How to set up mach 3 for the machine. Setting up Mach3 for your machine

Mach3 is a program designed to control CNC machines. Most often it is used to work with milling and turning equipment, laser machine systems, plasma cutters and plotters. In fact, with its help you can turn your computer into a full-fledged control station for 6-axis machines. For convenient use in production, the developers have included support for touch screens in the program.

The interface of Mach3 is a bit archaic and can only be launched in full screen mode. But the arrangement of the elements of the graphical shell can be changed at will. The unprepossessing appearance of the program is compensated by its rich functionality. Mach3 makes it possible to create macros and custom M codes from VB scripts, implement multi-level relay control, and even monitor the progress of the machine using a remote camera. It also supports direct import of files in DXF, JPG, HPGL and BMP formats (implemented through the built-in LazyCam program). This feature is useful for loading layouts when creating laser engravings. There is also a function for generating NC files for G-codes.

Since Mach3 is a professional solution, it requires the purchase of an expensive license. But before purchasing, you can use the demo version of the program, in which the user is not subject to the most severe restrictions.

Key Features and Functions

• the ability to use a computer as a control station for CNC machines;
• creating your own macros to automate the production process based on VB scripts;
• video surveillance of production progress;
• use of manual pulse generators;
• touch screen support;
• the ability to change the location of interface elements;
• work exclusively in full screen mode;
• Import files in HPGL, DXF, BMP and JPG formats.

Limitations of the free version

• the number of gcode lines (Mill/Plasm) is limited to 500;
• number of gcode (Turn) lines is limited to 50;
• Kernel frequency is limited to 25 kHz;
• the "Assign function to next line" function is disabled;
• the "Run from here" function is disabled;
• THC function is disabled.

Mach3 is a program for controlling a CNC machine that allows you to automate workpiece processing processes. The use of CNC machines is relevant for large enterprises and small workshops. The difference lies only in the characteristics and sizes of the machines that are used in certain situations. Let's consider the issue of using Mach3 at the initial stages of its development.

• A modern milling machine equipped with a CNC module allows it to interact with a regular personal computer or laptop;
• By installing the Mach3 driver on your PC, you can develop control programs;
• After development, the program is loaded into the memory of the numerically controlled module;
• The computer’s task is to configure all the necessary parameters for the CNC operation;
• In addition to automating processes, through a PC you can manually control the movements of the cutting tools of the machine, control their movements relative to the workpiece or work table;
• The operation of Mach3 is based on the following scheme: computer - master - milling equipment. To carry out such management, you will need the appropriate program;
• Mach3 is an excellent example of modern software that controls and configures machines;
• Mach3 is designed to work with all Microsoft operating systems;
• The program works like a regular windowed application;
• Mak3 is distinguished by wide functionality and an intuitive interface;
• At the same time, beginners for whom CNC setting is something completely new should carefully study the instruction manual. It takes a minimum of time to adapt to working with CNC through a special program. This is due to a well-designed interface and an understandable control principle.

Preparing to work with Mach3

Photo Mach3 - programs for controlling a CNC machine

Numerical program control, that is, CNC, is an advanced development in the field of machine tool construction. The program simplifies management and automates all processes. Proper CNC setup using a program via a PC allows you to minimize the human factor and reduce the likelihood of errors to zero.

It is important to understand that if the settings are performed incorrectly, you can break the cutters, incorrectly process the workpiece, and damage the CNC module and other equipment components.

To avoid such mistakes and unpleasant incidents, you should start with proper preparation for operating CNC machines.

1. Completely connect the machines. You must make sure that the machine is prepared for work and receives high-quality power from the electrical network. For many machines, special programs are available that allow you to check the condition of the equipment and the serviceability of its individual components via a PC.
2. Install Mach3 on your personal computer or laptop. However, make sure that your PC meets the minimum system specifications. Mach3 is not a “heavy” program, so almost any computer can easily handle it.
3. The program may require Russification in some cases. The licensed version is in English, but special localizations are widely available online. It is not recommended to use pirated programs like Mach3, since such software can have serious errors that can damage your machine even if the settings were done correctly. The license costs about 12 thousand rubles.
4. Try to optimize the operation of the operating system by disabling all kinds of pop-ups and unused programs. Nothing should interfere with you while working with the machine.
5. Do not run third-party programs in parallel with Mach3. This is especially true for computer games, watching movies and other content that requires impressive resources from a PC. Otherwise, the setting may be incorrect, which will affect the quality of processing and the machine itself.
6. If at the same time you want to compose control programs for a CNC machine, or use your computer not only to work with Mac3, then divide the hard drive into subpartitions. For software for a CNC machine, install a separate operating system. A logical subdivision of the hard drive must be completely dedicated to machine control. This will allow you not to occupy the entire PC with CNC control issues. Use this operating system specifically for hardware settings, do not load extraneous software there, minimize the set of programs.

Working with the program

When the preparation stages are over, you will need to start setting up the Mac3 program itself.

1. Carefully study all the buttons that are available in the Mack3 menu. Many are frightened by their huge number. But having a Russified version will allow you to quickly figure it out.
2. Depending on the type of machine, you need to open the appropriate tabs. For milling equipment, you will need tabs for parameters of electric motors, part speeds, port parameters, spindle parameters, etc.
3. Once you purchase the licensed version of the software, you will find all the descriptions of the settings in the user manual. Or it can be found on the World Wide Web.
4. If you have conditionally correctly configured the machine through the Mak3 program, when commands are issued from the keyboard, the electric motors of the equipment will begin to rotate and move. It is important that the portal moves without jerking, neatly and freely. This indicates that the setup was done correctly.
5. Perform a run. This is what is called a trial manual movement of tools. There is a corresponding button for running in the Mac3 program.
6. The run is determined by the corresponding icon, which allows you to turn this trial mode on and off.
7. Pay attention to the jog ball. It should light up when running. It is used to control machine tools using the mouse. The closer the cursor is to the jog wheel when clicking, the higher the rotation speed of the electric motors will be. In addition to the mouse, you can use the keys on the keyboard to activate the tool.
8. Control of tool movements can be step-by-step or continuous. In the case of continuous, the machine tool moves constantly while you hold down the corresponding key or mouse button. The step-by-step mode assumes that after pressing the button the portal will move a strictly specified distance. You can set the step size yourself.

Mach3 is offered to customers with detailed operating instructions. Based on the official manual, you can adapt the program to a particular machine. Proceed strictly according to factory instructions. Only they make it possible to correctly set the operating parameters of CNC equipment. If the setting turns out to be correct, the compiled control program will allow you to automate the machine and adapt it to perform certain operations with workpieces.

Mach3 is a software package that runs on a PC and turns it into a cost-effective machine control station. To run Mach3 you need to have a PC running Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows 7 32bit. The program developers recommend using a computer with a processor of 1 GHz and at least 1 GB of RAM. A desktop computer gives better results than laptops and is much cheaper. In addition, you can use this computer for other tasks when it is not busy controlling your machine. When installing on a laptop, it is recommended to carry out.

Mach3 and its parallel port driver connects to the machine hardware via a parallel port (printer port). If your computer is not equipped with a parallel port (more and more computers are being released without this port), you can purchase a special card - USB-LPT, which connects to the computer via a USB port, or purchase a PCI-LPT or PCI-E- port expander card. LPT.

1. After installing the Mach3 program, check the operation of the driver.

After installing the program, run the DriverTest.exe file, and if the driver is working correctly, we see the picture, Figure 1.

Figure 1 Checking the operation of the Mach3 program driver.

If not, you should check the following:

1) Windows 32bit operating system

2) Does the LPT port number and its address match the settings in Mach3, by default LPT1 and port address (0x378), that is, the picture from the start menu -> control panel -> system -> hardware -> device manager -> COM ports and LPT should be like in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Viewing LPT port settings

Mach3 only supports LPT1 or LPT2 ports; if, when installing an external board, the port number is LPT3, then it must be changed in the device manager to LPT1.

The port address can be viewed in the properties (right mouse button on the highlighted text), tab - resources.

If you are using a USB-LPT adapter, download the driver for the USB adapter from the link https://cloud.mail.ru/public/6kXS/3CddBpHpG

This completes the setup.

If you wish, you can experiment with setting different speeds and accelerations, choosing those that suit you best and at which the motors rotate steadily without skipping steps or jerking.

The maximum speed is approximately 500-600 mm/min for each millimeter of screw pitch. Those. if your screw has a pitch of 1.5 mm, you can achieve a speed of approximately 1000 mm/min, for a ball screw with a pitch of 5 mm this value is already 3000 mm/min, and for a ball screw 1610 as much as 6000 mm/min!

Having achieved the maximum possible speed, keep in mind that for real stable operation it is advisable to reduce these values ​​by 20-40%.

You can also experiment with the rate of decay of the current in the windings, but this is best done on a finished machine.

For future work, use the MACH3.. program instructions.

Mach3 is a software package that runs on a PC and turns it into a cost-effective machine control station. To run Mach3, you need to have a PC running Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista 32-bit. (A registry patch may be required to run Windows Vista, which can be downloaded from www.machsupport.com.) ArtSoft USA recommends a minimum 1GHz processor and a 1024 x 768 pixel monitor. A desktop computer gives better results compared to laptops and is much cheaper. In addition, you can use this computer for other tasks when it is not busy controlling your machine. When installing on a laptop, it is recommended to system optimization for Mach3 .

Mach3 and its parallel port driver connect to the machine hardware through one (sometimes two) parallel port (printer port). If your computer is not equipped with a parallel port (more and more computers are being released without this port), you can purchase a special card - USB-LPT, which connects to the computer via a USB port, or purchase a PCI-LPT or PCI-E- port expander card. LPT.

Mach3 generates step pulses and direction signals by sequentially executing G-code commands and sends them to the computer port(s) or external controller. The electric drive boards for your machine's axis motors must accept the step and direction signals (step and dir) issued by the Mach3 program. This is how all stepper motors and modern DC and AC servo systems equipped with digital encoders (position sensors) usually work.

To configure your CNC system to use Mach3, you need to install the Mach3 software on your computer and properly connect your motor drives to the computer port.

Mach3 is a very flexible program designed to control machines such as milling machines, lathes, plasma cutters and tracers. The characteristics of machines controlled by Mach3 are as follows:

· Partial manual control. Emergency stop button ( EStop) must be present on any machine.

· Two or three axes located at right angles to each other (denoted as X, Y, and Z)

· A tool moving relative to the workpiece. The initial positions of the axes are fixed relative to the workpiece. The relativity of motion is that (1) the tool moves (for example, a milling cutter clamped in a spindle moves along the Z axis or a turning tool clamped in a clamp moves in the direction of the X and Z axes) or (2) the table and clamped there is a workpiece on it (for example, on a cantilever milling machine, the table moves in the directions of the X, Y and Z axes when the tool and spindle are stationary).

And additionally:

· Switches that indicate when the tool is in the "Base" position.

· Switches that define restrictions on the permitted relative movement of the tool.

· Controlled “spindle”. The spindle can rotate the tool (cutter) or the workpiece (turning).

· Up to three additional axes. They can be defined as rotational (i.e. their movement is measured in degrees) or linear. Each of the additional linear axes can be assigned to an X, Y, or Z axis. They will move together, controlled by the NC or your manual moves, but are accessed separately (see paragraph 5.6.4 for a detailed description).

· A switch or switches connected to form a machine safety circuit.

· Control of the cooling supply method (liquid and/or gaseous)

· Probe - a probe in the tool holder that allows you to digitize existing parts or models.

· Encoders, position sensors with a glass scale that can show the position of machine components

· Special functions.

In most cases, the machine is connected to the computer running Mach3 through the computer's parallel (printer) port(s). A simple machine uses one port, a complex machine sometimes requires two. Special functions such as LCD display, tool change, axis locking or chip conveyor are controlled by connecting a special ModBus device (for example, PLC or Homan Design ModIO controller). Alternatively, the connection can occur through a "keyboard emulator", which generates pseudo keystrokes in response to input signals. Mach3 controls six axes at once, coordinating their simultaneous movement using linear interpolation, or performing circular interpolation on two axes (of X, Y and Z), while linearly interpolating the remaining four using the angle covered by circular interpolation. Thus, if necessary, the tool can move along a tapering helical path. The feed rate during these movements is maintained at the value specified in your control program (CP), subject to the acceleration limits and maximum speed of the axes. You can manually move along the axes using various manual movement methods. If your machine's mechanism is a robot arm or hexapod, then Mach3 will not be able to control it because it will require kinematic calculations to relate the position of the "tool" at X, Y and Z to the length and rotation of the machine's "arm". Mach3 can start the spindle, rotate it in any direction, and turn it off. It is also possible to control the rotation speed (in rpm) and monitor the angle of its inclination for tasks such as thread cutting. Mach3 can switch two types of cooling supply on and off. Mach3 monitors Estop switches and controls the use of Base switches, safety equipment and limit switches. Mach3 stores a parameter database of up to 256 units of different tools. However, if your machine has an automatic tool or magazine changer, you will have to operate it yourself. Mach3 has the ability to set macros, but to work with this
function, the user needs to know programming.

Options for axis motion drives
Stepper and servo motors
There are two possible types of driving force for axle drives
1 Stepper motor
2 Servomotor (DC or AC)
Each of them can move the axis of motion through lead screws (straight or ball screws), belts, chains, gears or worm gears. The method of transmitting motion determines the speed and torque received from the engine, depending on the gear ratio and the characteristics of the mechanical drive. Properties of bipolar stepper motor:

· Low cost

· Simple 4-wire connection to the motor

· Almost maintenance-free

· Engine speed is limited to approximately 1000 rpm and torque is limited to approximately 3000 oz/in (21 Nm). The maximum speed is determined by operating the motor or drive electronics at their maximum permissible voltage. Maximum torque is determined by running the engine at its maximum current capacity (in amperes).

· For production needs, machine steppers must be controlled by a microstepping controller with step division, ensuring smooth operation at any speed with appropriate efficiency.

· Steppers typically provide only open loop control. This means that there is a possibility of steps being lost under heavy loads and this may not be immediately noticeable to the user of the machine. In practice, stepper motors provide quite sufficient performance on standard machines

On the other hand, a servo motor is:

· Relatively high price (especially for DC motors)

· Cables required for both motor and encoder

Brush maintenance required (on AC motors)

· Motor speed can reach 4000 rpm and torque is virtually unlimited (as much as your budget allows!)

· Closed loop control is used so that the actuator position must always be correct (otherwise a fault will be signaled)

Milling machine with cross carriage
Let's start by checking the minimum possible driving distance. This will be the absolute limit on the accuracy of the work performed on the machine. Afterwards we will check the acceleration and torque. For example, let's say you created a milling machine with a cross carriage (Y axis) and the cross carriage travel is 12 inches. You are going to use a single thread, 0.1 inch pitch screw with a ball nut. Your goal is to achieve a minimum movement of 0.0001
inches. One full turn of the screw in 0.1" increments produces 0.1" of movement, so 0.0001" of movement is 1/1000th of that. This is 1/1000th of a revolution of the motor shaft if it is directly connected to the propeller. Using a stepper motor. The minimum step of a stepper motor depends on how it is driven. Typically, common stepper motors have 200 full steps per revolution, but controllers also provide micro-stepping modes. Microstepping modes help achieve smooth movement at higher feed rates, and many controllers allow 10 microstepping per full step. 200 step motor with 10 micro steps per full step
provides 1/2000 of a revolution as the minimum step. As shown in the example above, two micro steps will give the desired minimum movement of 0.0001 inches. This, however, must be viewed with some caveats. While the number of microsteps per step increases, the torque decreases rapidly. Depending on the load placed on the motor, there may not be enough torque to actually move the motor one microstep. It may be necessary to do
several microsteps before sufficient torque is available. In general, for accurate results, use a non-microstepping mode. The main benefits of microstepping are reduced mechanical noise, smoother startup, and reduced resonance problems. Now let's turn our attention to the possible speed of accelerated travel. Assume, at a minimum, that the maximum engine speed is 500 rpm. In our example with
lead screw at 0.1" pitch, 500 rpm will give an accelerated travel speed of 50" per minute, or about 15 seconds to cover 12" of guide length. This result is satisfactory but not impressive. At this speed, the microstepping motor drive electronics require 16,667 (500 rpm * 200 steps per revolution * 10 microsteps per step / 60 seconds per minute) pulses per second. On a 1 GHz computer, Mach3 can generate 35,000 pulses per second simultaneously for each of the 6 possible axes. So, she will cope with such a task without problems. Now you need to determine the torque required for the machine, which will determine the parameters of the required motor. One way to measure it is to set the machine to the heaviest cut you think you'll ever make, apply the highest amount of torque (say 12") on the hand wheel used on the guides, tighten the balance spring all the way down (or adjust a spring from a kitchen scale for these purposes). The torque for this cut (in ounces-inches) is the balance reading (in ounces) x 12. Another way is to use information about the gauge and parameters of a motor that you know is on the same machine with the same guides and screw . Since a stepper motor can “lose steps” as errors accumulate, it is better to use a larger caliber motor with a torque reserve. You can also increase the torque using a gearbox. If the calculated acceleration speed is within reasonable limits, you might consider reducing the gear ratio to 2:1 (using, say, a toothed belt drive), which should double the torque on the propeller. This will allow the use of a smaller caliber (and therefore cheaper) engine.

Gantry router drive
The gantry tracer may require movement of at least 60 inches along the gantry axis. A ball screw for this length is too expensive and complex because, among other things, it is difficult to protect it from dust. Many developers come to use gears through chains or gears. Let's choose a minimum step of 0.0005 inches. The 20-tooth, ¼-inch pitch drive gear gives the gantry 5 inches of movement per revolution of the gear. A stepper motor (ten microsteps) gives 2000 steps per revolution, so a 5:1 reduction is required between the motor and the gear shaft (using a belt or gearbox) and with a 5:1 gear ratio one
a revolution of the stepper motor will result in 1 inch of movement. With this design, if we get 500 RPM from the stepper, the movement will be 500 inches per minute or 8.33 inches per second. An accelerated move of 60 inches, not taking into account acceleration and deceleration, will take 7.2 seconds. Calculating torque on this machine is more difficult than on a milling cutter with a transverse carriage, taking into account the mass of the moving portal, inertia, the duration of acceleration and deceleration, which is probably more important than the cutting force. Someone else's experience or independent experiments will be the best solution for many.

Limit switches(Limit) and Home switches
Limit switches are used to prevent axes from moving too far and thus avoid possible damage to the machine. You can use the machine without them, but a small mistake in calculations can lead to a lot of damage, the elimination of which will be quite expensive

Articles on preparing cutting files for a milling machine in the ArtCam program.

Mach3 program for CNC machine control is a program designed for autonomous control of machine tools with numerical control. The program is equally effective for all types of machines, regardless of what purpose the device is used for: milling, engraving or turning. This program is one of the most popular developments of this type.

Purpose

The full name of the program is ArtSoft Mach3. It is used on computer devices connected to machine tools. To run the program, a Microsoft operating system must be installed on your computer. The application and software were created by an American manufacturer. Its popularity is due to its ease of use, which allows it to be used both in production and at home.

Having given preference to the control program, you can start the devices:

• gear cutting;
• engraving.

In order for Mach3 to run on a computer, it must meet minimum requirements. The Windows operating system is no older than two thousand. The processor clock frequency is at least 1 gigahertz. The minimum amount of RAM is 512 megabytes. Video card memory – at least 64 megabytes. The amount of free memory on the hard drive is at least 1 gigabyte. Availability of an LPT port and at least two USB connectors.

Almost every modern device is compatible with Mach3, making it suitable for use in both large enterprises and home workshops.

The application is controlled in the same way on different machine designs. The difference in operation can be associated solely with differences in the characteristics and dimensions of the devices.

Peculiarities

Mach3 interacts with any machine tools that have a numerical control system. The program can be run not only on desktop computers, but also on laptops. To do this, just connect the unit to the machine. The Mach3 system is more of a driver than a complex application. After installing it, you will be able to independently create control programs on your computer.

Once their creation is complete, they are loaded into modular memory, which is associated with numerical control. The main task of the computer is to configure parameters for working with machine tools.

Via PC you can:

• automate the working tool;
• control its movement;
• control movement along a given trajectory.

The program runs as a regular window application and does not overload the operating system. Before using it, it is recommended to read the instructions. It won't take much time to learn.

The main advantages of Mach3 are:

• wide functionality;
• intuitive interface;
• competent management principle.

The instructions are available in various languages, including Russian. Thanks to this, there will be no difficulties with learning.

Characteristics

The application is capable of controlling six coordinates simultaneously. The software is equipped with built-in software that allows you to download files directly. Files can be uploaded in four formats:

If necessary, the application interface can be changed. With its help, the device controls the spindle speed. Relay control is carried out at several levels. The processing is recorded by a video surveillance system, which transmits the recording to a special software window. For convenience, windowed mode can be switched to full screen. The created program is also compatible with modern sensor devices.

The screen contains:

• program control buttons;
• display of the control program;
• axis controls;
• "Wizard" buttons;
• screen control buttons.

“Masters” is one of the main advantages of the application. They are represented by miniprograms to expand the capabilities of Mach3. They are designed to perform simple tasks that will save the user time. You can create miniprograms yourself.

They are used for:

• cutting teeth;
• drilling;
• digitization;
• text engraving;
• selection of grooves;
• surface treatment;
• processing ordinary contours.

All information about the working tool is displayed on the screen. To adjust the spindle speed, just use the “+” and “-” buttons. The buttons and modes are labeled in English, but their designation is written in the instructions.

Preparation

Not only the accuracy and quality of processing, but also the safety of the equipment depends on the correct settings of the program. If setup is not performed correctly, the result may be a broken guided tool, CNC module, or other components.

Preparation is carried out in several steps:

• it is necessary to fully connect the machines and check their functionality (the check can be performed using standard diagnostics or using various programs);
• then Mach3 is installed (before installation, make sure that the computer device meets the minimum requirements of the program);
• It is recommended to use licensed versions of the application (due to the high cost of a licensed application and English software, pirated Russified assemblies are often used - however, they can be damaged and can harm machine equipment);
• the operation of the operating system should be optimized (for this it is recommended to disable third-party applications, including those that run in the background);
• It is not recommended to run other applications while the program is running (this is especially true for games, since they can load the computer).

If you plan to use the computer for more than just Mach3, the hard drive should be divided into subpartitions. This step is necessary if the PC will be used to create control programs or for other purposes. You must install a separate operating system on which the application will run. There is no need to install other applications on this system.

Usage

Before setting up the program, you should carefully study the instructions, buttons and their meaning. Mach3 interacts with different machines, so each type should have its own tab with parameters. When purchasing a licensed version, instructions are included. If a pirated version is used, or the instructions have been lost, they can be freely downloaded on the Internet for training.

Before processing parts, you need to turn on the machine and make sure it is working properly. This will be indicated by the absence of jerks and interruptions in operation. Then the unit is run. The application allows you to run in automatic mode by clicking on a special button. With its help, the trial mode can be turned on or off. You can control the working mechanism of the device using the mouse.

There are two types of management:

• step by step;
• continuous.

When using the first type, the machine is brought into working condition by pressing a key, and performs processing along a given segment. The second type is characterized by the operation of the machine while the operator holds down the key. If the key is released, processing will stop.

If you have not done so before, download the Mach3 software from www.machsupport.com and proceed to install it on your computer. It is not necessary to connect the machine for this; you can do without it for now.
If you purchased a complete system from a dealer, you can skip some or all of the following installation steps because you already have Mach installed.

Installation (software installation)

Mach3 is distributed by ArtSoft USA via the Internet. You download the package from one installation file (which for this release is approximately 25 Megabytes). The program works for an unlimited time, as a demo version with some restrictions on speed, size of CP files and lack of technical support from the company. When you purchase a license, it will unlock the demo version already installed and configured on your hardware. For complete pricing and option details, visit the ArtSoft Corporation website at www.machsupport.com.

Download the installation package from www.machsupport.com using Save As... from the right-click menu, placing the installation file in any directory convenient for you (for example, on your Desktop). You must have Administrator rights in Windows.
When the download is complete, you can install the program immediately by selecting Open in the download dialog, or close the dialog if you plan to install the program later. When you want to install the program, you will just need to open the downloaded file. For example, if you saved the distribution on your Desktop, just double-click on it. If you saved the file in a folder, then use Windows Explorer (right mouse button on the Start button) to find it and double-click on the name of the installation file.

Installation

This paragraph explains how to install Mach3 software. If you already have any version of Mach3 installed on your computer, then you can install the latest version directly on top of the old one. The old version does not need to be deleted in advance.

If the machine is connected, disconnect it now

The machine does not need to be connected to the computer when installing the software. In fact, it is best to disconnect the machine. Find the place where the wires from the machine are connected to the computer.
Turn off the computer, the machine and its equipment and disconnect the 25-pin connector(s) on the rearcomputer panels. Now turn on your PC again.

Launching the Mach3 software installation package

Once you run the downloaded file, you will have to go through the usual installation steps for Windows programs, such as accepting the license agreements and choosing a folder for Mach3. ArtSoft USA recommends that you install Mach3 in the C:\Mach3 folder.
The background image during installation is the standard Mach3Mill screen. If you plan to install lathe control software, don't let this image confuse you, all profiles, including Mach3Turn, are installed.
You will be prompted to install various software components, as shown in Figure 2-1.
Figure 2-1: Software Component Selection Screen

If you are going to use a parallel port(s) to connect your computer to the machine, make sure the Parallel Port Driver checkbox is checked. If you are going to use a special controller board connected to a USB or Ethernet port, then uncheck this checkbox.
Wizards or Wizards are special macros that allow you to quickly generate NC G-codes for some frequently used machining operations, such as drilling holes in a circle, making pockets, etc. You'll likely find them useful. When installing the Wizards, the Mach3 Addons for Mill package is also installed, but for its full operation you need to purchase a separate license.
XML files contain all the information about Mach3 settings. By default, there are three XML files: Mach3Mill.xml, Mach3Turn.xml, and Mach3Plasma.xml. They give you initial information about the program's settings. Based on them you will create your own profiles. ArtSoftUSA strongly encourages you to create your own profiles by modifying the default profiles. If you already have one or more profiles you made and you do not want them to be replaced when installing a new distribution with standard profiles, uncheck the XMLs checkbox.
LazyCam is a beta release of a free file importer included with Mach3. Its purpose is to import standard dxf, cmx and other types of files into Mach3, which makes it easy to generate NC G-codes without using special CAM programs. The latest version of LazyCam can be downloaded from the ArtSoft website, so you don’t have to install this program now.
Screen Sets are responsible for the appearance of the Mach3 screen. If you already have your own screensets, you don’t have to install standard ones.
Once you have selected the required components, click Next.

The installation program will ask you if you would like to create a custom profile, as shown in Figure 2-2.
Figure 2-2 Profile creation screen

As stated above, ArtSoft USA strongly recommends that users create their own profiles by modifying the default ones. This screen will allow you to create one or more profiles based on existing ones, giving the resulting profiles a name of your choice. For example, if you click on the Mill Profile button, the screen shown in Figure 2-3 will appear.

Figure 2-3 Mill Profile Creation

Enter the name you want to give this profile (say, "MyMill") and click OK. If you want, you can create several different profiles. When you are finished creating profiles, click Next.

If you are using Windows Vista

Vista may require a special registry patch to be installed for the parallel port driver to work. (If you are using a controller board that uses a USB or Ethernet connection, you do not need this patch.) First install the Mach3 software as usual, then install the patch. The patch is available for download from www.machsupport.com, along with some information on how to work on Windows Vista. Download the patch as a Zip file, unzip it and extract the memoryoverride.reg file. Double clicking on the file name will launch it and memoryoverride.reg will add a registry entry allowing the Mach3 driver to work.
Next, go to the C:\Mach3 folder (or wherever you have Mach3 installed). Right-click on drivertest.exe and select “Run as Administrator”. You will be prompted to restart your computer. Do this, otherwise the system will crash. And don't ask why.
Next you need to launch Mach3. Run drivertest.exe again and let it run.
Note: You may receive error messages when running DriverTest. In fact, it won't work at first, and then Vista will ask you if you want to run it in emulation (compatibility) mode. Agree, and everything will work.

The Importance of Rebooting

You must restart Windows before starting Mach3 for the first time. Rebooting is vital. If you don't do it, you will get serious system failures that can only be fixed by using the Windows Control Panel and uninstalling the driver manually. Therefore, restart your PC now.
Although Mach3 is a complete program, when used it is actually a collection of three parts: a driver that is installed in Windows like a printer or network driver, a graphical user interface (GUI), and an OCX object that receives and sends GUI messages.
The driver is the most important and successful part of the program. Mach3 must send very precisely synchronized signals to control the machine axes. Windows prefers to take control of regular user programs, but that's not necessary here. After all, Mach3 cannot behave like a “regular user program”; it should be at the bottomlevel in the Windows environment (to operate with interrupts). In addition, when operating at the highest possible speed (each axis can be addressed 100,000 times per second), the driver needs to configure its own code. Windows does not approve of this (for virus protection purposes) so special permission is required. This process is carried out during a reboot. And, if you do not reboot, Windows will display the Blue Window that appears during system failures, and the driver will be corrupted. And there will be only one way out - to remove the driver manually.
Having given this dire warning, let's honestly add that a reboot is only necessary if you installed the driver on this PC for the first time. If you are updating your system with a new version, then a reboot is not important, although the message at the end of the installation remains. Windows XP loads quite quickly, so you can wait, a reboot will not hurt.

Testing the installation result

We hope you've rebooted!
ArtSoft USA recommends that you test the system. Mach3 is not a simple program. Windows gives her more freedom to do her work; but its performance depends on some factors. For example, QuickTime's system monitor (qtask.exe) running in the background can disrupt program execution. In addition, there are other programs that you may not know about that can also do this. Windows runs many processes in the background, some of which appear in the tray, others do not show themselves. Other sources of uncontrolled impacts are a local network configured based on an automatic speed mode. Your actual network speed should be set to 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps. Finally, a computer that has access to the Internet can be “rewarded” with modules - robots that spy on you and send information over the network to the owners of the programs you have installed. This traffic may interfere with Mach3 and your activities. Use special applications, such as "Spybot", available at www.safer-networking.org, to detect and remove unwanted software from your computer.
Because of these factors (it's important, although not necessary), test your system if you suspect any errors or if you just want to make sure the installation was successful.

If you are using the default parallel port driver

If you are using special controllers connected via USB or Ethernet instead of a parallel port driver, skip this paragraph.
If you are using the Mach3 parallel port driver, you should now create a shortcut on your desktop. Use Windows Explorer (right-click on the Start button) to find the folder where you installed the Mach3 program and create a shortcut DriverTest.exe by right-clicking on the file name DrriveTest.exe. Drag this shortcut to your Desktop DriverTest.exe tests the operation of the parallel port driver.
Double-clicking the DriverTest shortcut is similar to launching the DriverTest.exe program from the folder in which the Mach3 program is installed. Running DrriveTest.exe will install the parallel port driver if it is not already installed. A screenshot of DriverTest is shown in Figure 2-4.
You can ignore all windows except the Pulses Per Second window. The frequency should be fairly stable around your chosen Kernel pulse frequency (25,000Hz, 35,000Hz, etc.), but can vary greatly on different systems. This does not mean that the pulse timer is unstable, it may mean thatThe computer is heavily overloaded and its processes are slow. Since Mach3 occupies a high priority in the system, time synchronization is often delayed due to the lower priority. Because the pulse size is based on a second of Windows time, fluctuations in Windows system time can cause the pulse size to appear to "float" even if it is actually stable.
Figure 2-4: Executing the Driver Test Program

DriverTest evaluates the pulse flow and displays the information in the Pulse Raiting line below the Timer Variations graph. In Figure 2-4, the impulse rating is Excellent. Different results are possible on different systems, the impulse rating can be Good, Fair or Poor. If you have a pattern similar to that shown in Figure 2-4, with small spikes in the Timer Variations window, a steady number of pulses per second, and a good or excellent rating, then your system is fine. Close DriverTest and go to Chapter 2.4 about Mach3 profiles. If you have problems with installation, please refer to Chapter 2.4, Installation Problems.

Mach3 profiles

Profile files (files with the .XML extension, saved in the folder where the Mach3 program is installed) determine the operating appearance and characteristics of the program, allowing Mach3 to adapt to work with various types of machines: lathes, milling machines, plasma cutting stacks, tracers, etc. All configuration settings saved in the corresponding profile file.
The installation program creates shortcuts on the desktop for Mach3Mill, Mach3Turn, Plazma and Mach3 Loader. Mach3Mill, Mach3Turn and Plazma are shortcuts that launch Mach3 with a pre-configured profile for the corresponding hardware type. In the shortcut, the loaded profile is specified by the "/p" argument in the "Object" field of the shortcut properties. (As an example, you can view the properties of the Mach3Mill shortcut. This can be done, for example, by right-clicking on the shortcut and selecting Properties from the menu. See also Figure 2-7.)
You can use these shortcuts to launch an appropriately configured system, but ArtSoft USA strongly recommends that you make your own profiles based on them and give them names other than the default ones. This gives you two beneficial effects:
The standard profiles (Mach3Mill.XML, Mach3Turn.XML and Plasma.XML) are not configured for your specific system. They serve only as a starting point for creating your own profiles and as a recovery point if your profile is lost or corrupted for some reason.
Your profiles will not be overwritten or lost when you install the next latest version of Mach3. When you upgrade Mach3, the default profiles (Mach3Mill.XML, etc.) provided in the distribution replace the profiles of the same name present in your Mach3 folder. If all your settings, carefully selected, are saved in a file with the standard name Mach3Mill.XML, then when installing a new version of Mach3 you will be disappointed - all settings will be lost!
The Mach3 Loader shortcut does not launch any profile. It brings up the launch menu, where you will be asked to select the profile you need. Also in this menu there is the option to create your own profile file.

Creating a Profile

Launch Mach3Loader using the shortcut you have. A window will appear as in Figure 2-5.
Figure 2-5: Profile selection window

Click the Create Profile button. A window as shown in Figure 2-6 will appear.
Figure 2-6: Create Profile Window

In the list on the left, click on the profile that you want to use as the basis for a new profile (for example, Mach3Mill). Enter the name you want to give the new profile in the New Profile Name box. Do not check the Default Profile Values ​​checkbox. (Selecting Default Profile Values ​​creates a minimal profile.)
Click OK.
You can run Mach3 in your new profile by launching Mach3Loader, selecting your profile name from the list and clicking OK. For convenience, you can create a shortcut for your profile on the command line, as shown in Figure 2-7.
Figure 2-7: Shortcut for the “MyMill” profile

Installation problems

While carrying out the testing procedure, you may encounter the following problems:
1. The message “Driver not found or installed, contact Art.” “The driver was not found or not installed. Contact Art Fenerty." - for some reason the driver is not loaded in Windows. This problem occurs on systems managed by Windows XP, the driver databases of which are corrupted. The solution to this situation is to reinstall Windows. Or perhaps you are running Win2000 .This Operating System has a bug due to which the driver cannot load normally.In this case, you need to install the driver manually (see paragraph 2.4.2).
2. If the system counts down...3...2...1.. and then starts rebooting, one of the following two reasons has occurred. Either you didn't reboot when asked, or the driver is defective or doesn't work with your system. In this case, read the paragraph
2.1.3 and uninstall the driver manually, and then reinstall Mach3. If you encounter this problem, please contact ArtSoft USA at the email address listed on www.machsupport.com and assistance will be provided.
Some systems are equipped with a motherboard that has an API timer, but the BIOS does not use it. This disrupts the normal installation of Mach3. The DOS batch file "specialdriver.bat", which is available in the Mach3 folder, can be run in a DOS window. Find it in Windows Explorer and double-click it. This makes it possible to use the driver on a controller older than i8529. You will have to repeat this procedure every time you download an update to the Mach3 version, as the new driver installed will replace this special driver.
Windows connoisseurs may be interested in some points. The white rectangular window shows the timing analysis. During testing, it displays a line with small deviations that appear cyclically on this line. This should be no longer than a quarter of an inch or so for a 17" monitor on most systems. Even if this variation exceeds this threshold, don't worry, insert a processing tool and do a movement test to ensure that the movements when manually moving or by command G0/G1 are quite even and smooth.

Running the DriverTest utility if Mach3 fails

If, due to a number of reasons, the program crashes while Mach3 is running - this could be due to faulty hardware or a software bug - you need to run the DriverTest application as soon as possible after Mach3 crashes. If you wait a couple of minutes, the Mach3 driver will crash Windows with the usual blue System Restore window. If your Mach3 fails unexpectedly, running DriverTest will restore the driver to a stable condition.
After the application has finished running, if the Mach3 program has not stabilized, try starting it again after some time. Everything should get better.

Installing and uninstalling the driver manually

You need to read the following text if your attempts to run the OCXDriverTest program fail.
The driver (Mach3.sys) can be installed or uninstalled manually using the Windows Control Panel. The dialog box is slightly different for Windows 2000 and Windows XP, but the steps are identical.

1. Open the Control Panel and double-click on the icon or line System.
2. Or for XP, select Hardware Installation and call the Hardware Installation Wizard. Windows will look for new hardware (and won't find it).
3. Inform the Master that the device is already connected and proceed to the next step.
4. You will be presented with a list of installed equipment. Scroll down the list and select Add a new device and move on.
5. On the next page, select Install equipment manually selected from the list.
6. The following list will include Mach1/2 pulsing engine. Select it and move on.
7. Click Install from disk and specify the path to your Mach3 folder (C:\Mach3 by default). Windows will find the Mach3.inf file. Select this file and click Open. Windows will install the driver.
The driver can be uninstalled even easier.
1. Open the Control Panel and double-click on the icon or line System
2. Select Hardware, then Device Manager
3. You will be presented with a list of devices and their drivers. Right-clicking on Mach3 Driver will give you the option to uninstall it. The Mach3.sys file will be removed from the Windows folder. A copy will remain there.
And the last thing you need to pay attention to. Windows stores all information about your Mach3 configurations in a profile file. This information is not deleted after uninstalling the driver and deleting other Mach3 files; it remains even when you upgrade the system. It is unlikely that you will need to completely wipe the system, in which case delete the profile .XML file or all .XML files.