Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => Mach Screens => Works in progress => Topic started by: ger21 on November 25, 2010, 10:16:23 AM
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Little sample. Toolbar is still changing daily.
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Great work I am loving it :)
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Update.
I'm going to integrate the Big Tex Auto Zero routines. After the initial touch off to a moveable plate, all following tool changes automatically autozero to a fixed plate on the machine. All you need to do is change the tool and press cycle start. I hope to get this working in a few weeks.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/mach_wizards_macros_addons/100594-mach_3_tool_setter_big-tex_version.html
It'll also have the X-Y auto zero that's in my Aqua screen.
I think I'll also integrate a version of Art's probing wizard. I know it's not the fastest method, but I already have an AutoCAD macro that creates a mesh from it's point cloud.
I need to change the coolant icons to just M7 and M8, since router users don't really use mist and flood. :)
Anyway, the main screen doesn't change, only the tabs.
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I would certainly think Roelli would be quite happy withthis screen set -
Even though it's not my style ( I like what are called by many: Loud and annoying screen sets, lol!), I'm seriously impressed with your work, as it's very clean and "classy" as always, Gerry.
Dave
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Gerry
Nice work. I would like to beta test it once you got it done :)
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Gerry, you are to be congratulated on your screen set. It is the cleanest, clearest, most uncluttered screen I have yet seen for Mach and I for one will definitely be in the queue when you decide to release it. Just brilliant.
Well done,
Mike
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Gerry VERY well done, IF you have ever worked with a new modern controller say a HAAS it has a very similar feel to it. AND it is very easy to work with. Easy on the eyes and works WELL with a limited MOUSE approach. Please consider making it more Fbutton freindly and less MOUSE friendly
Keep up the good work. I am impressed with the Function before glitter approach(;-)
(;-) TP
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Please consider making it more Fbutton freindly and less MOUSE friendly
Can you be more specific? I'm getting ready to start adding keyboard shortcuts, and any feedback is helpful. Most of the layout is done.
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Getting ready to start working on the diagnostics. Most of it is functional right now.
It's going to be $20 when it's done. There will also be a 4 axis version as well.
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To be more Fbuttom or Fkey friendly you would apply a Fkey to each button or tab so it can be accessed via the keyboard and NOT require the use of the mouse. BUT you also need to Lable each button/tab as to the Fkey used.
It wouls also be helpfull IF you could enter data into a DRO without the use of the mouse to hightlight the dro??? Maybe tab thru the options???
(;-)TP
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IF you would like to a very well thought out screenset look at the current USBCNC screens. You can download the manual and it shows the layout.
Very similar to what you have started and covers all the basics.
Just a thought, (;-) TP
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It would also be helpfull IF you could enter data into a DRO without the use of the mouse to hightlight the dro??? Maybe tab thru the options???
(;-)TP
You can assign a hotkey to a DRO, so you CAN do this. I just tried it. I don't think there's any way to get the "active" DRO, so cycling through them would be impossible.
I also set up F12 to cycle through all the tabs. Standard Windows tabs are cycled using Control-Tab. When I tried to do that, it only worked one time, and wouldn't work anymore.
But, I learned something interesting. When in Continuous jog mode, holding down control puts you into temporary Step jog mode. This is very handy for zeroing a Z axis.
BUT you also need to Label each button/tab as to the Fkey used.
That's what manuals are for. If I was designing a screen for keyboard only use, then I'd agree. But I designed it to look and feel like a "regular" Windows program. There will be shortcut keys, but you'll need to look them up. They will be documented.
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DO I get discount since some of my work was used? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I haven't used it yet. ;)
PM me your email address.
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Diagnostics screen
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Hi Gerry,
Smaller DRO's is good with me if it would enable a 5 axis version.
Can't wait to try this out :)
Best regards,
Jason
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I forgot to add the axis scale DRO's, so removed the extra tab added an options tab for those. Modified the position DRO's so 1000+mm's would fit. Added a global scale DRO so you can tell if any axis is scaled while any tab is open.
Also found out that the TAB flyout screen (Screen 50) is the same height as the screenset itself, so I narrowed it and made it taller. This lets you see most of the toolpath window while the diagnostics screen is open.
I did find a bit of a bug, or feature? If you have an MDI control on a screen, it works under the TAB flyout screen, and an MDI on the TAB flyout won't work right. The one underneath it works instead. I guess I'll have to live with it.
Just need a few more minor VB scripts to do, and write a manual for it.
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Looking good Gerry.
Personally i will need the 4 axis version. So till then keep up the great work.
RICH
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This screen looks great!
Amazing work Gerry!
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I posted a preliminary manual, and a crippled demo version for those that want to get an idea of what the screen looks like on their PC's.
http://home.comcast.net/~cncwoodworker/2010.html
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Making mach3 have rapid over ride easy to make happen?
Looking at replacing this camsoft mess on the O.D grinder.
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Just installed this screen set and going through the set up docs...
A couple things I really appreciate right off the bat... Being able to home an individual axis.. and the ability to bring up the G codes list from the tool bar... I was wondering if there was a comprehensive list somewhere (probably in the Mach 3 manual :)).. as I didn't know what all those codes meant...
Is there a way I can turn on or modify images so that the icons show what they are when I hover the mouse over them?
I'm using the screen set in a window on a higher res monitor, so I'm kinda planning to add some duplicate buttons and what not in the extra available real estate... Then this thing will really be 'just what I needed'...
First impressions are 'nice'... Somethings are confusing right now, but I'm sure most things will become clearer as I read through the docs...
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Is there a way I can turn on or modify images so that the icons show what they are when I hover the mouse over them?
Not in a standard screen. You can if you create a Flash screen, but that's a whole nuther ballgame, with a steep learning curve.
All supported G and M codes are in the manual, as you suspected. ;)
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No biggie...
I'm already pretty much remembering what they all do..
The problem with that mach 3 manual is that there's a heck of a lot in it.. And I can only sit on the throne for so long... ;D
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Gerry,
I only need 'one' input for both the initial auto zero, and the tool change zero, correct? Both metal plates can be connected to the same wire and input?
Thanks,
Mark
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Yes, and that input pin is assigned to the Probe input in Ports and Pins.
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Hi Gerry
First off, Very nice job now that I've spent the last day and a bit familiarising myself with your screenset.
I'm having a few issues though! it could be hardware related possibly and not those dreaded bugs.
All was going perfectly, plunge after plunge until it started to have trouble sensing on the second slow plunge and fortunately pushed the cutter up into the collet.
Ofcorse it doesn't do this every time though.
I'm using the current non lockdown Mach3 and the 4 axis X Diag. 2010 set. has there been anything reported like this before?
All my connections seem fine.
On another note, I have 650mm of travel on my Z, How do I remove the Limit on the max sense length?
Thanks
Liam.
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No, I have not had a single report of the probing not stopping the tool. I would guess that it's an electrical issue?
can you try using 3.42.040? If it does the same thing with that version, then I'd say for sure it's an electrical issue.
I have had two users report random, strange issues with the newest release.
One was the probing wizard would crash if opened more than once. Using 3.42.040 fixed this.
The other user reports that the macro seems to get lost during tool changes, if too much time passes while it's waiting.
Unless you need something in the latest versions, I really recommend using 3.42.040, as it just seems to be more stable. (I'm sure some will disagree.)
As for the probe length. You'll need to modify the M6End and M881 macros. Near the top of each, there is a section that defines the travel and feedrate for both inches and mm's. It should be easy to spot and change. Let me know if you need more help.
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You're an early riser Gerry.
For the life of me I can't find the 3.42.040 version to download!
I'm also getting this when doing an m6:
tool change z position error!!!!!!
Tool change z position
can NOT be above z=0
system going in to E-stop
(ok)
any thoughts?
Liam.
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You're an early riser Gerry.
Already at work. :)
For the life of me I can't find the 3.42.040 version to download!
FTP site:
ftp://anonymous:guest@machsupport.com/
EDIT: The forum is adding http to the link above. Remove everything before ftp and it will work.
I'm also getting this when doing an m6:
tool change z position error!!!!!!
Tool change z position
can NOT be above z=0
system going in to E-stop
(ok)
any thoughts?
Read the manual. :)
You MUST home (REF) the Z axis at the top of Z axis travel, and that must be set to Z=0 in machine coordinates.
This error is saying that the Z toolchange position is set higher than Z=0, which can't be reached.
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ftp://anonymous:guest@machsupport.com/Mach/Mach3Version3.042.040.exe
remove the http:// from the link
for some reason it gets added on.
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Hmmm
The manual is has dog eared pages allready!
I have homed and zeroed the z axis at the top of its travel......wait a second
back from the workshop....silly me, wasn't using machine coorinates, so had +300 instead of-300.
Thats that little problem solved!
Thanks for that Ya-Nvr-No
Thanks Gerry.
Liam
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I'm pretty sure now it was static from my vacuum holdown releasing back through my sensing input.....something else to sort out.
Thanks for the advice
Liam
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Hi all,
After buying, installing, and setting up this excellent screenset, i worked with it. Really useful. I had to modify my machine (a BORCH 9060 from CNCDIY) to add optical hming switch, but it was newsworthy in. Changing tools is now easy.. and it's more clear for an old EMC2 user with that screen disposition. I'm loving it.
But... i'm french and would like to have it translated. I started to work on it, and with the help of Gerry (for giving me PSD files) french screenset and frech documentation is almost finished. Just to do the installer.
Any comments?
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Some more screens ...
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ANd the latest one : the excellent probing assistant.
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Great work I am loving it :)
Hi Geri,
I'd like to try your Mach3 2010. If I dont like can I revert to my original or will I need to do a re-install ?
George
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To revert back to the stock screen you just need to go to the View menu and choose load screens, and load the stock screen, 1024.set
The only thing that get's changed is the M6 macros. If you do tool changes, back up the originals and replace them when switching back.
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I'm loving your screenset and have decided to splurge on it, but, I'm having trouble with the paypal link on your sales page, I put in my personal info and it goes to "loading" with the round wait thingy but never finishes loading I guess. dont know if its a paypal problem or what.
John
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It might be on your end as it's worked for 2 other people in the last hour. ?? Try again in a little while maybe??
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Got it, thank you very much.
I'll be starting the install process once the machine gets done with the current lithophane.
John
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My step jog speed is slow where can I change it?
Ie.. My jog speed is at 100%, I have it set to step jog 1", it jogs the 1" at about 10% jog speed.
Thanks
Bill
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Nevermind... F500 did the trick
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Sorry for the late reply, I was away for the weekend.
Try putting the F500 in your Initialization String in General Config, then it will automatically get set to F500 each time you start Mach3.
Otherwise, Mach3 starts with a default feedrate of 6