Mach4 How do I set up Counts per Unit?
In order to set the counts per unit, velocity, and acceleration for each axis you must select
your axis by clicking the text on the right-hand side of the Motors tab. In Mach4, navigate to
Configure>Mach>Motors. There, you will see a list of your Motors on the right: Motor0,
Motor1, Motor2, etc. Use the check-box to select each motor you need active. Then, click on
the motor for the first axis you want to set up. For example, if you want to set up the axis
controlled by Motor0, you click on that motor. This will allow you to enter the counts per
unit, velocity, and acceleration. Once you've set your values, be sure to click 'Apply' to save
those changes. Select the next motor from the list to continue setting your values for the
rest of your axes.
You'll also find a Steps Per Unit Calculator in the Wizards. Simply navigate to Wizard>Select
Wizard and choose the calculator from the list. Enter in your current Steps Per Unit (found in
the Mach>Configure>Motors tab) for one of your axes, the distance you'd like to move that
axis, and the speed you want it to move. Jog your machine to a safe position that allows
that axis to move that distance in a positive direction, then click "Incremental Move". Mach4
will move the selected axis that distance. Measure how far it actually moved (grab a ruler,
calipers, whatever you use to measure things) and enter that value in the Actual Distance
box. Click "Recalculate" and Mach4 will do the math and recommend a new steps per unit
setting for you. Go to the Motors tab and change your Steps Per Unit (make note of the
original value, in case you want to start over). Keeping calibrating with the same axis,
moving it a larger increment. Make sure you are positioning your machine so that these are
safe moves each time. You'll want to move larger increments until your axis can travel the
full distance of your table accurately. Do this with each axis until you are satisfied with the
accuracy of your machine.