How To Tell When A G-Code Program Is Running?

[HimyKabibble]

How can you tell, in a VB script, if a g-code program is currently running?

Regards,
Ray L.

[poppabear]

Yes, Look at the "cycle Start" LED, the only time it is on, is when the G code is running.

scott

[Bodini]

But, if your gcode has a macro, the cycle start light goes out when the macro is running.

Update:  I stand corrected.  Its when you type a macro in the MDI that the cycle start doesnt light up.

[sunangel]

Then how do we tell weather a gcode program is loaded? I know it's off topic, but it's best not to open a thread that is partially related, i think. =)

[melee]

Hi

currentfile = FileName() will get the name of the loaded .NC file as a string

Testing the return will determine if there is one loaded.
( If (!currentfile.IsEmpty()) {}  or If (strlen(currentfile)) {} type of thing in C++ or C, or something clunkier in VBS)

There are undoubtedly other ways to do the same thing.

regards

Melee

[sunangel]

Uhm, so how is it possible to write in VB???

[melee]

Hi

I  don't use VB, except where I have to for Mach.

Looking at the reference material, ( always a good move ) the below is a starting basis

Dim currentfile As String

currentfile = ""   // ensure string is empty before you start

currentfile = FileName()
If Len(currentfile) Then
         //  Do whatever you want to if you find a .NC file is already loaded here
End If

I have put together all the references I found on VBS when I was writing macros HERE for download.

When you have read them you will know as little as me.

regards

Melee

[sunangel]

Thank you very much melee! Though I've been VB coding on Mach3 for a few years, i don't have such important infos like you have collected! Thank you melee!

[Bodini]

One more thing to the OP.  The cycle start light goes off during and M1 pause.

[zealous]

It is undocumented but:
G-Code is Loaded LED 172