Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => Mach Screens => Screen designer tips and tutorials => Topic started by: Roelli on April 24, 2010, 01:37:51 PM
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Hi guys.
It seems that I have to change my cnc software because mach3 has all functions I ever missed. 8)
BUT... why are these screen designs so crazy? My eyes are bleeding! ;D
Is there any reason why there is no "windows looking" screen design available?
I want to have it look like this...
(http://www.nrgrecording.de/temporary/Datron_CAM.jpg)
Thanks,
Roelli.
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Mach3 doesn't use standard windows controls, so to make it look like a Windows program would be difficult.
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Mach3 doesn't use standard windows controls, so to make it look like a Windows program would be difficult.
Okay, but it's a pity!
The surface looks like a playgarden. Very colored. ;-)
I thought it would be easier to make a windows-like surface. The buttons seem to be jpgs. Wouldn't it be possible to make a grey background with the windows shadowed windows buttons?
Iam getting dizzy when using CAD, DOS-like programs and 3D games - dunno why. >:(
Cheers,
Roelli.
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Sure, it would be possible, but might take a lot of time.
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Sure, it would be possible, but might take a lot of time.
but the software probably sells better ;-) Two years ago I decided not to use mach3 because of the screen design! (which seems to be a mistake because mach3 has all the features iam missing with the software iam using now) :-(
I thought its possible to use an existing screen design, make new buttons and you're done? There are some "button-maker" apps for creating webpage menus - they might work for creating a windows like screen design?
Roelli.
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Roelli,
Why not try the screen designers available for this very reason?
Those are very nice (FREE!!!) gifts from the makers that took a lot of time to create them and worth trying ;)
Dave
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Why not try the screen designers available for this very reason?
Those are very nice (FREE!!!) gifts from the makers that took a lot of time to create them and worth trying ;)
I think I HAVE to try them ;-) I don't know the reason but I can't use CAD Programs... after some time I get a headache!
That never happens as long as the programs look like ALL other windows programs...
This is the cnc software iam using now...
(http://www.nrgrecording.de/temporary/cncgraf1.jpg)
I even bought an USB controller for 800€ to control the machine. (incl. buffer for the cnc data)
But now I need the touch probe feature and other nice things which seems to work with mach3.
And I also have to buy relais pcbs, optocoupler cards, mach3 software license and rewire everything. Thats a big step.
I looked at mach3 years before and was deterred because of the screen design without looking at the features. ??? ;D
Roelli.
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This morning I started taking the first steps to creating a new screen, tentatively called "Mach XP".
I quickly remembered what the most difficult part of screen design is - Figuring out what goes where, and what's needed. The 50-100 hours I'll spend in Photoshop is the easy part.
I'm thinking a 2 screen solution, with auto probing (and other stuff) on the current jog flyout, like in my Aqua screen. One main screen, and one diagnostics/settings screen.
Since it'll look like a Windows screen, there won't be big colorful buttons, so lots more stuff will fit on the screen.
This may take 6 months or more to finish, so don't count on it any time soon. I've got a lot of stuff to get done this summer, so I can start building a new router in the fall. :)
I've googled for sample control screens to get some ideas, but not sure where I'm going right now.
I'm thinking:
Big toolpath, 25% of the screen, top left.
Small g-code window, bottom left.
Program run controls, and file loading, right of the toolpath.
DRO's, upper right. Lots of them. Multiple sets, including machine coordinates, and togo dro's.
Jogging bottom right.
Suggestions open. Tell me what controls you need to have.
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This morning I started taking the first steps to creating a new screen, tentatively called "Mach XP".
8) 8) 8) 8)
I quickly remembered what the most difficult part of screen design is - Figuring out what goes where, and what's needed. The 50-100 hours I'll spend in Photoshop is the easy part.
:o Oh... thats much time. I thought it would be easier. For me the windows buttons look like grey parts with white lines and black shadow... i thought it would be possible to use a freeware button generator to make the button bitmaps.
To me most of the screen designs look like a html webpage. ???
You can download the cnc controller software iam using at the moment... (if the link works)
http://www.boenigk-electronics.com/web/index.php?option=com_jdownloads&Itemid=38&task=finish&cid=2&catid=3&lang=de (http://www.boenigk-electronics.com/web/index.php?option=com_jdownloads&Itemid=38&task=finish&cid=2&catid=3&lang=de)
(you have to set the surface to english language with this: Einstellungen > Sprache > English )
Since it'll look like a Windows screen, there won't be big colorful buttons, so lots more stuff will fit on the screen.
8) 8) 8)
This may take 6 months or more to finish, so don't count on it any time soon. I've got a lot of stuff to get done this summer, so I can start building a new router in the fall. Smiley
Stop! I want to buy a new cnc machine and want to use a better software... so you have to finish the new screen before building your new router! ;D
Suggestions open. Tell me what controls you need to have.
Only the important functions on the first screens (everything seems to be too complicated for newbies - like me and others)
(http://www.nrgrecording.de/temporary/mach3_XP.jpg)
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Jerry,
Maybe you want to hold off some until Mach 4 along with the new screen design comes out.
Or now is your chance to influence the new screen design......
RICH
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Rich, at the current rate, it may be another year?
Roelli,
What is the P (positions)?
Can you give me a clearer screenshot of the right side?
I didn't think of using icons for a lot of things. That frees up a lot of space.
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What is the P (positions)?
Correct! The "P" Icon should open a page which shows the positions.
Zero Point
Park Point and
Measurement Point
There is a small bar under the icon-bar which could show the momentary coordinates X,Y,Z
Can you give me a clearer screenshot of the right side?
Of course:
http://www.nrgrecording.de/temporary/MACH3screendesign.pdf (http://www.nrgrecording.de/temporary/MACH3screendesign.pdf)
I didn't think of using icons for a lot of things. That frees up a lot of space.
In the pdf its only 15 icons on the top bar. The aqua uses over 25 I think? I love small icons... they don't need to be as big as in the aqua screen.
The icons in the pdf are the most important icons for me. Its nice to have them on the home screen.
Your XP Screen design looks good so far! :o 8)
Roelli.
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Correct! The "P" Icon should open a page which shows the positions.
Zero Point
Park Point and
Measurement Point
There is a small bar under the icon-bar which could show the momentary coordinates X,Y,Z
I can't open a window with Mach3, unless I use Flash. But there is no Flash documentation, so no Flash screen.
I don't understand what "zero point" is? And Measurement point?
I'm not going to make a duplicate of that screen. I may not make exactly what you want. Rather than the picture, give me a list of al the features you use, and an explanation if needed.
Do you use the 3 feedrates?
clamps?
pump? Is this coolant?
What's a "reference move"?
Height scan? Is that probing?
I don't like the start button in the top, so it'll be down lower, and a bit larger.
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I can't open a window with Mach3, unless I use Flash. But there is no Flash documentation, so no Flash screen.
Ok. But you an switch to another page, right? Should be the same.
I don't understand what "zero point" is? And Measurement point?
"Zero Point" means:
I move to a position on the machine table... when pressing "XYZ" the current position will be saved as X zero point, Y zero point and Z zero point. If you load a gcode file it should start from this XYZ point.
And if you move the head to another position and press "Z" only the Z-axis zero will be saved.
I'm not going to make a duplicate of that screen. I may not make exactly what you want. Rather than the picture, give me a list of al the features you use, and an explanation if needed.
New File (deletes all current settings and loaded files)
Open File (opens a g-code DIN66025 file)
Reload (could be usefel... this should just load the last file again. I make changes in the Gcode even when it was send to the machine every time. This way I could save the file over network with the same name and hit "reload" button to get the new file)
Gcode editor (text editor/viewer of the loaded gcode)
Positions (opens a page with the positions of the machine which includes XYZ zero points, XYZ park positions, XYZ measurement positions)
XYZ zero points= indicates the bottom left point of the material
XYZ park position = indicates a postion where the head moves after or before the file was done - or at the manual tool change
XYZ measurement positions = the position where the height sensor is (toolchange sensor)
Reference move = moves the head to the home position of the machine and switches the contacts for setting all axis to zero
material height scane = this could open the probing page (to measure the surface)
manual key buttons = to move the head in X,Y,Z
Selectable moving feed rates = same what is used on remote controls... you can switch between different speeds. This is very useful. Don't you have this feature? I love it!
pump= means coolant
spindle= switches the hf spindel on/off
spinde speed = change the spindel speed
clamping device = switches the pneumatic tool change of the hf spindle for manual tool changing
compressor = switches a relais (air compressor on/off)
vacuum = switches a vacuum device (side channel blower... whatever) on
I don't like the start button in the top, so it'll be down lower, and a bit larger.
Thats probably a better idea. The emergency button is also a nice idea.
Thanks,
Frank.
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Spent a few more minutes tonight.
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Use the graphics program that is recommended on this site as well (there are videos), you can make your own PNG or JPG "Tool Bars" with "Bitmap Buttons", etc. as well as background Bitmap, or JPEG, or PNG "Windows screen" looking backgrounds. Once you make everying looking like what you want, layout your screens in Klaus'es "Screen Designer", and POOF, you will have screens that look just like what YOU want, and will do what YOU want.
That is one of the coolest things about Mach, you can make it do/look the way you want.
scott
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Little More
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Still playing around with this. I'll get something working pretty soon, I hope. I like it because it loads about 10 times faster than my Aqua screen, which will be good on my slow shop PC. :)
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Looks good! 8)
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I like what your attempting ger21, Very interested in beta testing it and also adding several of my screen features to it. Keep up the good work. Whole new way to view and interact with mach3.
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Hi Gerry, Can you send me this screen, please set i want to use the
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I'm sure Gerry will post it when he's completed it.
Please remember Gerry is doing this on his own time and of his own free will so give him some time to finish it ;)
Dave
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:)
While it runs code, most of the buttons don't work yet. Give me a few more weeks.
I'm not happy with the way the small text looks. I'm trying to keep this so it loads extremely fast (1 second right now, vs 15 seconds for my Aqua screen). I can make the text separate images, and it'll look better, but load slower. I don't like the text labels built into the screen.
Just had an idea, though. I'll try it out later. :)
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Started playing with Visual Studio 2010 and decided to update all the controls to match. Looks a lot better, but I had to start over from scratch.
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Nice work, Gerry, very clean and well done-
I'm sure Roelli will love it ;)
Dave
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I like :)
Is that using the new mach4 version variables?
If not have you looked at how or if you could handle both versions?
how do you like VS 2010?
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I like :)
Is that using the new mach4 version variables?
No. Not sure if there's documentation on the new stuff yet??
It's just a very simple screen set. Whatever I can fit on the one screen, or the 25% that's left after the toolpath. :)
If not have you looked at how or if you could handle both versions?
No, as I really don't even have the time to be doing this in the first place. This is basically time learning MachScreen and trying a few ideas.
Anyway, here's where I'm at after day 1.
how do you like VS 2010?
Actually, I'm only using the Form Designer, and copying and pasting elements into Photoshop.
99% of my programming is VBA in AutoCAD. But Microsoft is going to force me to learn VB.net, so I'm going to slowly poke around when I have the time. Probably won't get too deep into it until winter.
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I believe this is the file that will help me in the future convert my plugin's over. Assuming it is current and correct.
I am sure it's a work in process cause toward the end it gets a little confusing.
I'm more of a winter programmer too, rather be outside cutting chips in the summer.
Question: you work for Microsoft on Autodesk products?
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Question: you work for Microsoft on Autodesk products?
No, I work in a cabinet shop. Mostly programming a big router. I write a lot of AutoCAD VBA macros, both to make my job easier, and also as kind of a hobby. Pretty much all the 2.5D g-code I run at home is generated from within AutoCAD using a macro I wrote. And at work, I wrote a macro to export individual .dxf files of cabinet parts, along with a parts list in .csv format. We have AlphaCAM, which will read the .csv, and create g-code and nest all the parts. Ready to run nested code from nothing in a few minutes.
The problem is that Microsoft is dropping support of VBA, and Autodesk may soon as well. It hasn't been included in the last two releases of AutoCAD, but is still available for download.
I'd like to write a full featured cabinet package that runs in AutoCAD. Since VBA probably won't be around much longer, .net here I come.
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Heard that there are some scripts to write GCode from within Autocad.
I've played with Cabinet Vision at the shop my cousin works at, now that's a nice program. Lot of money. They DNC directly to 3 large routers. They sure make cabinets fast. I was shocked how fast they could design and cut a complete job. They don't repair much, they would rather just go make another one.
I'll be looking forward to your cabinet package, good luck!
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Yep, cabinet software is big money. We have Cabnetware, but it was another $5000 to get it to export the .dxf files, so I wrote my own.
If I can write a decent program at a fair price, I might be able to make a few bucks. :)
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Here's one that I am working on. Let me know what you think.
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,15407.0.html (http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,15407.0.html)
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Anyone want to try this out and let me know what you think? It's a Flash screen, so you need the Flash Plugin. After using View>Load screens, close and restart Mach3.
It's a very early beta version. Start, pause, and stop work, and you can toggle jogging on/off. The toolbar buttons all work. The one after the wizards turns the toolpath on/off and the next is regen toolpath.
The temporary reset button is the last tab when the GCode Tab is active.
I wouldn't try running a machine with it, but it will load and run code.
Thanks, and let me know what you think. :)
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74 views, and no comments???
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I never had luck with the right side of the screen, not a bit of text or graphics, so kind of gave up on it for now.
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Hi Gerry,
Tried out the screen set, and it seems it would be just what Roelli may be interested in as it's very simplistic and to the point. The toolpath button does not work for me, but not sure if you knew that.
Running Version R3.041
Should be interesting to see if he likes it.
Good job so far.
Dave
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I'm just a lurker. I don't have any machine to try it on. But it looks very good Gerry :) Thank you very much for all the time you have laid down in this screen and all the other screens!
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The toolpath button does not work for me, but not sure if you knew that.
Running Version R3.041
Dave
Dave, do you mean the toolpath doesn't display at all? If so, I had the same problem. I didn't get a toolpath with ANY Flash screens. Updating Mach to the current version got it working, and it kept working even if I dropped back to older versions.
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Hi Gerry,
No sir, I meant that I can see the toolpath just fine, but the button does nothing for me when clicked on.
Thanks,
Dave
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It doesn't appear to, but if you click it, you shouldn't be able to rotate or zoom anymore. I guess I need to see if there's an LED to indicate on or off. I think there may be, actually.
Thanks.
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Yes, that is correct, it does not zoom or rotate.
Dave
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I've run into a few issues with this screen.
One, small icons don't scale well, neither up, nor down.
Two, my 1Ghz machine control PC reboots when I try to load a Flash screen. Could just be the PC, as it can be a bit finicky. It'll also occasionally reboot if I copy files over the network while Mach is running. But as long as I just run Mach, it works great, and it was $20.
So, since I'm not going to be changing my PC, I have to abandon the Flash screen for now. Which means, back to Screen4. All I'll mainly lose is the cool rollover highlights. I can cheat with the tabs, the transition just won't be as smooth as in Flash.
But, I still have the scaling issue with the small icons, as well as some text labels. I don't like the look of the labels in Screen4, so I use bitmap labels.
The solution is to design the screen in the resolution I'll be running it at, which is 1024x768, which actually gives me about 1016x710 to work with. It won't scale up well, but looks very good running at the designed resolution. So, for the 5th time, I'm starting over again. :)
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Hello Ger21. i'm a bit new to forum and to all CNC stuff but last couple of days been searching for some good looking mach3 screens. First time i installed mach i was :o and since then i cooled a bit but still don't like how it looks. How far did you progress with making windows-look-a-like mach3 screen,is there some working version of it? I'm in process of making my own DIY cnc machine so i'm checking in advance program support so when i finish cnc i can start to practice on real material.
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See the link in my signature.
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Thanks.