Messages

1

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / Re: PMDX-424 Not recognized in Mach 4

« on: September 24, 2020, 07:16:44 PM »

This got my motors turning! I decided to reconfigure the wiring instead of the software after seeing the warning, but thank you both for the education on this! I've learned so much today!!!

2

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / Re: PMDX-424 Not recognized in Mach 4

« on: September 24, 2020, 04:19:20 PM »

I also wanted to add; When the PMDX is powered up and plugged into the USB port, I have green lights on all four DM542T Drivers and the motor shafts are holding in place, just not moving.

Here's how I have them wired: All at 39 Vdc at the moment for testing.

 Motor 0:

PMDX 424, (Motor 0: J7) common wired to Pul+ and then pul+ on driver is jumped to Dir+ On Driver DM542T
 
                 Step is wired to Pul- on the driver

                 Dir is wired to Dir- on the driver

All remaining motors 1 thru 3 are wired the same as motor 0. En+ and En- are not connected (specs on the drivers state they are normally "on" without connection).

3

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / Re: PMDX-424 Not recognized in Mach 4

« on: September 24, 2020, 03:43:49 PM »

12 Strings,
 Yes, I am running windows 10 professional in native mode, I was able to see the PMDX-424 in Mach 4. I am able to see it in one profile that I saved after making copies of the sample files. I deleted all the sample files because they would not give me access to the PMDX-424. That said, I have one file called "Mach 4 router", that will allow me to and Mach 4 to view and configure the PMDX-424. I can see the DRO moving on screen when enabled, just no motor movement.

Steve,
I pulled up device manager and the STMicro driver is installed on comm 3. Windows does respond with a sound each time I plug in the USB cable for the PMDX-424. I wait 30 sec- one minute before starting Mach 4 as the instructions ask. I looked at the USB drivers while I was there, nothing with yellow flags, etc,,, At this point, I am unsure if I need a particular USB driver for the PMDX? Something with the name STMicro driver as well? I am not seeing any USB driver that looks to be related specifically to the PMDX-424.

4

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / PMDX-424 Not recognized in Mach 4

« on: September 24, 2020, 02:00:52 AM »

I'm trying to do as much self help as I can searching these forums, applying the knowledge as I learn. I'm running windows 10 pro, under Boot camp. I'm in the testing phase meaning my motors are not installed on the machine yet. Hooked them up to the PMDX-424 but Mach does not recognize it. I followed the instructions about downloading the installer for the 424 before connecting the USB. Once this was done, I connected the USB, waited a full minute, started Mach 4, but no 424 in Mach 4.

Searching the forums here, I found the removal and full installation tool for the driver. Did that, reinstalled the driver several times, still non PMDX-424 in Mach 4.

I have the Red, green and Amber LED's, just not Smart Bob. When I click on configuration, motion device, I only see the simulation device.

I appreciate the help and support as I am not the sharpest tool in the shed.

other observations: I can simulate machine movement with the arrow keys, just no motor movement or 424 in the configuration. I'm using DM542T motor drivers, I chose these over the Gecko's because I didn't want to invest in the  Gecko  drives until I knew I could get this figured out.

Thanks for your help!

Tim

5

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / Re: PMDX 424 initial start up support

« on: September 22, 2020, 09:02:48 PM »

Thanks for your help Steve! I didn't want to continue with the steps, not knowing if indeed something was wrong. I will give an update tomorrow!

Again, Thanks!

Tim

6

SmartBOB controllers and dedicated accessories / PMDX 424 initial start up support

« on: September 22, 2020, 12:24:33 PM »

Hey guys and gals,
I recently purchased the 24 volt DC version of the PMDX-424. I got the Mach 4 software installed, installed the PMDX Smart-Bob USB Plug-in, I got all the way to section 2.6 in the Quick Start Guide, (2.6 Initial Power on). Instructions said I should see almost all of the LED's turn on for about one second and then turn off. Then the power should be on. The red LED should be on and the green LED underneath the Red LED should be flashing one short flash every two seconds. If you do not see this, check your power connection and then contact PMDX support.

I checked it twice, took a meter reading at the power connection on the board, Shows 23.99 Volts DC. When power is supplied to this board, I have one amber colored LED that lights up. I believe it is the power on LED?//. So per the instructions, I am here hoping to contact support for this board so that I can continue setup and testing in Mach 4.

Best Regards, and thanks for the help!

Tim