Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: Chaoticone on April 16, 2013, 08:58:01 PM
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This topic will be dedicated to those who pedal off pirated copies of Mach. You will receive no support here if you do business with them and if you see a vendor listed here I strongly urge you to buy from someone else. If you know of any more just reply to the topic and I will add them to the following list.
Brett
1) unirobotics.co.za
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Brett you may want to list all the known PIRATE license.
Just a thought, (;-) TP
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Brett you may want to list all the known PIRATE license.
Hi Terry,
Perhaps that would not be a practical proposition as there are a couple (to my knowledge) pirate license generators floating about which will allow any chosen name to be used for the license creation. :'(
Tweakie.
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OK then how do we know that that did not happen with the accused that is listed?
Slippery slope, (;-) , (;-) TP
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Terry the supplier above was punting out one of the most commonly available pirate licences so not even as sophisticated as using a **** **** generator.
There was no doubt whatsoever that it was a pirate licence. ;)
Hood
Edit; With Hood's permission, name of pirate group deleted.
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I agree pirate copies hurt everyone. But a rep company falsely accused on a public forum of selling illegal copies probably has grounds for a law suit against the person accusing. As long as countries like china and russia ignore selling priate software and hosting site on the Torrents... good luck.
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I agree pirate copies hurt everyone. But a rep company falsely accused on a public forum of selling illegal copies probably has grounds for a law suit against the person accusing. As long as countries like china and russia ignore selling priate software and hosting site on the Torrents... good luck.
And do you think the above mentioned company has been falsely accused?
Hood
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I don't know what company you are taking about and wouldn't have any way of telling if it a legal or illegal copy. I purchased my Mach 3 from Artsoft and just purchased Aspire 4.0 from Vectric...
The point I was trying to make is before people go witch hunting and start accusing vendors of selling pirate copies.... just have proof it's really a pirate copy.
This brings up a good question... how can someone tell the difference between a authorized and pirate?
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Ok I see what you are saying now, I thought you were saying the vendor in the first post was not sending out pirate licenses with their hardware.
Now how to tell, well that can be problematic and the only real way to know for sure is to get it checked against the database of purchased licenses.
A clue however is if it has a name and it is not your name then a good chance it is pirated. If it has a serial number then it may or may not be pirated and the only way to know for sure is to cross reference with the database so if anyone has suspicions about a licence they need to contact Scott at license@machsupport.com and ask if it is legitimate or not.
Hood
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Just a little off thread comment and that refers to users of pirated licenses.
We have been rather discrete about those users and address accordingly.
BUT
If a user has the gall to use this forum knowingly using a pirated license they won't be here for long.
RICH
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Maybe a list of all the legitimate distributors would be a help too.
I bought mine from Homan Designs in Australia.
Anyone who is thinking of pirating this software should be shamed.
At $150 bucks or so its got to be one of the best value softwares around.
Pay the money it's worth every cent.
It's not like others which charge thousands.
Cheers Al.
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Anyone who is thinking of pirating this software should be shamed.
At $150 bucks or so its got to be one of the best value softwares around.
Pay the money it's worth every cent.
It's not like others which charge thousands.
Well said Al :)
Tweakie.
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Huge undertaking but could you have users upload their license.dat file before granting access to the forum for assistance.
I understand you wouldn't want to block the main page otherwise you cut off your sales entry point.
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As a re-seller I share the sentiments and views of this topic. I would like to see that a system be put in place where the re-seller can purchase the license and register it to his customers name himself. This way I can ensure that the license I installed or sold to a customer is reported and logged against my name. This is the only real proof that a re-seller has. I keep a copy of every license sold under the customers name in my folder. Unfortunately there is only a serial number so it is difficult to trace afterwards.
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As a re-seller I share the sentiments and views of this topic. I would like to see that a system be put in place where the re-seller can purchase the license and register it to his customers name himself. This way I can ensure that the license I installed or sold to a customer is reported and logged against my name. This is the only real proof that a re-seller has. I keep a copy of every license sold under the customers name in my folder. Unfortunately there is only a serial number so it is difficult to trace afterwards.
When we purchase licenses, I send Scott an email with the name of the customer. He then emails the license which displays the customer name in the title bar. I also keep all customers licenses on file. I don't know if Scott keeps a record of who the license was sold by.
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Some OEMs will get a block of licenses at a time so they don't know up front who the license will wind up going to. What you get from Scott is a license with the serial number after the .dat (so mach1Lic.dat.12345678). I add the customers name after the serial number (so mach1Lic.dat.12345678.Joe_Miner) and keep a copy, that lets me keep the customer name and serial number in coordination. If someone looses there license I can just sort the license folder by name and find it quickly.
Most of the instances of bogus licenses I have come across are from folks buying the cheap Chinese machines off Ebay and similar places. If it says it comes with a Mach3 license and it is from abroad I would be suspicious. The whole deal is bad for everyone involved. I'll be happy to see the new Mch4 licensing system take effect.
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When we purchase licenses, I send Scott an email with the name of the customer. He then emails the license which displays the customer name in the title bar. I also keep all customers licenses on file. I don't know if Scott keeps a record of who the license was sold by.
Did you make an arrangement with Scott or is that a standard practice?
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If I come across a suspicious license I usually suggest an upgrade and if it is a known bogus license they are forced to purchase a license. If not I don't support them further.
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When we purchase licenses, I send Scott an email with the name of the customer. He then emails the license which displays the customer name in the title bar. I also keep all customers licenses on file. I don't know if Scott keeps a record of who the license was sold by.
Did you make an arrangement with Scott or is that a standard practice?
I didn't make any specific arrangements. it's just the way we've always done it. We order licenses as we need them, so we know who they are going to. If there were a price break on bulk orders, I might do that....Or there might be and I just don't know about it. :)
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Hi for info, I have an official licence for my version of mach3, but whilst searching I've come across this site with 3 downloads.
Obviously the site is not to blame, as people post torrents to it for others to download and use, so maybe difficult to trace where the torrent originated from.
Edit; Link removed by Mod.
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Doesn't really matter where it comes from. Like most legit resellers, if we encounter a bogus license, we sell the customer a license. We've encountered two such licenses doing controller retrofits on Chinese machines. I don't think the customers knew that the licenses were bogus. They buy these machines from China (EBay) and just assume that the software and licensees are good. There is no need to make any of it public because eventually they will need help...Especially if they were unfortunate enough to buy Chinese junk. All we have to do is make it clear that there will be no help until they buy a license. Most won't let $175 get in the way of getting their machine running.
I think most Chinese machines are coming with bogus licenses. Anyone looking for help with such a machine should be questioned regarding the license.
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Looks like we may have another re-seller to add to our list ? http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,24597.0.html
Tweakie.
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I have bought a chinese milling machine via the UK importer - It came with a licence for Mach3. How do I know if this is a genuine licence or pirated?
David Wright
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Hi David,
Welcome to the forum.
Unfortunately, licenses purchased with Chinese machines almost all turn out to be pirated but you can check your licence by contacting Scott at license@machsupport.com. he will be able to verify it's authenticity.
Tweakie.
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Well after checking with Scott it appears that my licence is a valid bona fide one after all - so not all chinese machinery is supplied with pirated licences
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I have to wonder how many others have that same license that you have. It would be great if all with a Chinese supplied machine actually checked the license.
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Good point you have raised Marius.
New Mach3 licenses are sold directly or via approved agents – Obviously that particular Chinese equipment UK importer is an approved agent so my commendations to David for diligently checking his license details.
There will always be piracy and unscrupulous dealers in the same way as there will always be crime – it cannot be eliminated, but with cooperation from our community it can be managed.
Tweakie.
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This topic will be dedicated to those who pedal off pirated copies of Mach. You will receive no support here if you do business with them and if you see a vendor listed here I strongly urge you to buy from someone else. If you know of any more just reply to the topic and I will add them to the following list.
Brett
1) unirobotics.co.za
Has anyone contacted these guys in connection with the pirate license issue. I see he still advertises Mach bundled with some other stuff at a price that is impossible if he paid for Mach. I have to do a call on a customer that has bought from him so I just wanted to know what the official position is as far as Mach goes.
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I have a store bought plasma table or should say eBay bought and it has a legal mach3 with it but I did buy a different machine with a bootleg of mach3, I am wondering if I could still use the good copy on my other machines, I am building a larger plasma and also in the process of building a 3d printer and setting my mill and lathe cnc...am I aloud to use the one copy on all or did I take a loss on the bad copy? I did pay extra for it not knowing it was a bad copy
Thanks
Ed
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I have a store bought plasma table or should say eBay bought and it has a legal mach3 with it but I did buy a different machine with a bootleg of mach3, I am wondering if I could still use the good copy on my other machines, I am building a larger plasma and also in the process of building a 3d printer and setting my mill and lathe cnc...am I aloud to use the one copy on all or did I take a loss on the bad copy? I did pay extra for it not knowing it was a bad copy
Thanks
Ed
Hi Ed, the official line is...
Without a license, Mach3 will operate in Demo mode. While in Demo mode, the software has the following limitations:
Mill & Plasma: 500 line gcode limit (10,000,000 limit after licensing)
Turn: 50 line gcode limit (10,000,000 limit after licensing)
Kernel Frequency locked at 25kHz (only applicable if using the parallel port driver)
Set Next Line function disabled
Run From Here function disabled
Turn: Threading disabled
Plasma: THC functions disabled
Non-commercial users (aka hobbyists) are permitted to use one Mach license for as many machines as they require. For commercial users (anybody who uses the software to generate profit), we require a separate license purchase for each machine. Mach1, Mach2, and Mach3 may all be used on one computer, but only one version of each will co-exist on a single computer.
A license is only required on the computer actually running a machine. If a computer not connected to a machine is used to test code, please use Mach3 in Simulation mode – it will remove the 500 line limit. Simulation mode can be accessed by uninstalling (or not installing) the Parallel Port Driver. The Add-ons for Mill will only work with a licensed copy of Mach3 as this software is an Add-on, and not a stand-alone product.
Hard Copies (a disk) of the downloadable content are available directly from a 3rd party.
Tweakie.
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Hi Tweakie, ok as I explained on the intro thread my lovely gf has bought a mc that needs a licence, I'm in the uk, at the mo the gf is on the dark side of the pond ;D but moving to the uk soon (end of year), I spoke to her this morning and she has found a licence on the Artsoft site, she has it in the basket but we need to confirm a couple of points first.
At the mo we are home hobbyists at best, I am a cnc miller turner grinder by trade, the gf is not lolz, from the one licence we would like her to be able to play with the software offline in the USA (unlocked), while the working copy connected to mc is here in the uk, we have both down loaded the demo, last night via Skype I gave her a basic walk thro of the demo and had her altering code, so I know she will need Mach3 unlocked so she can keep up with what I'm doing here....fingers crossed lmao
So my long winded question is can we have the program on both sides of the Atlantic, uk side connected to the mc, USA side only connected for training?
regards, Phil.
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So my long winded question is can we have the program on both sides of the Atlantic, uk side connected to the mc, USA side only connected for training?
Hi Phil,
Yes sir, you can.
The demo version is not locked in any way it is just limited to running a maximum of 500 lines of code.
Under the terms and conditions of the Mach3 license - Provided you are not actually running CNC machines, for commercial purposes, on both sides of the Atlantic then your one license can be used in both instances.
Tweakie.
A Quote from the terms and conditions...
Non-commercial users (aka hobbyists) are permitted to use one Mach license for as many machines as they require. For commercial users (anybody who uses the software to generate profit), we require a separate license purchase for each machine. Mach1, Mach2, and Mach3 may all be used on one computer, but only one version of each will co-exist on a single computer.
A license is only required on the computer actually running a machine (Mach) or generating G-code (wizard software). If a computer not connected to a machine is used to test code, please use Mach3 in Simulation mode – it will remove the 500 line limit. Simulation mode can be accessed by uninstalling (or not installing) the Parallel Port Driver.
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Thank you Tweakie, I'll let her know to pick the licence up when she gets home in a couple of hrs :)
could you point me to the correct section to get some support for connecting pc/mc/Mach3.....I haz a Chinise one lol mc that is >:D I'm well used to very large cnc's, but never had a baby one that you need to first breath life into 8)
Thanks, Phil.
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Hi Phil,
Just post as a new topic here http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/board,1.0.html
(I did try to move the last couple of posts to the correct place but failed miserably :-[ )
Some of the Chinese imported machine controllers set up and run perfectly some just refuse to toe the line - I will keep my fingers crossed that you are one of the lucky ones.
Tweakie.
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Tweakie, I am new. I went to the link you cited for this site and cannot figure how to post there. Can you help with more soecific instructions? Thanks Jimmy Williams jwiljrj@netscape.net
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Hi Jimmy,
Just click the New Topic button and away you go.
Tweakie.
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Hi I have only just joined this forum and noticed this subject "hall of shame" and if i have read it correctly it is about people who use the software without paying for it, i thought i read that it was ok to use if only for hobby or private use and not for profit or have i got that wrong? having no machine to run the software on yet i am ok but do i need to pay for it if i use it for myself?
thanks for any help offered
regards Poppy Ann
forgot to ask if i do not have to pay for the licence how do i get one?? I expect it to be simple but have not come across it yet.
again thanks for any help.
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Hi Poppy Ann,
Guess that was the name of your sailboat ?
Mach3 is free to download and use but it has a number of limitations (eg. only running a Gcode program of 500 lines). Once you have tried it and are satisfied that it will run your machine as you require then you can purchase the license which then removes the limitions mentioned above.
The license can be obtained here http://www.machsupport.com/licensing/
Tweakie.
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Hi Tweakie thanks for the info, no Poppy Ann is my name my boat is called Bear Necessities(http://)
I think i attached a photo of the boat new to this forum and just trying to get use to it.
regards Poppy Ann.
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I posted me message re: Pirate license that I received recently with a Control board from an Ebay seller, however it is no longer listed. Did I do wrong? If so please let me know how so I can avoid making a similar error next time.
I thought I was being helpful. ???
George
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Further to me posting an issue where an ebay supplier was advertising 'Smooth stepper' boards that turned out not to be Smooth Stepper at al and they were also sending out a 'Crack' for Mach 3.
I am happy to receive a communication from them that they will remove the words 'Smooth Stepper' from their advert and that the Crack to the licence will also be removed from their install CD,
I call that a result.
Regards to all.
George
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A result indeed George :)
Let's just hope they keep to their word.
Tweakie.
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Hi my name is Bill I just bought a cnc machine a hobby machine so I'm not very familar with cnc, I just hooked up a uc100 to my laptop and got it all set up, the problem though is that when I turn the control box on it won't jog my machine any suggestions?
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Hello, I don't believe in pirated myself, they should all be in the ground. Just hurts the guy's trying to do it right.
I'm trying real hard, just have enough smarts to get into trouble with computers. And I am in trouble - does anyone live close to NW Indiana that I could get in touch with to get this stuff to work.
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Ok now I am going to look really stupid. I have the computer up and running n(the one with Mach three and the CNC. The one I am using to converse with you nest to it. Where do I find the xml files
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Ok now I am going to look really stupid. I have the computer up and running n(the one with Mach three and the CNC. The one I am using to converse with you nest to it. Where do I find the xml files
Hi Cliff,
Your current .xml file is named Mach3Mill.xml (or whatever profile you are currently using .xml) and it is located in the Mach3 folder. Previous (backup) .xml files are located in the Mach3 / xmlbackups folder.
Hope this helps.
Tweakie.
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I read so many posts about pirated software and for that life of me I can't see why anyone with such a big investment in a CNC would even consider not paying the $175 for a license.
I'm retrofitting a Shizouka mill now and after I get it running and verify Mach will work for me I'll buy the license ASAP. A 500 line limit is something I can't live with :-)
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I read so many posts about pirated software and for that life of me I can't see why anyone with such a big investment in a CNC would even consider not paying the $175 for a license.
I'm retrofitting a Shizouka mill now and after I get it running and verify Mach will work for me I'll buy the license ASAP. A 500 line limit is something I can't live with :-)
We have found that in many cases, where people buy machines / controllers / etc. from China, they are supplied with a disk containing a copy of Mach3 together with a pirate license and often these disks come with additional, pirated CAD / CAM software. Those purchasing and using these components are often unaware that the license is fake and genuinely believe they have purchased the real thing. Once it has been pointed out to them many then go on to buy the genuine licence having found there are a few machine operational problems when using the fake license.
As you say $175 is a small price to pay for such excellent software.
Tweakie.
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I purchased a mill and it came with files and a license... The seller assured me that the license was good and so I used it..
The mill stalled at 500 lines and so I just assumed the license was bad..
I went ahead and purchased a new license but now I just wanted to know if the license I had was valid?
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What is the serial number and name that comes up with the license. It should be visible at the top on the window bar.
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Papa Fabio.
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Papa Fabio.
Unfortunately, that is a fake license. :'(
Tweakie.
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That is correct, I have seen that one several time.
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Thanks... not much of a surprise I guess.. I am MSCE and see a lot of this even in big companies..
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I agree pirate copies hurt everyone. But a rep company falsely accused on a public forum of selling illegal copies probably has grounds for a law suit against the person accusing. As long as countries like china and russia ignore selling priate software and hosting site on the Torrents... good luck.
I don't think that these countries shall ignore selling, One of my friend in Russia still sales these kind of Software online.
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Papa Fabio.
Unfortunately, that is a fake license. :'(
www.loveandbuyit.net (http://www.loveandbuyit.net)
Tweakie.
How to get the real license?
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Hi,
You can purchase a genuine licence from me here;
http://www.homanndesigns.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=8
Cheers,
Peter
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How to get the real license?
As Peter has said, buy one from him. Alternately visit the official site http://www.machsupport.com/licensing/
Tweakie.
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Many of the Chinese resellers are peddling Pirate license’s bundled with their product which is sold via the bay.
It is regrettable but some buyers fall into the trap of believing that the license they have purchased is genuine when it is in fact a fake. If in doubt, the validity of any license can be checked by using the Artsoft contact form here; http://www.machsupport.com/contact-us/
Another supplier to add to the list of Pirate peddlers is; FASTERCNC CO, LTD.
Tweakie.
Had to remove the link Tweakie, it contains malware.
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I purchased my cnc from ebay and although I had already purchased mach 3 software from a legitimate source, when I put my machine together there was an unmarked disk in the box, I assumed this was an installation disk and put it in and it turned out to be mach 3 licensed to fabio. Now I am a real beginner with all of this and, with computers so I assumed everything was okay, it was guys on the forum who told me it was fake and, what was happening was that it changed from my licence to the fabio licence and was a real pain I complained to the company (I thought) I had purchased from but they were actually in china so no progress there. I would never buy pirated software intentionally and if I did, I would`nt install it over the real software, its caused me loads of problems so good luck if you can stop those who sell it.
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Hi Graeme,
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Tweakie.
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Thought I would try a USB Bob from eBay to try see if Mach3 would run from notebook/tablets I have available, today it arrived with pirated software and a plugin that has corupted an old desktop system when loaded into Mach3 fresh demo install, software piracy reported to eBay and return started for item as unfit for purpose malware on disk plugin crashes Mach3 straight away Artsoftcodes9991, company is mentioned already should have checked hall of shame before ordering "FASTERCNC CO, LTD." and the ebay seller User ID maxonix2014 otherwise claiming in instructions to pirate software to be Zhouxiao, Unit 73 Interlink Way West, Bardon Business Park, Bardon, Leicestershire, LE67 1LD, with a chinese phone number +86-13926575825. Will let you know result, meanwhile another PC to reformat and clean, I will take copy of fake Mach licence before I return item although I am sure you already have copy, if not and you want it forwarding let me know.
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Hi Lucan07,
Thank you for sharing the details of the pirate license peddler and the problems caused from installing the bad software.
The fake license is of no interest so best to just delete it.
Tweakie.
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Which company should i purchase this program from, the machine i purchased came with a demo disk and i dont like the thought of being new to cnc and trying to find a reputable business to purchase from. Thank you all.
Tim
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http://www.machsupport.com/licensing/
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;D thank you i had just come across the page with the download desrcibing the procedure. Was right in front of me lol
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Received a message from eBay seller providing fake software in response to claimn started on eBay, directions to skydrive to obtain a better copy of pirated software again reported to eBay and copy of email sent to Tweakie via PM.
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Good rule to live by - if you see a cheap Chinese board on EBay that says it comes with a Mach3 license assume it is a pirated copy.
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Doesn't say anything about Mach Licence on ebay they just include it on CD with plugin needed to use the USB board instructions included to use fake licence. I already have licence so not interested but someone spends time programming software unless its rubbish they deserve to be paid. All I installed was the plugin to a demo set up of Mach3 that corrupted everything.
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JAMEN Technology is another manufacturer / vendor who can be added to our list.
The Mach3 Setup software, supplied with their JNC-40M motion controller, automatically installs a well known Pirate License.
The JNC-40M motion controller (and it’s setup software) is supplied with a number of different machines including the SKYFIRE SVM-1.
Tweakie.
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So I am guessing the reason I have boxes across the top of my screen where the drop down menus are supposed to be: file config help etc means the oem copy of mach 3 that came with my chinese 6040 engraver router mill is pirated? Please confirm and I will purchase license immediately!!!
Thanks,
Ken
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Hi Ken,
Welcome to the forum.
When you purchase a Chinese machine it is most unlikely to be supplied with a genuine Mach3 license.
I have no idea why your screen has boxes across the top, it is not a license issue.
Rename your Mach3 folder to Mach3 backup (or something similar).
Download and install a fresh copy of Mach3 http://www.machsupport.com/software/mach3/
Copy the <your profile> .xml file from the backup to your new Mach3 folder.
Mach3 should then work correctly.
Tweakie.
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Thanks Tweakie I appreciate your help! I ran across your website when I was trying to figure this out. I am new to CNC. I have built several 3d printer and have run manual lathes for many years
It is nice to know I can find help here!
Thanks again
Ken
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I mentioned FASTERCNC.CO.LTD in an earlier post as a peddler of a Mach3 pirate license.
Now it appears that they are also using the name DDREAMCNC.CO.LTD to peddle the same Mach3 fake license.
Tweakie.
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Is there a way you can check if forum members have a valid licence? Like as part of joining the forum having to disclose your licence no? or something similar? Probably a lot easier said than done, but just a thought
I was one of these who received a fake licence with my Chinese cnc, but you'll be glad to know I purchased a legit licence after tweekie picked up on it
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Is there a way you can check if forum members have a valid licence? Like as part of joining the forum having to disclose your licence no? or something similar? Probably a lot easier said than done, but just a thought
I was one of these who received a fake licence with my Chinese cnc, but you'll be glad to know I purchased a legit licence after tweekie picked up on it
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Hi Bucks,
I think we have all thought long and hard about the pirate license situation and new forum members but so far nothing has surfaced as being an easily workable solution. :'(
Tweakie.
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Sounds like most things, Easier said than done!
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Another Chinese enterprise NOVUSUN (or is it a previous business re-branded ??) has it's installation software automatically install their supplied Pirate License.
Tweakie.
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A couple of screenshots taken from the CHINACNCZONE software installation video (from their website). This is yet another Chinese business peddling a Pirate Mach3 Licence.
Tweakie.
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Hi,
Now this one is tricky.
I bought a 4 axis CNC machine from a Chinese vendor, and it came with Mach 3 installation files. At a guess it may well be a pirated copy. How would I know if it is or isnt?
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Hi Alayax,
Welcome.
Install everything as per the vendor's instructions.
When you open Mach3 go into Help / About Mach3... if it says Licensed to: Demo Version then everything is OK. If it has a name and that name is not your name then you have installed a Pirate license.
If you have installed a Pirate license then the file Mach1Lic.dat must then be deleted from you Mach3 folder before you continue to use the Mach3 software.
Tweakie.
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Thanks for that, I will take a look, and if need be, buy either Mach 3, or Mach 4 if my hardware is up for it.
Leon.
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I just bought a Chinese made 6040 (Ebay) It came with a software disk that purported to have the demo Mach 3 as well as other software as well as instructions on how to avoid having to purchase the license. The disk would only show Chinese characters so I opted to go to Artsoft and download the real Mach 3 to be sure.
At least the machine appears to be well built and solid.
Fred
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I purchased my table from Wright CNC about a month ago.
My table was received last week.
Shipping was a little slow, but the table looks nice.
Anyway, I realized that my mach 3 license reads " MaoA Dtonar"
I researched it and found that the license with that name is used pretty heavily.
I was told that the table included a license, but I assumed it would be a legal
one, coming from what seems to be a legit company.
See for yourself on a new video they have posted on their facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/WrightMetalWorks/
I also looked at the Sheetcam licenses and it does not have our name their either.
Checked with Sheetcam and they said that it is not a legit copy.
We paid for both licenses after we discovered the rip off.
Just wanted to let others know BEWARE. Make sure they give you a legit license.
The table itself could use some adjustments and enhancements to make it into a
better running CNC, but nothing my guys couldn't handle with a little thinking,
welding and rewiring.
Was it worth $6500. Nope, but its already a done deal.
(https://preview.ibb.co/kcLrF5/Mach_3_Wricht_CNC.png) (https://ibb.co/cAo08Q)
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Hi CNCFlavor,
Thanks for posting the information on this shameless CNC manufacturer / dealer.
Tweakie.
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Something I should perhaps mention here but I will not disclose full details...
If anyone is using an invalid, cracked, hacked or known Pirate License, Mach3 may intentionally corrupt your data so as to not perform as expected. Beware !.
Tweakie.
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Good to know, although after a glance, it is obvious that the more economical route is to pay the very reasonable license fee and get the real deal. i just need to scrub my drive and make sure as I can that there are no remnants of the corrupt program.
As a 9 year user of PlasmaCam, I am accustomed to hearing users fork out $998 for each upgrade, so $175 is a true bargain.
Still just getting started.
Fred
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When you open Mach3 go into Help / About Mach3... if it says Licensed to: Demo Version then everything is OK. If it has a name and that name is not your name then you have installed a Pirate license.
If you have installed a Pirate license then the file Mach1Lic.dat must then be deleted from you Mach3 folder before you continue to use the Mach3 software.
Tweakie.
Hi Tweakie,
I bought my mach3 from Rockcliff Machines several years ago. Saw this thread when I was searching for info on setting up my rotary table.
I went to about and saw that the license is registered "Rockcliff Machine Inc. Serial:8121000". I believe Rockcliff Machine is a authorized dealer of sort. But how do I change the license to have my name showing instead?
Wong
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Hi Wong,
Many Mach3 licenses were sold by authorized dealers under a Serial number system rather than the Name system that Artsoft used when selling directly to their customers.
I don’t believe there is currently any system in place for changing a license, however, your serial number license will work perfectly as it is and you have no need to be concerned.
Tweakie.
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Thank you, Tweakie.
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Please beware that if you are considering purchasing a Mach3 license from Ebay – always buy from an authorised Artsoft dealer.
(I regularly report the Pirate license peddlers to Ebay but unfortunately little is done and they keep returning).
If you purchase your license from a non-authorised dealer you may be getting a Pirate copy - even if the seller can put your name on the license Mach3 may still recognise it as a Pirate license.
Please see earlier post; http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,24331.msg241127.html#msg241127 (http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,24331.msg241127.html#msg241127)
Tweakie.
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I have a person wanting me to do support but the license seems dodgy. Has any one come across a fake license in the name of Ivan Todosijevic?
EDIT: Link removed due to possible virus.
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Ivan Todosijevic is indeed a known Pirate license.
Tweakie.
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Bugger. Makes me f$%ng mad. And then they insist on getting service because you are the local agent.
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And then they insist on getting service because you are the local agent.
I know it's easy for me to say but all they need to do is purchase a genuine license.
Tweakie.
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It is that simple really. They just spent thousands on a machine but the software they can pirate. Bull********* story I say. And it is not just Mach3 it is also Sheetcam. I am an agent for both and then he wants me to service him on both packages with his licenses that are stolen.
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I guess it is more a matter of principal and if a person is willing to steal the software what makes him obliged to pay the account after you have done the work?
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Unfortunately it's the way of the world my friend :'(
Tweakie.
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Hmm..........
% upfront before starting work and remaining % upon delivery.
90 / 10 sounds like good ratio to me. ;)
RICH
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ChinaCNCzone have no shame - once it was the Papa Fabio pirate license, now it is the MaoA˜A ¯Ðtonar pirate license. ;D
Tweakie.
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;D
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I think to be fair to the purchaser you have to consider their position. I have bought different kinds of electronic equipment and often they have sample or limited versions of other companies software. They are a cooperation to give you the ability to use the piece of equipment and to introduce another's compatible software. When I bought my Chinese CNC Router, I had no idea what I was getting in to and was going for the challenge. So the softwre that cam with it at the time I had no idea it was bootlegged software. Whether it is legal or not, The Chinese business people have a peculiar way of doing things, As Americans we do things a certain way, which the world may not do thing the same way. So when we get products from off shore, we tend to be more relaxed about the ways other my except things. So when I tried to load the software and a bunch was in Chinese, I went to the Mach 3 sight to compare, which was clearly in English, so I bought the real deal. I didn't know till later that the Chinese disk was bootleg. So point is, sometime the customer is not aware of these issues till later like myself.
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There is no justification for using Pirate software.
Tweakie.
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I didn't use the counterfeit software, after I realized it was garbage' I bought the software directly from Mach 3 web site. I am not justifying anything, I just had no idea it was counterfeit. The End!
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I agree !00% that different cultures do things differently. Take your example of the machine you (Dreammaker) bought. If it were me I would have sent a copy of the demo (or a link to get it from NewFangled) and a profile for the machine I built (particularly since I am the only one that possibly could at this point) and instructions on how to install the profile. Actually, I would build an installer that does it all for you. Then the machine would actually work and work right. Also I wouldn't be taking advantage of the software developer, their support system or those buying my product. Then all the end user would need to do is buy a legitimate license and they could be running production. Imagine that. They could provide more for less and do so while not being thieves of software or misleading those buying their product.
I also would not supply software with viruses and spyware (which most pirated software includes). As a manufacturer why in the world would you supply something to the end user that would be far far better off had you not supplied it? Well, it is more than obvious the desired result is not value for money.
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It is that simple really. They just spent thousands on a machine but the software they can pirate. Bull********* story I say. And it is not just Mach3 it is also Sheetcam. I am an agent for both and then he wants me to service him on both packages with his licenses that are stolen.
But surely it is simple (and good business too)!
Payment up front for the first support, and the payment includes a genuine license. It may well be a case of customer ignorance, and it does no harm to politely explain to the customer that he needs a license 'upgrade' before you can help him. You don't have to tell him he has a pirate version; just tell him it is an 'unsupported and obsolete' version. If he accepts your terms - well and good. If he rejects them - that is HIS decision.
Cheers
Roger
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Here's another one I've gotten a few of recently: CEFETSC. At least one vendor on eBay is selling these licenses. They are not valid and not supported, despite what the seller says.
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If this is true as you say, have you considered contacting EBay and sharing this information with them. I am sure they would not like pirating going their site, and they would appreciate your input.
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eBay actually doesn't care all that much. My only hope is that customers who come forward with these pirated licenses will leave negative feedback and prevent others from making the same mistake.
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Can someone shed light on the eBay Sellar. I was looking cat buying and don't want to get scammed.
Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk
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Hi Truckeic,
Need a bit more information, what ebay seller ?
If you are referring to the sale of a Mach3 license on ebay then it will almost certainly be a scam or a pirate license. There is however a couple of Artsoft authorised resellers advertising on ebay so if you let me know the name of the seller I can confirm if they are genuine.
Hope this helps.
Tweakie.
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Thanks!!
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In an earlier post I mentioned how FasterCNC started trading as DDream
( https://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=24331.msg236818#msg236818 )
this pic. (showing their own, in house, Pirate license usage) was taken from their current DDream EC300 and EC500 product manuals.
Tweakie.
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Just a little off thread comment and that refers to users of pirated licenses.
We have been rather discrete about those users and address accordingly.
BUT
If a user has the gall to use this forum knowingly using a pirated license they won't be here for long.
RICH
Why? 1st you're selling a 2004 software for almost 200 dollars, to call it stupidly expensive would be an understatement, and there are people buying CNC's from websites like AliExpress that include the Mach3 software, obviously a pirated one.
There are countless people that i know that use pirated software not because they take pleasure in abusing the developer but simply because they cant afford it.
And if anybody would ask me if the should pay ~200 USD for a ancient piece of software id advise pirating it, if however that person uses the software to make money than i agree they should pay for it.
There are countless people that simply cant afford the software or are just interested in learning.
And i sincerely think they hurt nobody, if anything they might one day advertise the software to somebody that would be ready to buy it.
And again, for the 3rd and sure not the last time, charging almost $200 for a 2004 software, one wont be far from truth if he called you crooks.
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There are countless people that i know that use pirated software not because they take pleasure in abusing the developer but simply because they cant afford it.
Tell that to the judge.
If they can afford to buy the HW, then they can afford to buy the SW. All other pleadings are just selfish BS.
Cheers
Roger
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Well said Roger.
Rich was not wrong when he said "If a user has the gall to use this forum knowingly using a pirated license they won't be here for long".
Tweakie.
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Ditto
If people do not buy from the correct source how then will any new software be developed
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Hi,
charging almost $200 for a 2004 software,
If you buy Mach3 then yes, all development stopped on Mach3 six years ago, and no-one has try to pretend otherwise.
You could buy Mach4, and that is $200, and it is being actively developed and supported. You choose Mach3.....why??
Craig
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' You choose Mach3.....why??'
Because I can get a pirate copy for free from China?
I use Mach3 (fully licenced) because I bought it before Mach4 went into development, and it still works for me.
Cheers
Roger
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Hi Roger,
Because I can get a pirate copy for free from China?
Thats a pretty good reason that all development ceased in Mach3, I mean why would anyone bother continued development
and investment if users just pirate it?
Craig
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Hi Craig
Oh, I don't think China was the reason for the move to Mach4, not at all.
Mach3 has a (small?) number of unrepairable bugs in it. They have been squeezed to one side, but they can not be fixed. Some of them at least are in the basic design, rather than being just programming errors. Mach3 started off simple, but complexities were added along the way, violating some of Art's assumptions. A fresh start was needed, with a clean sheet design, using the understanding but not the code from Mach3.
In addition, when Mach3 was first written, the LPT port was the only way to interface to the external hardware. Yes, I think one could add a second LPT port, but the whole design was constrained by the slow speed of the processors available then. Art F did a miracle job in creating a real-time system which could over-ride Windows XP (he hacked the ring system), but the OS moved on as well. In fact, I don't think the old Mach3 LPT port driver can run under anything other than XP. Later versions of Windows have a deliberate installation check to prevent loading what Art did. There were screams, which MS ignored.
If you take out the LPT driver and use an ESS (say), then the system can work (I believe) up to W10 - but I think only in 32-bit mode. The whole transition to 64-bit machines has orphaned a lot of gear in fact, expensive gear which I still have but can no longer use. Damn it!
Anyhow, if you are going to skip the use of the LPT, then it makes sense to rewrite parts of the core to skip that driver completely. The result is that while Mach3 can only update at 10 Hz, Mach4 can go quite a bit faster (40 Hz?), and can offload some very high speed stuff to an external pulse engine as well.
As to your basic question: it would not be a lot of trouble to change the security code in Mach3 to invalidate the Chinese pirates. Of course, they would probably just buy one new license and clone that across ebay, so why bother?
Mach3 continues to work fine (within its limits), and hundreds (thousands?) of users find it quite adequate for their needs. Sure, it has some bugs, but so does every version of Windows!
Cheers
Roger
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Patrick Hood Daniel
https://buildyourcnc.com/
Check the name of the license holder in the title bar.
https://youtu.be/ky8HDObEIGc?t=229