Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => Mach Screens => Works in progress => Topic started by: zealous on May 03, 2006, 10:16:56 PM
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Screen set: -Simple setup- Great for Touch Screens
This screen is design for a 3 Axis mill.
The entire screen can be moved around.
I made this screen using all PNG layers, I found that Mach3 seems to responed better and later I can change the size or move everthing around.
The menus / Tabs are setup to start from left to right.
You can have someone running your CNC within minutes using this screen setup.
Tab "Load G-Code"
1. Load G-code (edit modify)
Tab "Material"
2. Set material and zero Axis
Tab "Tool path"
3. Get a good look
Tab "Run Program"
4. Start cutting
Tab "Diagnostics"
Check error- setup
???Known Issues with 1.0 >:(
1. When "jog mode" is turned off the "On screen buttons" WILL STILL JOG ALL AXIS!
2. "Edit G-code" button will not open a text editor (nor can I get it to work in Mach3 screen set) might be my own computer set up. Might work for you.
3. The "LED buttons" are not align properly, doesn’t effect functionality just looks sloppy, will fix in the final version.
Please feel free to give comments, add, modify and re upload this setup.
*Feel free to use any of the images, please give recognition.
;DWill update this one and I have two other screen set ready soon.
You can dowload the screen from here
[/b][/size]]http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=602.0;id=483 (http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=602.0;id=483[/color)
-Vile Guitars-
ø¤º-BLAKE-º¤ø
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Fan freaking tastic. I am loving this screen design revival. You gotta keep up that good work. :)
When will you publisg the .set for it, so that we can then package it in an install exe ?
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I love this as well. Nice simple set. Let me know when your released..
GOOD WORK!!!
Thanks
Art
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I gotta ask..how the heck did you change my frame??? Wow!!!
Art
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The screen set file and images are all included in the zip folder.
Place the "Touch Screen" folder in Mach3 "Bitmap" folder.
Place "Simple 3 Axis 1.0 in Mach3 main folder.
That’s it.
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Love the way the estop button flashes. I wonder where you learnt to do that :)
I highly recommend downloading and running this screen.
Transparent buttons over LED bitmaps has translated into a great feature.
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Wow I am liking this screen, nice clean lines, simple design and large buttons for those of us with touch screens and fat fingers. I have been trying to pluck up the courage to start on a screen suited to my needs and this has given me inspiration and plenty of ideas now I just need the time ;)
Good work
Hood
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Another nice set and some great creativity.
Good stuff !
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Thank you very much for the positive response ;D
I had never attempted to use the screen designer until after I watched Ynneb video tutorial. http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=527.0
These video's clearly show how easy it is to build your own custom interface.
The Artsoft Screen designer is an addictive program!
This screen set is my first, so it took me two days to build.
The majority of the time was creating and plotting the buttons and LED's.
While I was designing the buttons Artsoft came out with the new LED buttons. These buttons are a great idea and give a lot of possibilities.
-Some hint-:
To see or use the New LED buttons you have to download the newest Mach3 or Mach Dev.
-Image layers and transparent buttons-
If you’re working in multiple "image layers" with transparent buttons try to:
-Apply them last and all at once
If a transparent buttons shows a rectangular place holder around it you can:
-Send bitmap to back
If your background image is covering another image you can:
1. Remove the layer that is being hidden by the background
2. Hide all images,
3. Copy any buttons or LED's that will be over the image
4. Delete those copied buttons,
5. Import image that will lay behind buttons
6. Copy buttons back in.
The Mach3 Frame change was done using Windows Blinds.
Window Blinds is free program that enables users to personalize their Windows XP PC with thousands of different visual styles. You can make your own themes and apply them to individual programs. Stardock also has Object Docker and X cursor which is both very useful.
http://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/
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Zealouse - Your screen looks great - I am using a touchscreen also, so I can't wait to try your screens out.
( just can't beat a touchscreen for CNC control)
However, I also would like to toss out my keyboard and mouse PERMANENTLY .
Have you made any progress at installing a numeric keypad into mach 3 as you mentioned ?
The best I have been able to do is simulate a keypad by modifying an existing DRO with VB script.
Thanks !
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Very, very nice screens. Any plans to add one for manual data input?
Claude
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Claude,
Good idea I'll add a manual data input.
I didn't add it to this screen because I haven't start on the numeric keypad for Mach yet.
Beachnum,
what's it like working with your simulated keypad?
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Hey, check this out for how to add an on screen keyboard.
http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=609.msg3276#msg3276
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We think alike and at the exact same time :o
I was just now talking to a friend at Oxygenscripts and we put together the same thing but a little bit different code.
I'll post one to open up “Windows On screen keyboard” and another to open up “CNT's on screen keyboard”. (Installing CNT to the default location)
http://cnt.lakefolks.com/
It's amazing because I randomly chose CNT for the touch screen keyboard to use ;D
My friend is putting together a CNC friendly Keyboard for Mach 3.
You'll need to add the "LaunchKeyboard.png" to the "Touch screen folder under "buttons 2"
Here is the code but it's already setup in the included files.
Dim stAppName As String
Dim filePath As String
stAppName = "C:\WINDOWS\system32\osk.exe"
Call Shell(stAppName,1)
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If we think alike, you will also be thinking this is a temporary measure and we will have you find a way to do this in mach using the script features.
I will ask Art about the feasabilty of this, and if its worth the effort. Especially since click'n'type is full of features and customizable already.
I have a friend via the forum who sells touch screen membranes, he is going to give me a price on supplying them. hopefullythis will make it affordable for many of us to do this conversion.
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PS. On the subject of thinking alike. I knew you used Windows blinds b4 you told us. Pity we cant export the designs to other computers that dont have it installed.
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Tried to use your screens but could not get them to display properly. Appeared to display the basic background but the screen buttons did not show.
After unzipping, I copied the "Simple 3 Axis 1.0.set" file into the Mach3 folder and then copied the "Touch Scree" folder as a unit into the Mach3 Bitmap folder. Anything else I should have done?
Claude
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Cowpoke - I just got the the touch screens to work by moving the touch screen folder from the mill bitmaps folder to the bitmaps folder-
I accidentally put it in the mill bitmaps folder by mistake.
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After using a touchscreen for some time now - I have found what would really be sweet, is a premanent, built-in
numeric keypad for dro number entry.
It would also be nice to have a keyboard available at the touch of a button for MDI entry, but a keyboard takes up too much real estate.
I'm dying here for a way to build a persistent NUMERIC keypad right into all the Mach 3 screens.
For anyone working without a touch-screen ---they're worth every penny!
Zealouse - Love the pan and zoom buttons! , and the HUGE toolpath window ! - a "MUST HAVE"
I'm not crazy about the STOP button on the jog controls though --- I also created a jog screen with
"momentary" jog buttons, and found out quite by accident that if you "slide" your finger (or mouse) off the button without lifting it,
the jog remains active until you push the button again - this works really nice
beachbum
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Touch screen bitmaps are in the correct folder. Anyone have any other ideas?
Claude
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Beachbum,
I like the idea of "Momentary" jog buttons; I'll make the changes on the final release.
I placed the stop button to hold a "step mode jog". I've entered wrong amounts to "step jog" and lost positioning by hitting the E-stop (not sure if we lose any steps by calling on a stop function). I'd like to have placed the Hold button but it will not hold a "step jog".
Will you upload your touch screen set?
Clause I think I know why it’s not working.
I'm not sure if the new Mach 3 supports LED buttons or if you have to download the Dev version?
OR
The folder should be located in Mach 3\Bitmaps\Touch screen
Inside the folder you should have 3 folders and one PNG.
Sometimes when you unzip a file it will create a folder to hold the files, so you might have a folder call touch screen with a folder inside of it called touch screen. If so Cut and Past the folder inside the folder called touch screen into Mach 3/Bitmaps/
On the final release an installer will make it much easer.
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Mach Version 1.84.001
File structure for Mach3:
Mach3 (folder)
Simple 3 axis1.0.set
Bitmaps (folder)
Touchscreen (folder)
Backsplash.jpg
Buttons (folder)
2 State Buttons (folder)
Buttons 2 (folder)
Panel (folder)
Were you asking me to upload my touch screen set or was that for Beachbum?
Thanks for the help,
Claude
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I have the same problem as Cowpoke. Just as Cowpoke, my Touchscreen folder IS in the right place but when I load the set I get the black background and a bunch of white rectangles that say "Bitmap goes here". So, Obviously the link to the Bitmaps folder is broken somehow.
I have moved the Touchscreen folder all over the place in hopes that I could get things to work but- No Go Joe!
Kinda sux cause the Screen set looks great and I wanted to try it out! Nice Job on the design!!
Regards,
Sid
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I posted an image base explanation.
Should I relocate the destination file for the images? Is there a standard location to put custom screen? If not we should all agree on how to setup a file structure?
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Z-Man,
Thanks for the simplified explanation. I'm sorry but I had to chuckle a little bit when I read the post because it seems like you must be thinking we must be so lame and can not figure out how to put files in the correct folder.
Not that it would be the 1st time I made mistake but, in this case I'm 150% sure that I have the files in the correct place and the set is still not loading correctly.
Big white rectangles (where the bitmaps should be displaying) that say "Bitmap Goes here". It's just plain old weirdness. I love the .jpgs of the set and it seems like the other dudes think it's pretty cool so, I'd love to give it a go but, if I have to wait for a Installer version so us dummies ;) can use it, I think it'll be worth thel wait In the meantime if you or anybody else can think of something else to try, give us a shout ok?
Thanks,
Sid
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Hey, I just downloaded again (From your 2nd link) and tried on another machine runing ver 1.9. It worked better but check out the pic of what I got. It's not the same as the pic you posted. Some stuff is there, some isn't- weird!!!
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Did not get the "LED Animation" folder when unzipping. Tried downloading again but got the same results when unzipping.
Claude
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I got the same results, missing buttons.
Richard
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I'm trying to figure out where I went wrong.
It looks like just the LED buttons are not being display, is that right? Or are some not able to view any buttons?
I deleted all of my files in Mach 3, downloaded the files from the forum and it works.
The only things I can think of are:
-Are you using Mach 3 D 1.90.032
-How much ram do you have on your video card?
-Have you been able to view PNG files before?
-Has any of the LED buttons from other Screen set worked?
Has any one been able to load the screen set successfully? ???
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The LED folder is from an idea of having animations buttons and LED's. That file is on a diffrent forum topic, you do not need it for the screen to work.
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I remember getting the same thing when I was building the 2 state buttons, I couldn't figure out why they worked in the screen designer but not in Mach 3. I realized I had to download the Developers version that will support 2 state buttons.
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Zealouse,
To Clarify... You are saying that It is a REQUIREMENT to be runing Mach 3 Ver 1.9 in order for the screen set to work? If so, Thanks but I already told you in a previous post, I already tried installing on a machine that was runing Mach 3 ver 1.9 (Dev), it still doesn't load correctly.
I have a crapload of ram on the video card and in the computer
I have downloaded other screen sets and they have worked OK, just not yours
I imagine from their comments that Art, Brian and Benny and a couple others have downloaded and installed your set
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It does not show properly in screen 4 design either.
The buttons are present in mach but no graphic.
Richard
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For everyone who can't get these screens to load properly - make sure you are running Mach3Version D1.90.033
Just downloading and installing it, is not enough. -- Run Mach3 and go to "Help" - "About Mach3"
You are probably still running an old version.
The new button possibilities are AWESOME!
Beachbum
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Success! I got a PM from Zealouse which suggested re-downloading and installing version 1.9.xx . I did that and it works perfectly- Thanks for your continued assistance and nice job, the set rocks!
Regards,
Sid
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I'll add:
1. "Momentary" jog buttons
2. manual data input
3. Fix spelling (Diagnostics)
4. Fix "Jog on/off
5. Fix "two state buttons" (look bad when switch between on/off states).
6. Add place holders/button
7. Add skins to "Drod's"
8. Built in Keyboard(working on might take a little while)
What about a spindle control?
Please let me know what is missing or out of place.
Please feel free to add,change,rearrange and repost.
This screen set belongs to Mach 3 members.
;D Super happy everyone got it to work. ;D
Thanks
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Would like to see a large "Feed Hold" button somewhat by itself.
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2 requests please.
1. A Goto Z button
2. A DRO for Safe Z
Thanks!
Sid
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Ran a simulation with it last night and the tool path did not display.
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You might have to Regen a screen to see the toolpath,with touchscreens you can simply tap the Toolpath display twice or hit the Reg button.
If this doesn't work goto:
Config/Toolpaths/Lines from Last to Current(If this is not check you'll only see small dotted lines), but I'll add a "View toolpath On/Off button to resolve the problem.
I'll add:
Follow toolpath On/Off
goto Z button
Safe Z DRO
Feed Hold button
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Hi zealouse:
I have just adopted your simple 3axis as the new basis of the Plasma screens to be added to Mach3's
standard installs. I have added your name to the Help/About "hall of fame " as well as of the next version . 1.90.061
I like thi ssimple screen set, and I think it lends itself well to plasma operations. I will be modifying it over time to hjave additional
plasma features. Thanks for such a great starter screen for that work. It saves me tons of time. I owe you one, if you need anything,
let me know. (Free license for a friend perhaps :) ). Anyway.. thanks again. Look to the help about for a plug for "Vile Guitars"
Regards,
Art
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Art,
I am very honored to have the opportunity to contribute to Artsoft.
Artsoft produces amazing softwear and has top notch team members.
This company provide outstanding customer support.
Benny and Barker have amazing talents, innovative ideas and inexhaustible patients.
The Mach series has always met and exceeded the requirements of its users, yet Artsoft is always implements new and exciting functions to provide more options or smoother functionality to the operator.
Thank you for providing us with the ability to execute our dreams.
*Please let me know if you need anything of me. I was thinking of making some "button packs" that people could use for there designs.
-POM
(Proud owner of Mach) ;D
PS.Many of us have saved and made allot of money using Artsoft softwear and it's our responsability to share with others our own developments with the Artsoft community.
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Hi:
Its always a pleasure when someone like yourself comes along and donates their time to do such things as this screen.
Its an excellent example of a user screen, and Im proud to add it in. As a plasma screen, I think it will bevery popular
this coming year. Again, thanks for the great effort.
Regards,
Art
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I really like to Simple Screen setup but I have the same problem I had with text fonts on original setup. The code font is huge. I finally fixed the problem by using Vrinda font 18 pt. Mach III won't let you use a font size smaller that 18 pt. so I found out Vrinda is a smaller type face. Problem is that it doesn't work the same with Simple Screen. Anyone know of a smaller font? Also would like to know what is involved in editing a setup file .set? ;D
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Under the Download section you can edit and create screens with the "Mach3Screen Designer" or Screen "Designer 4".
Open up any .set file with one of the screen designers and you'll be able to add or adjust things.
Art and Benny have a few video's on how the screen designers work.
Yep, you could make the Gcode box wider and this should fix it.
Let me know if it works or if you need any help.
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I really like this screen set only problem is I have a lathe not a mill. I'm working on changing some of the buttons around but my graphics skills lack. Would you be willing to do some extra bitmap buttons geared to lathe use? I changed Y dro to Z dro and Z dro to Spindle speed dro but my new S buttom isn't up to snuff. I coded the S button to M5 fyi.
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I have a friend via the forum who sells touch screen membranes, he is going to give me a price on supplying them. hopefully this will make it affordable for many of us to do this conversion.
Any update on touch sreen kits? I'm ready to pop for one. ;D
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Sure can, I have an updated to the screen as well, give me a bit, we're finishing up the Flash screens now and I'll make those additions and maybe you could than post your lathe screen ;D Nice looking button!
I'll forward the message to Beeny about the touchscreens
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If I hit the 'bitmaps to back' buton and mess up the panals on the simple screen how do I fix it?
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Almost done with the Flash screens.
-Select the background bitmap
-Copy
-delete selected background
-past exact
If you see any bitmaps that have a border that doesn't blend with the back ground, you can select them and use the "bit map to back" to blend them in.
This is a work around from the Z-leveling problem.
I'll upload the updated screen here soon and get those lathe buttons out.
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Thanks that works . Now if I can just finish changing the things I need to change without screwing the other stuff up. Already off to a bad start on that one.
Also I managed to erase the lettering on some buttons to make blanks.
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I should have included the raw images along time ago, didn't think of it.
Here are the file: vileguitars.com/MachFlash/Machinterface/Touchscreen interface elements.zip (http://vileguitars.com/MachFlash/Machinterface/Touchscreen interface elements.zip)
It's in PSD format cause I figure most programs will take this and respect the layer and transparency uniform.
Let me know if there is a diffrent file format that you may need. Real Draw will take PSD ;D
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Hey Zealous,
Anyone ever tell you you do good work? If not, let me. You do good work Zealous. ;D
Brett
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Your screens look great. When I try to download I get a message saying I need to login even though I am already logged in. Any suggestions?
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Your screens look great. When I try to download I get a message saying I need to login even though I am already logged in. Any suggestions?
Join the club, I tried several browsers, computers, operating systiems, etc etc. Benny said that whatever the problem is isn't worth fixing just for me. So I gave up. There's plenty of other screens.
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It is a cookie issue with your browsers.
I use both firefox and explorer and can show you that it works for me.
It is out of my control the settings that are in your browsers.
All I know is 98% of users dont have problems. What can I do to make your computers work ?
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Hey Benny
I know, it's really wierd. I followed all your sugestions. Cleard cookies in Firefox, made sure it was accepting all cookies. Set IE to lowest security setting. Tried Opera. Thought something may be wrong with my account, registered a new account. Rebooted from Linux to win 2k. Left the office, went home, tried it there.
So, now I'm pretty sure that it's an alien force from the dark side that has it in for me. If it comes to the point that I really think I need this, I'll try one more time. This time I will wear a tin foil hat. That should shield me from the alien interference.
Which model would be most effective?
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Any model of tin foil hat should work just fine. Just make sure they are grounded. Faraday cages don't work unless they are grounded.
Chad
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Hmm, after seeing those pictures I now know why the download wont work for you :)
Its really got me beat. I will email it to you.
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Hmm, after seeing those pictures I now know why the download wont work for you :)
Its really got me beat. I will email it to you.
Got it.
I love you man. ;D
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Hi all!
Zealous (or anyone), could you write a "how to make leds blink for dummies" post. I really don't get it probably because of lack of knowledge about graphic formats and layers. I know leds should to been in "green flashing" operation, but don't understand how it altenates the different colors images of the same button.
Great work! Will you realease a newer version soon!? :)
P.S.: Hey ardor, your not the only one with alien interference. I've got the same problem in my home and office computers. ??? Where can I find the latest tin foil hat model? Can I buy it online? ;)
Luis fdo.
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P.S.: Hey ardor, your not the only one with alien interference. I've got the same problem in my home and office computers. ??? Where can I find the latest tin foil hat model? Can I buy it online? ;)
Luis fdo.
Reasonably priced here
http://foil-hat.com/
;D ;D ;D
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LOL, the Aliens are messing with me too. Got to be the reason I missed all of the fun. ;D ;D ;D
Brett
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Hi all!
Zealous (or anyone), could you write a "how to make leds blink for dummies" post. I really don't get it probably because of lack of knowledge about graphic formats and layers. I know leds should to been in "green flashing" operation, but don't understand how it altenates the different colors images of the same button.
Luis fdo.
Have you looked at the videos Benny did on making PNG LEDs? that will show you how to make up the two state LEDs then all you need to do when you put them in your screen is select that you want them to flash.
Hood
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A very nice screen set. Couple of comments:
- Typo on the Diagnostics button ("Diagnestics")
- Any way to get the keyboard version to toggle the keyboard? Didn't take me long to realize I could just close the osk app, but it'd be handy to have a toggle.
- Are you going to "flash-ize" this screen set?
- Would you consider a super-clean white background version (e.g., the screen set Apple, Inc would make)?
Keep up the great work!
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I apologize for the delay in updating or adding new screens here.
I've been working on the development of screens for Quantum and waiting for the release of Jetcam's new screen designer and waiting for the updated fix for the sticky LED's ;D
I have allot of graphics and screens that I will be uploading soon. I'll also do an Apple,Alienware,Vista EST...themes...
bigjamma,
Typo on the Diagnostics button ("Diagnestics") I'm the worst speller on the planet ;D
Good idea on toggling the Keyboard and I'll be "flash-ize" this screen set.
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Jason, greetings
Good to hear that things are going well.
I sent you a PM a fortnight or so ago asking if you could let me have the .FLA for a complete screen set so I can catch up on the refinements you have made to the structure of the library and your Actionscript strategies for setting DROs etc.
I really do need to make a test Flash screen set :=)
John Prentice
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Hey John,
My email must be blocking PM's, I'll check into it. I'm updating the code for ActionScript 3 and will email and post it here soon. I'll post the Fla for Action script 2 and email it to you.
Sorry I missed your email. I always responded so if anyone has PM or emailed me and I haven't responded, it's because it's getting block :P I'll try and fix my eamil spam blocker.
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Jason
Thanks.
My Flash CS3 is delivered and up and running looking for work ;=)
John Prentice
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Jason
Thanks for the screens by PM. I have replied. I hope it gets through.
John Prentice
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Jason
Thanks for the follow-up
I have sent another e-mail reply. Hope this one might get through
John Prentice
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Apologies to all users for this private stuff:
Jason
I have sent you a mail from another ISP in the hope that this can get through
John Prentice
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Got it !!! ;D
If you've sent an email and I haven't responded, try again or send it to Art,Brain or Benny, I'll always return email's. ;D
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Huge thumbs up on the application of SIMPLE SCREEN ;)
I have been using your screen on my router for a few months with great results...I would have to say there are a few important functions I would like to see in the next version...Is there going to be a "next version"?
Can I ask if you are working on another Update or screenset?
Dave
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Great thank you ;D
New one in the works please let me know what you'd like to see.
Let me know if this one works better, I believe there were some issues with the two state buttons that is fixed in this.
I changed all the code over to VB in this one as well. If your interested in the audio files let me know, I have audio response for about every LED and button.
This is just an updated screen for STS
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ZEALOUS,
The STS 1 is very intuative for most practical purposes, but.... ;D
ON/OFF button for the spindle would be very handy.
"GO TO" Fill in coordinates box would be nice.
Slider speed override would be great.
A visual of actual speed (graph bar) extra fluff, but cool. 8)
Audio files would be OK, but I wouldn't be able to hear them in my shop. :o
Once sorted out, a .doc named "MACH3 STS-1 FOR DUMMIES ??? !"
With the natural assumption there would be a fee...; ::) Could you write a custom screen for my factory machinery?
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Speaking of Dummies.. :-[.I am having trouble with the UPGRADE loading.
I breezed thru the original STS load, but must be doing something wrong with this version.
Do you have a private Email you can forward me? ::)
neuxstone@aol.com
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Hey Dave,
Check that you have the Touch screen folder located in: C:\Mach3\Bitmaps\Touch screen and the Touchscreen.set is located in: C:\Mach3
Yep, I do custom screens for companies, I'm doing a number of screens for companies now and will see if I can find sometime to add those additions in and a short doc sometime next month.
My email adress is zealouseappex@comcast.net if you would like a custom screen made
I've sent you an email as well.
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Zealous do you have a newer verison than 1.0 ,that is the only I saw in the posts and the screen sets download page. I haven't worked on my lathe for quite awhile till this past week. But now most every thing is worked out so I purchased my license this week. And once I get a step to analog converter for my VFD I'll be ready to Rock and Roll.
Thanks Drew
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Hey Drew,
Sorry about the delay I've been out of town.
Currently the latest update is just a few post above this one STS_update.zip (1093.51 KB - downloaded 41 times.)....I'll have some more screens avalible soon
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Hi Zealous. Are you still deveolping/supporting this screenset? The download above displays half page on the left and the jog screen is tiny. Trying to ply with resolutions now. Alto the files suggest a talk or speech option? Best, Rob
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Any chance you could add a spindle button and a coolant button to the material tab? Thanks Loui
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looking forward for final release of this screen.
Edit-G code worked fine for me.but jog is a real problem.
except this rest is awesome.
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and as Loui said,
spindle control is required.(coolant might not be that impotent )
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Hi,
Very sorry about the delay...
I will make those additions and fixes...give me a a bit to finish them up and I will update and post it here.
Thank you
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hi... this is the best screen set i ever have but...
i dont find a button for auto zero tool!! how can use this function on this screeen set ??