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== Protospace Mini CNC User Basic Instructions:==
==Protospace Mini CNC User Basic Instructions:==
These instructions are intended for the most basic of users.  Note that using this CNC is fairly manual and requires an attention to detail and a willingness to experiment.  
These instructions are intended for the most basic of users.  Note that using this CNC is fairly manual and requires an attention to detail and a willingness to experiment.  
Things are easily broken and you can (and probably will) do harm to the bit, machine, and possibly yourself if you do not pay attention, and above all else THINK.
Things are easily broken and you can (and probably will) do harm to the bit, machine, and possibly yourself if you do not pay attention, and above all else THINK.


== Step 1 – Starting up the Computer and CNC ==
==Step 1 – Starting up the Computer and CNC==
1. To run the Mini CNC, boot the PC into XP.
1. To run the Mini CNC, boot the PC into XP.
<br>[[File:141-Grub.gif]]
<br>[[File:141-Grub.jpg]]


2. The Mach3 application will autostart (Automatically launch)
2. To start '''Mach3''', click on the icon in the top left area of the screen. (Screen shot to follow)  


3. Select Mach3Mill (Metric). Click OK
2A (Alternate) If you want to select a different profile, Select the '''Mach3 - No profile''' icon lower down on the screen.
<br>[[File:141-SessionProfile.gif]]
<br>[[File:141-SessionProfile.jpg]]


4. Turn on the power on the 3040 and make sure that the E-Switch is not pressed.
3. Turn on the power on the 3040 and make sure that the E-Switch is not pressed.
<br>[[File:141-Mini-CNC-3040.png]]


== Step 2 – Introduction to Mach3==
Note: The Power switch is ON (1) and the Spindle is OFF (0).  The spindle is controlled by the program but the speed is not.  Turn the spindle speed knob up to either max or near max.  If you flip the spindle switch ON(1), the spindle will spin up.  You only need to do this to test the spindle speed, or if your G-Code fails to turn it on and off automatically.  The normal position for this switch is OFF(0).
You should now see the Initial screen:
(picture goes here)


5. Clear any error messages in Status  
==Step 2 – Introduction to Mach3==
The first thing is to Notice Red flashing border on the Reset button and Status message.   
You should now see the Initial screen:  (Note: the Screen Theme can be changed.  If you want to use a screen that looks more like the Big Boy CNC, select '''View''' -> '''Load Screens''' -> and then select "'''PA Interface_v05.set".'''  To return to the default screen set, guess what?  Select '''View''' -> '''Load Screens''' -> and then select "'''Default.set'''" (or 1024.set)'''.'''
 
<br>[[File:141-Mach3-Main-Screen-1.jpg]]
 
 
4. Clear any error messages in Status  
 
The first thing is to notice the Red flashing border on the Reset button and Status message.   
The example shows: “Limit Switch Triggered”.  And the scrolling message says “Press Reset… Emergency mode Active.  Emergency Z Inhibit”.
The example shows: “Limit Switch Triggered”.  And the scrolling message says “Press Reset… Emergency mode Active.  Emergency Z Inhibit”.
(picture goes here)
<br>[[File:141-Reset-Button-Error-State.jpg]]


You may need to manually spin the knobs on the 3 axis to move the carriages off of the limit switches.
You may need to manually spin the knobs on the 3 axis to move the carriages off of the limit switches.
Keep clicking reset, and resolving the issues, until the status is clear of any messages.  The Border on the reset button should also be green.
(picture goes here)


Keep clicking reset, and resolving the issues, until the status is clear of any messages. 
The Border on the reset button should also be green.
<br>[[File:141-Reset-Button-Green.jpg]]


6. Home the carriages  
 
5. You can skip this step if you know what you are doing and the carriage is in a convenient location. 
 
Otherwise, to establish precise absolute positions for the starting points, Home the carriages  
Click in the “REF ALL HOME” button.
Click in the “REF ALL HOME” button.
(picture goes here)
<br>[[File:141-Ref-All-Home-1.jpg]]
 


The 3 carriages will seek their home positions and the 3 buttons will go green and the position will show +0.0000.
The 3 carriages will seek their home positions and the 3 buttons will go green and the position will show +0.0000.
(picture goes here)
<br>[[File:141-Ref-All-Home-2.jpg]]


== Step 3 - Getting ready to mill your piece ==
==Step 3 - Getting ready to mill your piece==
7. Mount your piece on the milling table.   
7. Mount your piece on the milling table.   
You need to be careful of  
You need to be careful of  
8. Move carriage to a new home position
8. Move carriage to a new home position
Note that the travel limit switches are now is a “Dead Man” mode.  If you accidentally drive the carriage too far and it trips a switch, the CNC will go into error mode and you will need to manually resolve.
 
Note that the travel limit switches are now in a “Dead Man” mode.  If you accidentally drive the carriage too far and it trips a switch, the CNC will go into error mode and you will need to manually resolve.
 
To assist you in preventing this problem, enable the “Soft Limits” button.   
To assist you in preventing this problem, enable the “Soft Limits” button.   
(picture goes here)
 
<br>[[File:141-Soft-Limits.jpg]]
 


The behavior will now be that the controller will not allow you to go out of limits.  You will hear a noticeable slowing down in the motion if you try to drive it too close to the edge.
The behavior will now be that the controller will not allow you to go out of limits.  You will hear a noticeable slowing down in the motion if you try to drive it too close to the edge.
Line 48: Line 64:


The Secret Key => TAB.  This will turn on/off the manual controls:
The Secret Key => TAB.  This will turn on/off the manual controls:
(picture goes here)
<br>[[File:141-MPG-Mode-1.jpg]]
 


Note that Green is Positive direction and Red is negative.   
Note that Green is Positive direction and Red is negative.   
Also, the direction of the arrows match the direction of the 3 axis (left => left, up => up, etc)
Also, the direction of the arrows match the direction of the 3 axis (left => left, up => up, etc)
Once you have positioned the carriage in the perfect position, click on each of the “Zero X” buttons.
Once you have positioned the carriage in the perfect position, click on each of the “Zero X” buttons.
(picture goes here)


== Step 4 – Determining the Bit height ==
==Step 4 – Determining the Bit height==
The tool probe height sensor has been set up to allow you to accurately control the height of your bit.  
The tool probe height sensor allow you to accurately control the height of your bit.  
To set the bit height, follow these steps:
To set the bit height, follow these steps:
9. Insert that bit of your choice in the chuck.
9. Insert that bit of your choice in the chuck.
10. Attach the alligator lead to the bit.
10. Attach the alligator lead to the bit.
11. Place the sensor puck under the bit.   
11. Place the sensor puck under the bit.   
12. Click on the “Auto Tool Zero” button.  NOTE: Get ready to hit the E-Stop if things go badly. This can damage bits and such.
 
12. Click on the “Auto Tool Zero” button.   
from the popup, select the height of the sensor.  If using the puck then select the top value of 25.5.  If using a thin strip of metal such as a utility knife blade, use the second entry (2.00??).  Note that these numbers can be configured and may be tweaked by users who have tuned it for perfection.  More on this to be documented later.
 
NOTE: Get ready to hit the E-Stop if things go badly. This can damage bits and such.
The Z axis will slowly drop down until it makes contact with the puck, and then retract a short distance.  Note that the distance that it retracts can be adjusted, but the default is 1.27mm.
The Z axis will slowly drop down until it makes contact with the puck, and then retract a short distance.  Note that the distance that it retracts can be adjusted, but the default is 1.27mm.
Once it has found the height, Click the “Zero Z” to reset it. 
You will now use this new height as a reference for all further work. 
Some experimenting would indicate that the distance fro this measured height and your work surface is now about 27.6mm or so.  You can do some experimenting yourself to find the true number.


Note as well: This sensor can also be used for edge sensing.  This will be investigated in future.  
The Z axis should now have automatically been set to your work surface.  All G-Code references should now use this height as its reference.  Positive values will raise the bit above the material and negative value will cut material.
 
Note as well: This sensor can also be used for edge sensing.  This will be investigated in future.


== Step 5 – Loading and editing your G-Code ==
==Step 5 – Loading and editing your G-Code==
13. The next step in milling anything is to load a G-Code file.  
13. The next step in milling anything is to load a G-Code file.  
Note that the creation of a proper G-Code file is up to you.  I have documented a very very simple sample in order to demonstrate the concepts of how to use the tool.
 
Note that instruction on how to create a G-Code file is beyond the scope of this tutorial and is up to you.   
You can use programs such as [https://www.autodesk.ca/en/products/fusion-360/overview Fusion 360] or a simpler program such as [http://easel.inventables.com/users/sign_in Easel]
 
*Beginners can get started with [[Easy_CAM_Guide|Easy CAM Guide]], which explains how to create milling files using Easel's browser-based CAM. (See this sample [https://boxzy.dozuki.com/Guide/Easy+CAM:+Creating+a+Milling+File+with+Easel/104 Easy CAM: Creating a Milling File with Easel] until we get our own added)
*Advanced users can learn more about CAM with Autodesk Fusion 360 by checking out this [https://skippy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/09_CAM.pdf Fusion CAM writeup].
 
I have documented a very very simple sample in order to demonstrate the concepts of how to use the tool.<br>
To load a g-code file, simply click on “Load G-Code” button.   
To load a g-code file, simply click on “Load G-Code” button.   
Now that you have loaded your G-Code, I would like to run you through what I have learned about the dialogs.
Now that you have loaded your G-Code, I would like to run you through what I have learned about the dialog's.
- By clicking on the Dialog box, you can then scroll up and down the file.  It appears that you cannot edit on the screen, but you can start selecting some other nifty controls within the file.  
 
- To edit the code, you click on the “Edit G-Code” button.  This will open the file in a text editor. When you close the file it will automatically load back into Mach3
*By clicking on the G-Code Dialog box, you can then scroll up and down the file.  It appears that you cannot edit on the screen, but you can start selecting some other nifty controls within the file.
- Also note if your click on the “Tool Path (Alt-4)” then you can visualize the cut path on each line of the G-Code file.  
*To edit the code, you click on the “Edit G-Code” button.  This will open the file in a text editor. When you close the file it will automatically load back into Mach3
(picture goes here)
*Also note if your click on the “Tool Path (Alt-4)” then you can visualize the cut path on each line of the G-Code file.
 
(The sample image shows the tool path after I moved the image slightly to view the Z axis.  Do this by click and hold the moue button on the view window and then moving the mouse slowly.<br> 
Notice that the line highlighted in the G-Code dialog box is also highlighted in the tool path window.
 
<b>Important Note:</b> in the sample, on line 2, it says to go to Z-26 (G1 Z-26 F150).  This was what I entered before I understood how to use the height sensor properly. This is using a reference of Z as Zero after using the buck to sense the height, but then I incorrectly reset the Z height to zero manually.  <br>
This will be updated with a proper graphic and instructions once we figure it out.  <br>
Meanwhile, set your code to a very small number (G1 Z-0.5 F150) and test it first before you break a bit.
 
<br>[[File:141-Tool-Path-View-1.jpg]]

Latest revision as of 22:01, 28 August 2021

Protospace Mini CNC User Basic Instructions:

These instructions are intended for the most basic of users. Note that using this CNC is fairly manual and requires an attention to detail and a willingness to experiment. Things are easily broken and you can (and probably will) do harm to the bit, machine, and possibly yourself if you do not pay attention, and above all else THINK.

Step 1 – Starting up the Computer and CNC

1. To run the Mini CNC, boot the PC into XP.
141-Grub.jpg

2. To start Mach3, click on the icon in the top left area of the screen. (Screen shot to follow)

2A (Alternate) If you want to select a different profile, Select the Mach3 - No profile icon lower down on the screen.
141-SessionProfile.jpg

3. Turn on the power on the 3040 and make sure that the E-Switch is not pressed.
141-Mini-CNC-3040.png

Note: The Power switch is ON (1) and the Spindle is OFF (0). The spindle is controlled by the program but the speed is not. Turn the spindle speed knob up to either max or near max. If you flip the spindle switch ON(1), the spindle will spin up. You only need to do this to test the spindle speed, or if your G-Code fails to turn it on and off automatically. The normal position for this switch is OFF(0).

Step 2 – Introduction to Mach3

You should now see the Initial screen: (Note: the Screen Theme can be changed. If you want to use a screen that looks more like the Big Boy CNC, select View -> Load Screens -> and then select "PA Interface_v05.set". To return to the default screen set, guess what? Select View -> Load Screens -> and then select "Default.set" (or 1024.set).


141-Mach3-Main-Screen-1.jpg


4. Clear any error messages in Status

The first thing is to notice the Red flashing border on the Reset button and Status message. The example shows: “Limit Switch Triggered”. And the scrolling message says “Press Reset… Emergency mode Active. Emergency Z Inhibit”.
141-Reset-Button-Error-State.jpg

You may need to manually spin the knobs on the 3 axis to move the carriages off of the limit switches.

Keep clicking reset, and resolving the issues, until the status is clear of any messages. The Border on the reset button should also be green.
141-Reset-Button-Green.jpg


5. You can skip this step if you know what you are doing and the carriage is in a convenient location.

Otherwise, to establish precise absolute positions for the starting points, Home the carriages Click in the “REF ALL HOME” button.
141-Ref-All-Home-1.jpg


The 3 carriages will seek their home positions and the 3 buttons will go green and the position will show +0.0000.
141-Ref-All-Home-2.jpg

Step 3 - Getting ready to mill your piece

7. Mount your piece on the milling table.

You need to be careful of 8. Move carriage to a new home position

Note that the travel limit switches are now in a “Dead Man” mode. If you accidentally drive the carriage too far and it trips a switch, the CNC will go into error mode and you will need to manually resolve.

To assist you in preventing this problem, enable the “Soft Limits” button.


141-Soft-Limits.jpg


The behavior will now be that the controller will not allow you to go out of limits. You will hear a noticeable slowing down in the motion if you try to drive it too close to the edge.

Now, you can manually move the carriage to a new position, like the a new home position on the corner of your work piece.

The Secret Key => TAB. This will turn on/off the manual controls:
141-MPG-Mode-1.jpg


Note that Green is Positive direction and Red is negative.

Also, the direction of the arrows match the direction of the 3 axis (left => left, up => up, etc)

Once you have positioned the carriage in the perfect position, click on each of the “Zero X” buttons.

Step 4 – Determining the Bit height

The tool probe height sensor allow you to accurately control the height of your bit. To set the bit height, follow these steps:

9. Insert that bit of your choice in the chuck.

10. Attach the alligator lead to the bit.

11. Place the sensor puck under the bit.

12. Click on the “Auto Tool Zero” button. from the popup, select the height of the sensor. If using the puck then select the top value of 25.5. If using a thin strip of metal such as a utility knife blade, use the second entry (2.00??). Note that these numbers can be configured and may be tweaked by users who have tuned it for perfection. More on this to be documented later.

NOTE: Get ready to hit the E-Stop if things go badly. This can damage bits and such. The Z axis will slowly drop down until it makes contact with the puck, and then retract a short distance. Note that the distance that it retracts can be adjusted, but the default is 1.27mm.

The Z axis should now have automatically been set to your work surface. All G-Code references should now use this height as its reference. Positive values will raise the bit above the material and negative value will cut material.

Note as well: This sensor can also be used for edge sensing. This will be investigated in future.

Step 5 – Loading and editing your G-Code

13. The next step in milling anything is to load a G-Code file.

Note that instruction on how to create a G-Code file is beyond the scope of this tutorial and is up to you. You can use programs such as Fusion 360 or a simpler program such as Easel

I have documented a very very simple sample in order to demonstrate the concepts of how to use the tool.
To load a g-code file, simply click on “Load G-Code” button. Now that you have loaded your G-Code, I would like to run you through what I have learned about the dialog's.

  • By clicking on the G-Code Dialog box, you can then scroll up and down the file. It appears that you cannot edit on the screen, but you can start selecting some other nifty controls within the file.
  • To edit the code, you click on the “Edit G-Code” button. This will open the file in a text editor. When you close the file it will automatically load back into Mach3
  • Also note if your click on the “Tool Path (Alt-4)” then you can visualize the cut path on each line of the G-Code file.

(The sample image shows the tool path after I moved the image slightly to view the Z axis. Do this by click and hold the moue button on the view window and then moving the mouse slowly.
Notice that the line highlighted in the G-Code dialog box is also highlighted in the tool path window.

Important Note: in the sample, on line 2, it says to go to Z-26 (G1 Z-26 F150). This was what I entered before I understood how to use the height sensor properly. This is using a reference of Z as Zero after using the buck to sense the height, but then I incorrectly reset the Z height to zero manually.
This will be updated with a proper graphic and instructions once we figure it out.
Meanwhile, set your code to a very small number (G1 Z-0.5 F150) and test it first before you break a bit.


141-Tool-Path-View-1.jpg