3D Touch Probe, Sieg KX3 & Mach3

[Matt HarringtonParticipant @mattharrington87221]

Having got just about everything working on my new to me Sieg, there is one last item that is causing me grief – getting the touch probe to work. My machine is USB and thus has a Leafboy AKZ250 motion controller. I know the inputs are working as I have my conductive probes working but I can’t get the 3D probe to work. Wiring is as per the instructions and ports/pins settings are, as far as I know, correct. The probe is one like this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167048263771?gad_source=1&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338723872&toolid=20006&customid=bl6vMa4jAAAADDSqGk_-nPIpLvhaAAAAAA

Anyone have one of these configured on their system? My current thought is that there is a compatibility issue…..

Matt

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

I have a similar probe and it works well though I seldom use it.

Does the light on the probe come on when it touches? Does the digitise light operate on the diagnostics screen? Could you post a picture or diagram of your wiring?

[Martin ConnellyParticipant @martinconnelly55370]

I had issues with the voltage level of the signal line not crossing the required threshold to register. I think I had to add a resistor to one of the lines and that it took a bit of experimenting to find a value that worked. I think I also ended up using a 5V supply from something other than the controller port. Like John I often use other methods, mainly the Mk1 eyeball, to set zero as most of the things I do require no more than that. The 3D probe also works like an edge finder if you just watch the light. It is useful to get into small areas.

Martin C

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Yes, it needs a separate +5V supply.  I use an ordinary 5V ex-phone charger wall wart.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

This might help.  Top pic is my heath-robinson wiring to connect +5V from a USB wall wart to the supply and ground wires of the probe.  The yellow wire is connected to a red lead with a 4mm plug on the other end, 0V goes to a black wire ditto.  Those plugs go into the probe inputs of my controller.  Next two pics show the indicator light on the probe powered up, green when not touching the 123 block, red when touching.

 

[Matt HarringtonParticipant @mattharrington87221]

Gentlemen, you have been very helpful. The thought of a separate power supply was something I hadn’t considered.
I tried a 5v one without any success but now have everything working with a 12v supply! So thank you.
Now, to finish off the cabling and appropriate connectors and I am up an running!!

Thanks, Matt

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Excellent – HTH.  I assume that your interface must use 12V logic?

[Matt HarringtonParticipant @mattharrington87221]

I think the 5v PSU was a fraction under 5v. There is an internal 12v PSU which I’ll test tomorrow and connect to that.

Now to replace a couple of limit switches and I’m there….

Matt

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