Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => Mach Screens => JetCam screen designer => Topic started by: ynneb on September 01, 2006, 11:33:28 PM
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Art wrote in Yahoo
Hi Guys:
The people at JetCam have written a screen designer for inhouse work. They have gratiously donated it to Mach3 users who wish to use it. We'd like comments on its operation in a beta test. This designer may remain as a public utility, or may disappear, depending on how you like it , and if it does seem usefull to the people who design screens. It is quite different than the other designers, has built in help files, and works on a principle of a complete JPG type background with hidden controls and buttons to do operations. Quite friendly in my playing so far.
Let me know what you think should you decide to play. :)
Thanks,
Art
www.artofcnc.ca
Download it from here.
http://www.machsupport.com/Downloads/Editor.zip
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Wow, looks great I like the added features.
I like the Z layering buttons and the layout.
I also like how it organizes the file structures.
I'm looking around and can't seem to find how to make an LED button?
Also is it possable to lock layers and get to another layer without having to move a layer on top of it?
I'll keep pocking around.
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Its new for all of us, even Art, I guess its a bit of trial and error.
I have not spent much time on it either, but the loss of transparent PNGs is a bad thing. IMO
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My name is Stan and I wrote the new MACH screen designer.
I will keep an eye on this board in order to get feedback from users and to provide any help that I can regarding the use of the software.
Kindest Regards
Stan
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Thanks Stan.
I will try and get all comments directed here so they can be collected in one place.
BTW didnt we meet at a BBQ recently ?
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ynneb :
I have not spent much time on it either, but the loss of transparent PNGs is a bad thing. IMO
I'd like that too, but it's not as simple as you'd think. Transparency (and translucency) are handled internally by the designer engine itself in such a way that it will work with all image formats that the software can load. This ensures that the editor works the same way for all image types.
zealouse :
I'm looking around and can't seem to find how to make an LED button?
Look in the help under the topic Screen Components. LEDS, DROS, Panels, Labels etc. are all screen components. The topics in that section of the manual explain how to add components to your screens.
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I'd like that too, but it's not as simple as you'd think. Transparency (and translucency) are handled internally by the designer engine itself in such a way that it will work with all image formats that the software can load. This ensures that the editor works the same way for all image types.
Except that Art alread has installed Transparent PNG support into Mach3 and it is already currently working.
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ynned :
Except that Art alread has installed Transparent PNG support into Mach3 and it is already currently working
Well, I can take a look at the problem when I et some time.
What specifically is the effect that you are trying to achieve?, and what problems are you seeing?
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Hello
I've only had a quick look at the new screen designer so far and have yet to use it in anger.
From my initial impressions I think the interface is great - it feels much slicker and natural than Screen 4.
One thing I have noticed though is that opening a previous screenset some items seem 'corrupted' - DRO sliders
Also where do you enter 'hotkeys' for buttons? Is it in scancode? If so would it be possible to have a system like the current designer whereby you press the key/combination you want and it automatically enters the values in the scancode. Would it also be possible to display what the actual key combination is next to the scancode - that would make configuring pendants etc much easier as it would save ages trying to find what the codes mean.
Please keep up the good work - I am very impressed.
Cheers
Dave
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davidimurray,
Look in the help in the topic Item Properties|Other Property Sheets|Function
See ScanCode, I think this has what you are looking for.
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Dave,
Regarding your points abpout corruption. The problem is that the MACH screen file format doesn't store the information the way I'd like, so some of the editor's calculations will differ definately differ from those in MACH. The editor is best used to construct brand new screens.
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Hi Stan,
I'm one of those that can't get the Help files to show. I've deleted the *.ini files, so the newly created *.ini shows my local pathname... but still no help topics available.
I there a default directory location for the application that will enable the Help data?
Otherwise... great work!!! Hope you don't get discouraged with the wave of "wants" that will come at you. Many of us are greatful for any added tools toward developing our own "Best Screens".
Thanks, Paul - Central OR
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Hi Paul,
The help file is named ScrEdit.chm and is found in the screen editor program directory (where the program resides).
Try double clicking the help file from windows explorer. If it still doesn't show, then either the file is corrupted, or maybe you are using an older version of Windows. This is the first time I've heard of this problem.
Normally, the help file should show when you click the [Help] button (found above the [About] button) from inside the editor program. At least that's what is happening here.
If you still have problems, let me know and try to provide any additional details about your setup that you may think are relevant.
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Hi Stan,
Tried that, and still get "Action canceled - Internet Explorer was unable to link to the Web page you requested. The page might be temporarily unavailable." on the flash screen and "The page cannot be displayed" when selecting topics.
I even put the "Editor" folder in the root directory to resolve any pathname isssues... still no glory. :(
My system has the latest updates (see attached).
Thanks for the resopnse, Paul - Central OR
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Hi again,
Here are the messages I'm getting...
Paul, Central OR
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Paul,
Thanks for that info. I've never seen that before. I have pretty much the same setup as you so it should be working.
I'll investigate the problem, and if you wish in the meantime, you might want to try downloading the editor again in case the problem is file corruption. This is highly possible if the software was zipped.
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Paul,
I did a search on the internet for a possible cause to the problem.
Here's a link that may help fix the problem on your machine.
http://www.denisbauer.com/weblog/Default.aspx
Scroll down to the April 10 topic.
I also looked at some Microsoft Developer topics and it seems the problem may be related to security updates for the Windows OS.
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Hi Stan,
Unblocking the file took care of the problem.
I decompiled the .chm and the problem appears to be in the "Welcome.htm" file. It is trying to access (Active-X?) my computer, and triggers my security setup. There are some external calls such as:
<!--(Links)=========================================================-->
<link rel="StyleSheet" href="default.css">
<script language="javascript" src="ehlpdhtm.js"></script>
The ehlpdhtm.js contains:
//{{HH_SYMBOL_SECTION
var HH_ChmFilename = "C:\\D5Source\\Screen Editor\\DLLs\\Mach\\RoboHelp\\Jetcam Screen Editor.chm";
Paul, Central OR
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Look in the help in the topic Item Properties|Other Property Sheets|Function
See ScanCode, I think this has what you are looking for.
Ah ha - that works now. If you could add a display to the side that gives an actual lisitng of the keys that would be great.
Cheers
Dave
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Dave,
I have no idea what you mean.
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Hi
Take an example - Cycle start is Alt-r, or scan code 2130 what I would like is next to the scan code a display showing the key combination,i.e. 'alt-r'
The reason - When setting up a pendant using keygrabber I need to know what keys relate to the buttons so I can map the pendant keys to Mach. If I want to do this for a screen set I haven't produced, I have to enter the screen editor, find the code, then work back to find out the keystrokes required. I did this the other day for about 40 Keys and it took ages!!
I enclose a picture showing the type of mod.
Cheers
Dave
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Ok, now I know what you mean.
I had originally tried to do this as we have the same functionality in our Jetcam screen editor.
Art doesn't use the same numbering scheme as us so I abonned the idea since my available time
for developing free applications is fairly limited.
I would like to get this feature in, as I do understand that Scan Codes are meaningless to most people,
(including me).
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Screen Editor Update Available :
This update addresses the problem of the display of keyboard scan codes. In this version, you should now see the scancode and it's keypress representation.
Click on the link below to obtain the files needed for the update.
http://files.jetcam.net/stan/mach/
Installation :
Simply extract the zip file into your existing screen editor directory (overwriting the existing files).
For first time installations, create a screen editor folder on your system and extract the zip file into it.
The file History.txt contains all update details for all versions of the editor. The most recent information is always displayed towards the top of the file.
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Jetcam Screen Editor Issues, Comments and Fixes
Hello Everyone,
AVAILABILITY
The latest Jetcam screen editor (and updates) can always be found at the following location :
http://files.jetcam.net/stan/mach/
You may check here from time to time if your interested in updating your version.
THE HELP FILE - ScrEdit.chm
Some users have been having problems with the help file not displaying topics.
This seems to be due to Microsoft Windows Security Updates.
The help file compiler seems to have added data and/or code that Windows believes is unsafe.
Information on how to fix this problem can be found here :
http://www.denisbauer.com/weblog/Default.aspx
Scroll down to the April 10 topic.
PNG SUPPORT
Some users are unhappy about the PNG support or lack of it.
The latest update fixes a problem in the Open File dialog where there was no filter for ".png" files specified.
I have been investigating the PNG transparency issue and a future update (coming soon) will ensure that the
PNG loader automatically selects the correct transparent color property as specified inside the image files.
For now however, all you need to do is to set the "Transparent Color" property to the color that should not be showing in the image.
See the manual for further details.
Image Transparency - all image types
I saw a post on Yahoo where someone complained that the image files where showing with holes in them.
This is NOT a bug. Quite simply, the editor auto-selected a transparent color.
The manual also covers this issue in detail and how to correctly "tune" images for the effect you need.
MACH screen editor VS Jetcam Screen Editor
There are some significant differences between these 2 applications.
The Jetcam screen editor is designed to supply MACH with a single image file for each
screen. This allows the editor more flexibilty concerning the types of objects that
can be rendered and also takes better care of text label rendering.
For example, the scheme allows users to create panels and other effects which
the editor then "burns" into the final screen image. This simply isn't possible to
do directly in the MACH editor, and must usually be done in another paint program.
Additional, separate images are supplied to MACH for buttons and LEDs.
The manual explains all this in better detail than I have time to do here.
The Editor Screen Main Menu
There seems to be some confusion concerning this.
The menu is there because MACH has a menu.
So the screen editor displays one in order to better emulate the final MACH screen.
I am now however thinking about making this a fully functional menu for screen
editing tasks.
MISC.
Someone posted that the Screen Editor was written in VB. This is not true.
Someone asked if the source code would be made available outside Jetcam.
The answer is no. Proprietry code that is used in Jetcam's main stream products is also used by the editor,
and so will not be released.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
I look forward to hearing more from users in order to further develop the editor.
As mentioned earlier, if you visit the download link (above) from time to time, you'll be
able to find updates as they become available.
Additional Help
I am able to create short videos for any users that need further explanation
of certain features. These would be made available at the download link
mentioned above.
Kindest Regards
Stan
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RandomAccess ,
I'm sorry I meant "Image LED buttons".
I spent awhile looking around but couldn't find them, went back and check and found I did not explain my self very well.
To have two images for "Off" and "On" states of buttons rather then colors (preferably a few frames of images for ON/OFF states to make mini animation. Example: a spindle rotating if your spindles on, CNC machine on fire if you estop is activated).
Many of my developing screens rely on this ability.
Also I had an idea to have "Containers" or compartment's. If you click a button a panel will open up to provide more function and save on screen realsate. You could have many buttons on the front of a panel and inside of the panel.
What do you think?
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Hi Zealous,
>I'm sorry I meant "Image LED buttons".
>I spent awhile looking around but couldn't find them,
>went back and check and found I did not explain my self very well...
Now I'm confused. What do you mean by "Image LED buttons"?
I can add an image property to LEDs if that would help. The images
you provide would override the normal renderer.
But I don't really understand if you are talking about LEDs or Buttons.
> (preferably a few frames of images for ON/OFF states to make mini animation.
>Example: a spindle rotating if your spindles on, CNC machine on fire if you estop is activated).
The editor can only implement functionality that is also available in MACH.
I am not aware that MACH supports the type of "animation" you are suggesting.
>Also I had an idea to have "Containers" or compartment's.
>If you click a button a panel will open up to provide more function and
>save on screen realsate. You could have many buttons on the front
>of a panel and inside of the panel.
Again, the editor can only support functionality that is also available in
MACH. There is no real problem with your idea, but you have to convince
Art to implement such support before the editor can provide the ability to build
such components.
Kindest Regards
Stan
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RandomAccess ,
That would be great if you could add a image property for the LED's. ;D
I was looking at the components that "Jetcam Screen Editor" produces after creating a screen and notice the LED bitmaps.
It's great to have the ability to tile images.
Do tiled images have to be exported as a single image from Jetcam Screen Editor?
It would seem exporting the single tile would give a smaller file size and a crisper appearance.
One more quick question, because I did not read any thing about this:
Are the new "Slider" available in Jetcam?
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Hi Zealous,
>I was looking at the components that "Jetcam Screen Editor" produces after
>creating a screen and notice the LED bitmaps.
Yes, the screen editor generates the necessary bitmaps automatically.
The reason I didn't implement bitmaps property for LEDs is because later on,
the screen editor will be able to generate all different kinds of LEDs.
(For now, there is only 1 type).
>Do tiled images have to be exported as a single image from Jetcam Screen Editor?
>It would seem exporting the single tile would give a smaller file size and a crisper appearance.
MACH doesn't tile (as far as I know).
So, this is the only way that I know of that the editor can give users tiling.
> Are the new "Slider" available in Jetcam?
I am not aware of a new "Slider".
What is it? Can you post a picture and maybe
a simple explanation of what it does.
Kindest Regards
Stan
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RandomAccess ,
There a very new Mach addition(super cool work great) it's included in the Developers Edition of Mach 3.
Benny has to update us here from the (visually unappealing) Yahoo forum.
They work great and add more capability to Mach:
http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=723.0
Benny has a working Flash model here in the middle of this page.
http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=183.0
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Zealous,
Thanks for the links. Now I understand about the slider.
However, I saw that Benny wanted to be able to "skin" the slider.
Is this support already in MACH?
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RandomAccess,
Art has included the sliders and they are skinable.
I believe that He went public with the sliders a few months ago.
They work very well with touch screen's.
There are 3 or four diffrent sliders included in the Mach 3 "Developers" Bitmap folder and are used for feed rate and spindle control.
Here's one of them:
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Thanks Zealous,
I'll talk to Art and find out how to decode the data in the .Set files (for sliders)
so that I can support them too.
Thanks alot for your input, it's much appreciated.
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Hi
I was just wondering how work was going on the use of Image Leds ? The reason is that I want to have a button which I want to skin with an outer border that changes colour depending on the button state.
I'm currently using Screen 4 but dying to move to your designer as the interface is so much better. Oh one other thing. When you maximise the screen view, the whole screen is filled covering the menu. Is it possible to allow the menu to be attached to the main screen. Oh and another thing - I created a 1024*768 bitmap. I put this on a 1024*768 screen in the designer and the bitmap was bigger than the screen. Also how about adding scrolling.
Cheers
Dave
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Stan, I owe you a HUGE apology.
The truth is I opened up your designer, had a brief look and then closed it down, never to look at it again.
Only today have I given it a decent looking at. I can now see the amount of work and thought you have put into it.
You have addressed many issues with this designer that I have been wanting for a long time.
Your program is very stable and does what its told all of the time :)
Thanks for the great effort you have put into it.
Someone mentioned to me, that you were hesitant to put any more effort into it, due to the work been done on the flash screens ?
I suspect that flash screens will turn out to be finished and locked screens that will not be editable by the users. They will not replace the current format either, but will be just another option. I would love it if you continued to work on your designer when you have the time.
Thanks so much for your great contributions.
I will now create a dedicated section for your designer.
Regards Benny
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Hello Benny,
Thanks for your comments. I will be continuing with the editor, and it will remain available free of
charge to all MACH users for the foreseeable future.
Stay tuned.
Kindest Regards
Stan