioneer flatbed scanner with backlight for transparencies hasn't worked since Win95 went away. So when I try again, I have to look up how to do it:.?

That should help you find the info, and hopefully it will also help you get it running.?

I'm seriously considering setting up an OLD msi mb from the early 90's with FreeDos and trying that. It's been gathering dust since about 1998. I may have to run it from a floppy, not being sure I still have a functional drive to match.

Bill in OKC

William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion,
butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance
accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders,
give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new
problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight
efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
LAZARUS LONG (Robert A. Heinlein)

On Friday, February 21, 2020, 06:22:20 PM CST, spencer@... <spencer@...> wrote:

My router is working perfectly with an old Dell Optiplex PMDX122 on onboard parallel port.

I wanted to get a new little solid state computer working that does not have parallel port. I have a Pokeys of the type that connects to the BOB with a DB25 connector. I had tried using it in the past with the XP computer and was never able to get it working.

I though I could start over with a new computer new Pokeys software just downloaded etc. I have spent most of the day trying to get things to work. There are so many bugs I think the thing may be defective but appreciate any suggestions as to what I might be doing wrong or ???

How can I be sure I have the latest software that will work with win 10?

A list of problems will follow but first I want to ask what the right way to configure the Pokeys is? There is access to the configuration via config and then config plugins and also "plugin control" both bring up the same dialog but it seems that config and then config plugins fucks thing up more than the other route.

The estop function seems totally screwed up. I have tried inverting and not inverting the input. I have a normally closed switch so it seems it should not be inverted. Checking or not checking the inverted checkbox does not seem to change anything. It seems to be stuck on inverted because I have to hold the estop switch in the open position to be able to reset. After i reset i can let the switch slose and it does not (although some times it does) trigger an estop.

I can not choose a function for + limit switches 12 and 13? i can choose functions for - limit on all three switches 11 12 and 13 but if i select a function for + limit on 12 or 13, mach3 crashes with an unrecoverable error.

i have switch 1 which operates the relay on the pmdx board set for spindle control. i can turn it on with M3 but can't turn it off. once in a while the spindle off button on the screen will turn off the relay but this is only once in a while. I have monitored the output 1 status in the diag screen and it goes on and off as it always has using the pmdx alone with parallel port. Using the Pokeys the status toggles with the screen button or with M3 M5 but the relay almost never goes off. it does go off randomly for no apparent reason.

several times when loading mach3 (i left the option to ask which device to use each time) the Pokeys is not available as an option. Unplugging the USB plug and plugging it back in and starting mach3 again usually restores the option.

I have read the pokeys manual over and over and can not find anything i am doing wrong. other than the spindle, i am able to jog and the shared limit switches do work even though i can not configure 2 of the + direction ones. I believe that i am able to control other outputs on pins 14 and 16 reliably. I could probably add another relay of my own and operate the spindle with something other than pin one so if that were the only issue that can't be fixed well ???

however the estop problem is a show stopper.

i sort of remember that there was a standalone utility for configuration that i had used in the past but do not see it in the current download??

is it better to edit the xml file and if so, which one? there seem to be multiple copies in different places.? the file is quite large and it would be easy to mess it up. is there a guide to the common setting and where they are and how to edit settings?

should i just give up on this and get something else?? i also tried a CNC100 something or other a long time ago and never had much luck with that. I think I threw it away so as to not be tempted to waste more time.

i also got a thing from Amazn that i think came from Sain Smart that wasted a day. I struggled through the terrible documentation to finally get everything "working" but even though everything turned on and off etc. it went absolutely nuts in the middle of running a program. just decided to move random amounts. jogging tests worked fine but running a program it was totally fucked up. also motion at certain speeds was very jerky.

?

?

Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212

Have you set the compatibility mode for the software you're trying to run? That MAY help. Or not, but it's worth a try if you haven't already done it.?

I've not had to do it recently, since I'm still in info gathering mode, and I know it doesn't always work - my old Visioneer flatbed scanner with backlight for transparencies hasn't worked since Win95 went away. So when I try again, I have to look up how to do it:.?

That should help you find the info, and hopefully it will also help you get it running.?

I'm seriously considering setting up an OLD msi mb from the early 90's with FreeDos and trying that. It's been gathering dust since about 1998. I may have to run it from a floppy, not being sure I still have a functional drive to match.

Bill in OKC

William R. Meyers, MSgt, USAF(Ret.)

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion,
butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance
accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders,
give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new
problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight
efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
LAZARUS LONG (Robert A. Heinlein)

On Friday, February 21, 2020, 06:22:20 PM CST, spencer@... <spencer@...> wrote:

My router is working perfectly with an old Dell Optiplex PMDX122 on onboard parallel port.

I wanted to get a new little solid state computer working that does not have parallel port. I have a Pokeys of the type that connects to the BOB with a DB25 connector. I had tried using it in the past with the XP computer and was never able to get it working.

I though I could start over with a new computer new Pokeys software just downloaded etc. I have spent most of the day trying to get things to work. There are so many bugs I think the thing may be defective but appreciate any suggestions as to what I might be doing wrong or ???

How can I be sure I have the latest software that will work with win 10?

A list of problems will follow but first I want to ask what the right way to configure the Pokeys is? There is access to the configuration via config and then config plugins and also "plugin control" both bring up the same dialog but it seems that config and then config plugins fucks thing up more than the other route.

The estop function seems totally screwed up. I have tried inverting and not inverting the input. I have a normally closed switch so it seems it should not be inverted. Checking or not checking the inverted checkbox does not seem to change anything. It seems to be stuck on inverted because I have to hold the estop switch in the open position to be able to reset. After i reset i can let the switch slose and it does not (although some times it does) trigger an estop.

I can not choose a function for + limit switches 12 and 13? i can choose functions for - limit on all three switches 11 12 and 13 but if i select a function for + limit on 12 or 13, mach3 crashes with an unrecoverable error.

i have switch 1 which operates the relay on the pmdx board set for spindle control. i can turn it on with M3 but can't turn it off. once in a while the spindle off button on the screen will turn off the relay but this is only once in a while. I have monitored the output 1 status in the diag screen and it goes on and off as it always has using the pmdx alone with parallel port. Using the Pokeys the status toggles with the screen button or with M3 M5 but the relay almost never goes off. it does go off randomly for no apparent reason.

several times when loading mach3 (i left the option to ask which device to use each time) the Pokeys is not available as an option. Unplugging the USB plug and plugging it back in and starting mach3 again usually restores the option.

I have read the pokeys manual over and over and can not find anything i am doing wrong. other than the spindle, i am able to jog and the shared limit switches do work even though i can not configure 2 of the + direction ones. I believe that i am able to control other outputs on pins 14 and 16 reliably. I could probably add another relay of my own and operate the spindle with something other than pin one so if that were the only issue that can't be fixed well ???

however the estop problem is a show stopper.

i sort of remember that there was a standalone utility for configuration that i had used in the past but do not see it in the current download??

is it better to edit the xml file and if so, which one? there seem to be multiple copies in different places.? the file is quite large and it would be easy to mess it up. is there a guide to the common setting and where they are and how to edit settings?

should i just give up on this and get something else?? i also tried a CNC100 something or other a long time ago and never had much luck with that. I think I threw it away so as to not be tempted to waste more time.

i also got a thing from Amazn that i think came from Sain Smart that wasted a day. I struggled through the terrible documentation to finally get everything "working" but even though everything turned on and off etc. it went absolutely nuts in the middle of running a program. just decided to move random amounts. jogging tests worked fine but running a program it was totally fucked up. also motion at certain speeds was very jerky.

?

?

Best regards, Spencer Chase
67550 Bell Springs Rd.
Garberville, CA 95542 Postal service only.
Laytonville, CA 95454 UPS only.
Spencer@...
Spencer@...
Spencer@...


(425) 791-0309
(707) 223-8212

Spencer,

I use counters in my Mach3 program and have attached some jpg's of the macros and Mach3 modified screen.

I am using only the X & Z axis. It is actually a lathe running mach3 mill. The main screen has 3 counters using DRO's. The top one under the Z axis counts up the number of cycles run i.e. the number of parts made. It retains information during a shutdown of Mach3 and is reset by clicking the mouse on it and entering 0.

Since I am running a 6 ft 3/8" aluminum rod in the bar feeder to make 5/8" parts, I have the next counter down set at the number of counts left in the bar after it passes a switch before the headstock. This counter stops the lathe before the bar cannot be securely held in the collet and break a cutter.

The bottom counter just loads the number of cuts in the loop and decrements with each cut.

The 5 vars on the right are used to make minor adjustments to 5 things on the lathe per the wording on the spaces.

I have included a snapshot of my G Code so you can see when the Macros are called to set the counters.

Hope this helps,

Ross