Mach4 SimpleMotion drive plugin

Introduction

• What is Mach4
  • Mach4 is CNC controller
• What is this plugin and where it is needed
  • Mach4 needs a plugin. This plugin makes it possible to use Mach4 with SimpleMotion bus devices

What is needed?

• Atomi, IONI or Argon-based motion system, e.g. CNC mill, connected with SimpleMotion
• Windows PC
• Mach4 + license

Installation and prerequisites

• Build your machine
• Configure the controllers
  • Position mode except in possible velocity-controlled spindle
  • Max. velocity
  • Homing in axes where it's possible
  • Soft travel limits
• Download and install Mach4
• Download the plugin files to the plugin folder
• Launch Mach4
• Select the plugin from settings
• Restart Mach4
• Select the plugin as motion control device

Mach4 configuration

• Plugins
  • Simplemotion drive plugin must be checked
• Motors
  • Counts/unit, velocity, acceleration, reverse
• Axis mapping
  • Select motors. Numbers are different here compared to driver numbers!
  • One OB axis can be selected for being used as a velocity or position controlled spindle
  • Do not enable axes without motors
• Homing/SoftLimits
  • Set home order
  • Home dir is selected in Granity software
• Spindle
  • Spindle settings
  • A position controlled spindle can be selected here

Plugin configuration

• FTDI port number
• Buffer max fill percentage
• Spindle settings
  • Position-controlled spindle
    • Select from Mach4 settings
  • Closed-loop velocity-controlled spindle
    • Select OOB axis from Mach4 settings and the same axis from the pluginc configuration dialog
  • Open-loop velocity-controlled spindle (TODO: Not implemented for Atomi)
    • Select OOB axis from Mach4 settings and the same axis from the pluginc configuration dialog

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