Mach3 Using Zen Toolworks Pre Configured Profile
#Mach3 CNC Setup For ZenToolworks
| Step Number | Image | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1-1 |  |
After install, you should see Mach3 Shortcuts created on your desktop. We are going to use Mach3Load to start the program. |
| 1-2 |  |
By default, Mach3 program will be installed under c:\mach3 folder. After you download the configration file from our website, put that file (such as ztwbreakout.xml) under this folder. Mach3 will look into this folder for preconfigured profiles during startup. |
| 1-3 |  |
Mach3 will start with a profile select dialog box. Search for the profile you are looking for here. |
| 1-4 |  |
We will choose the proper profile, in this case ztwbreakout1. |
| 1-5 |  |
If you have USB converter and its associated library installed, Mach3 will ask you to choose communication method. If you are using normal printer parallel port, just select "Normal Printer Port Operation" |
| 1-6 |  |
This is the Mach3 user interface will look like after start. |
| 1-7 |  |
Select "Config" from the top main menu to verify the configuration. |
| 1-8 |  |
The configuration dialog box will show up. |
| 1-9 |  |
Select Motor Outputs Tab to verify the pins and ports for sending out stepper motor signals. |
| 1-10 |  |
Select "Input Signals" to verify all inputs pins and ports. Those are used for receiving switch signals such as limit, home and emergency stop. |
| 1-11 |  |
Scroll down you will see input pin and port configuration for "Probe" and "EStop". Here as shown in the picture, we are using pin 10 for EStop input. |
| 1-12 |  |
Under "Output Signals", we define the output pin and port. Output signals used to control something like spindle. In the picture, we are showing that we use pin 16 and port1 as an output signal. We will configure our spindle control using output #1 later. |
| 1-13 |  |
Under spinde setup tab, we see that output #1 is used to control the spindle. |
| 1-14 |  |
Now, when we have the breakout board connected to the computer, we can test those signals to make sure the configurations are all correct. |
| 1-15 |  |
Click on Spindle Toggle button, you should be able to hear the click sound from the Spindle Relay on the breakout board. This is the first signal that indicates the wiring between the breakout board and computer is correct and the communication channel has been established. |
| 1-16 |  |
If you connect terminal GND and Pin 10, you will see that the emergency stop signal gets triggered. |