Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => Mach4 General Discussion => Topic started by: Cartierusm on August 15, 2024, 03:38:24 AM

Title: Mach 4 V2 How's it different?
Post by: Cartierusm on August 15, 2024, 03:38:24 AM
So the mach 4 page says nothing about V2 and I've done a bunch of searching and found nothing. So can someone tell me how V2 is different than Mach 4 v1? Is it just normal changelog type of stuff or is it a completely different version with a different structure?
Title: Re: Mach 4 V2 How's it different?
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 15, 2024, 03:44:29 AM
I may be wrong but V2 uses a different version of Lua - basically the macro's that were written with V1 will not work sucessfully with V2 (the current version of Mach4).

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Mach 4 V2 How's it different?
Post by: Cartierusm on August 15, 2024, 03:55:56 PM
Ok thanks. Any reason to update?
Title: Re: Mach 4 V2 How's it different?
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 16, 2024, 02:41:08 AM
If everything is working exactly the way you want it to then leave well alone (if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it).

However, there have been many improvements and additional features added to Mach4 since the introduction of V2 and some of these you may find useful but I suggest that you check with the manufacturer of your Motion Controller for compatibility between different builds before installing any updates.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Mach 4 V2 How's it different?
Post by: Cartierusm on August 16, 2024, 12:43:43 PM
Ok thanks. Where can I find a list of it's stuff? There doesn't seem to be a page anywhere on NFS site saying.
Title: Re: Mach 4 V2 How's it different?
Post by: Bill_O on August 16, 2024, 02:36:49 PM
The change log is on this page.
https://www.machsupport.com/downloads-updates/mach4-downloads/ (https://www.machsupport.com/downloads-updates/mach4-downloads/)
Title: Re: Mach 4 V2 How's it different?
Post by: KentCNC on August 16, 2024, 06:29:23 PM
I am running version 4.2.0.4612. What build number changed from version 1 to version 2? If I go to the latest build, are my macros compatible wiht the new version? Everything works fine except my ShuttlePro MPG. The jog function is erratic and has caused me to break bits
Title: Re: Mach 4 V2 How's it different?
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 17, 2024, 04:37:55 AM
I am running version 4.2.0.4612. What build number changed from version 1 to version 2? If I go to the latest build, are my macros compatible wiht the new version? Everything works fine except my ShuttlePro MPG. The jog function is erratic and has caused me to break bits

As you are already using V2 then I am sure that all your existing macros will be compatible with the latest Mach4 build.
However, Mach4 build 5000 onwards had some major changes which affected the operation of many Motion Controllers, some of which have still not yet been fully resolved. Just for example, problems have been reported on the forum of issues with the PWM generation for spindle speed control with the Warp9 plugin and backlash compensation issues with the CNC Drive plugin. Whilst I am sure that the manufacturers of these motion controllers are working on it and will resolve any problems it all takes time.
Just out of curiosity, are you using the ‘Contour’ or the ‘XHC’ ShuttlePro ?

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Mach 4 V2 How's it different?
Post by: KentCNC on August 17, 2024, 09:26:16 AM
I am running the Contour. I am also running a SmoothStepper. Will a version upgarde solve the problem with the Contour and will it also opearte with the SmoothStepper? Thank you for the reply!
Title: Re: Mach 4 V2 How's it different?
Post by: Cartierusm on August 17, 2024, 04:26:46 PM
I'm running a professional lathe a Mori Seiki with a  Pokeys 57. Only problems I ever had was the built in lathe wizards in certain operation do give the correct tool number for tool changes and feeds and speeds are wrong, but only in certain operations and I know which ones and always check my gcode after it's generated.

So basically I'll stick to "if it ain't broke don't fix it."
Title: Re: Mach 4 V2 How's it different?
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 18, 2024, 02:44:14 AM
I am running the Contour. I am also running a SmoothStepper. Will a version upgarde solve the problem with the Contour and will it also opearte with the SmoothStepper? Thank you for the reply!

My guess is that a version update will make no difference but you would have to 'try it and see' to be sure.

Tweakie.
Title: Re: Mach 4 V2 How's it different?
Post by: KentCNC on August 18, 2024, 09:28:47 AM
The update was painless and it appears to have solved the problem. Thank you for the replies!
Title: Re: Mach 4 V2 How's it different?
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on August 19, 2024, 01:20:35 AM
The update was painless and it appears to have solved the problem. Thank you for the replies!

Excellent news, I am pleased that you have solved the problem.

Tweakie.