Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => Mach4 General Discussion => Topic started by: poppabear on September 19, 2014, 10:26:26 AM
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Ok, got “MAD4Mach” working! This 1st version will be FREE!!! (But, if you do like it, you could send me 10 bucks via paypal ). It will pop up your PC Id, email it to me, and I will generate a license file for you.
I have some other ideas, to extend its functionally but, depending on what kind of interest is generated, will determine if I put that work into it for a version 2.0 which will be a paid lic/upgrade.
In a nut shell, and in general it will allow you to read and/or write to:
1. All OEM Inputs
2. OEM Outputs
3. read/write up to 16 Modbus registers you can choose each as IN or OUT
4. read/write up to 16 Registers from the OEM plugin (iREG and gREG)
5. read/write up to 16 Params(pound vars), can be individually picked for Get or Set
All object names or paths are user definable, and all choices are “remembered”.
I highly recommend that you read the, Read-me 1st doc, for the way you have to run the installer.
Also, there is a “User’s Manual” for detailed instructions on how to set it up, use it, and integrate it with your screen set and/or Wizard. The manual also has Customizing instructions if you don’t want to embed the launcher, but just embed individual functions in a button.
The installer will install a testing: MachMad Profile, MachMad screen set (that has the MAD launcher built into it, so you can see how to integrate the launcher or just fire it off from the Wizard selector). It also installs the MAD Launcher in the wizards folder, and it installs a DL 06 PLC project (if you have one), that you can test against a PLC for Modbus operations, or set up your own PLC. The project folder is installed under the Wizards folder, there is also a resource folder installed there that MAD uses, so don’t delete that one, or MAD will not work.
I have attached screen shots of the function windows, the Zip file with installer and the user manual (which is also in the installer zip file).
More screen shots on the following post.
//////////******* EDIT *******////////////
VERSION 2.0 is out, download from this
post 1/21/2015
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,28038.msg202886.html#msg202886
Enjoy!
Scott
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Here are the other screen shots.
NOTE: The modbus screen shot, shows the native Modbus dianostic screen, the MADmodbus in the middle and the Directsoft PLC IDE screen
on the right, all showing how the MAD modus can read and write to them live time.
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Just a side, note, I check my email here and there, so don't panic if I don't respond right away..
Scott
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MAD 4 Mach, upgrade:
Here is MAD4MACH v 1.1
A few changes:
1). The Screen set now has a "Matching" background for the launcher.
2). MAD now looks for its lic file in the "Mach4Hobby/License/" folder so if you already have
a license, move it from the "Mach4Hobby" to the above.
3). In the Zip file, you have two ways to install MAD, there is an AUTO-installer, and a Manual folder for copy/paste operations. In both cases please read the "Readme"!! There are some minor tricks you have to do to use the Auto-installer properly.
Note: If anyone knows of an "installer" type of program in where, it would just install Files and folders (like auto-copy/paste) functions, instead of having to "hack" an application installer program, please let me know!! And one where the user could choose, his own Mach4hobby directory drive.
Screen shot of how the new screen set with matching color mod looks,
and zip attached.
//////////******* EDIT *******////////////
download latest installer, reply 5
Have Fun, Scott
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Well, I was unable to find an "Installer" that would just do file and directory copy paste operations.
So, was talking to my good friend Ed Bryson, He said, use C# it is much easier to deal with than C++ plus it has simple to use copy file and directory functions! He even gave me a simple USB boot-loader application source code to learn from, and a HUGE C# book.
Worked on an "Installer" all day yesterday, and got it doing what I want to install (copy over) MAD. This installer does not register as a "Program", it is just an exe that when run from the folder it comes in, will copy over all the MAD components to your Mach4 install (and you can pick your install drive if it is other than C:).
For small projects with simple operations I was amazed by how easy it was to use C#!
Here is the "New" installer, NOTE if you use it, and already have MAD installed you will need to manually remove it, otherwise the copy/paste in the exe will throw an error(s).
If you do use it, read the "Read Me 1st"...
//////////******* EDIT *******////////////
download latest installer, reply 5
Scott
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Here is version 1-2 of MAD:
1). Fixed up the Users guide with updated screen shots.
2). Fixed up the Readme1st for using this installer.
3). Cleaned up the dialogs in the installer.
4). The installer will now overwrite per-existing MAD files, without an error
so you don't have to remove old files prior to using the installer.
Note, if you have made changes to your old MAD files, rename or move them
otherwise they will be overwritten.
IMPORTANT!!!!
If you get a license it will have to be in: \Mach4Hobby\Licenses\
NOTE: Added a small correction to the users manual, is it attached, use it instead
of the one in the installer.
Thanks again to Ed Bryson, for showing me how easy C# can be!
Scott
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Hi Scott!
Have tried your "wizard" and found it works well for setting up mach4, I can see the changes as they are made and I know they have occurred in the set up. This is a real bonus as I found setting up Mach4 to be a bit complex , but I am in no way a software expert. Must take the time to read ALL of the Manual !
My system is running mach4 on Vista 32 bit and a Chinese temporary control Board and now runs OK with the occasional problem - mostly with limits and Homing, I have actually done some minor cutting.
Thanks for your Time and effort - I think it is worth more than the ZERO dollars you are asking !
Dougie
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Hi Scott,
re.( MAD4Mach Install V1-2.zip )
Is there a 32bit version available?
Tell me if I am wrong; but it appears that the installer is a 64bit version...
Thanks again for your tireless work.
Best regards Charles
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Syilx2,
Please forgive this silly statement by me, but.. The "Installer" is not really a traditional installer, that modifies the registry and all that. Really, all the "exe" does, is copy-paste the files you need
to run MAD to the correct place in your Mach4Hobby install directory.
The "Release" version of the exe in 1-2, is targeted at "mixed platforms", so it should run on 32, or 64 bit platforms equally well. Try it and tell me your results if you don't mind.
Scott
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Scott,
err.. ok... the .exe will not run on my 32bit XP box.. and win7 identifies it as 64bit - if you click and view its properties
Hope this helps.
Charles
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ok,
Here is the exe compiled to an x86 processor AND another zip file with manual install instructions if that and the options below fail.
Place this exe in the MAD installer folder you downloaded, it will ask you to over-write the one you have in there, say yes...
NOTE, here are two possible exe installer options try one then the other:
if they fail, see option 3). manual install
Option 1).
Right click the exe, pick properties, and then pick "compatibility" mode for what ever XP and service pack your running apply it, and then run the exe installer, if that fails, see option 2).
Option 2).
It is compiled under dot Net 4.5, so you may need to upgrade to that version.
then try again, if you have 4.5 or higher already installed, and option 1 above did not work,
then ignore this option.
Option 3). (Manual Install)
If both options above fail, then using the attached manual install instructions PDF,
follow those 5 instructions to copy/paste the files and folders to the places they belong.
Scott
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Scott,
The Manual install worked perfectly !!
Thank you for your speedy response....!
else
My machine spat the dummy when I tried the other methods described.
XP does not support .net 4.5...
This machine is a .net 3.5, 32 bit XP Pro svc pack3 build with only mach and cad cam apps installed - not connected to the internet and virus free.
BTW did you update the x86 MAD.exe file version?
Regardless of what "compatibility mode... still get "mad4installer.exe is not a valid Win32 application" error.
Thanks again ... now time to make chips.
Charles
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ok, thanks glad your up!
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Hi Scott,
Is there an update for Mad4Mach as it kills the Mach4Hobby r-2178 install when I load my existing Mad4Mach lic
It looks like the Mach4 machine ID routine has been changed... again ...
Do I need to apply for another Mad4Mach lic?
Thanks again
Charles
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Oh Wow!!
It looks like the mcLua call to get PC ID has changed DRASTICALLY (along with needing a New Mach4 Hobby lic., as of 75). I will have to look into this, and get a new Lic solution.......
instead of a single PC ID returning, it appears the mcLua call now returns several...
I get to it later this week probably, kind of crushed at the moment..
Scott
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Charles and Others…..
MAD 4 Mach up-date v 2.0:
Due to the way the PCID is now returned in mcLua, if you’re running
MAD on Mach4 version 75 or higher (or until the next SDK change),
You will need to run this version.
New “Inputs” where also added per the changes in Mach4:
• Resume/P1 (P1 = Probe1)
• ExtHm/P2 (ExtHm = External Home, P2 = Probe2)
• Probe3
You will need to send me your PCID number that is generated by this version (2.0)
So, I can send you back a new license, which goes in Mach4’s native license file.
The number may be several numbers separated by spaces, copy/paste them all
To me in your email.
NOTE1: It is my understanding that the PCID returns the numbers according to
Number of NIC cards, and other PC Hardware identifiers.
So, if you add NICs, make a Mobo change, change CPU, to your MAD-Puter,
after you get this new lic. You will have to send me a new PCID since,
It is generated from those things.
NOTE2: The “MAD4Mach InstallV2-0” zip folder now also has the “Manual Install”
Instructions in the Zip, in-case the installer doesn’t work for you due to dot net issues,
Or you just want to drag/drop stuff yourself.
The Software installer is still called: “MAD4installer.exe” so run it, if you’re
Not needing/wanting to do a manual install.
//////////******* EDIT *******//////////// 1/22/2015
When you send the PCID in your email, please paste it a ONE long line,
NOT two or more lines.. The "Spaces/Spacing" matters.
Please send to my email: PoppaBear(The At Symbol)Hughes.net
Scott
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Scott,
This looks like something that will be handy to have as I start porting over to MACH4. I see that it is now licensed and attached in some way to the MACH4 license which has apparently gone thru some changes as well.
I have a MACH4 license, but have never 'installed' or 'activated' or whatever is needed since I have not been using MACH4. I decided to convert my controller completely to TCP under MACH3 and then port to MACH4. Having now completed that task, I am going to dig up the MACH4 Modbus thread we had going and get it going again with my MACH4 porting effort.
So two questions:
1) How do I acquire a license for MAD4MACH and . .
2) Can you provide the steps I need to take to get everything fired up (just the licensing issues). Or, direct me to the proper resource if you are not able to get me going. Note I am on 64bit Win7 pro, so the issues noted earlier would not be an issue.
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see thread directly above yours....
Download zip, read the read me and users manual.
run the installer FROM where you unzipped the folder (i.e. desktop).
it will install it, open M4 pick the Mad profile, goto the Mad tab at bottom
hit any button, it will pop up your PC ID, follow the instructions (see thread above you).
That's it.
READ the users manual that is in the ZIP... It goes through things you need to do/know about
setting up the Modbus both serial and TCP.
Scott
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Scott.
Looks like I got ahead of myself. :-[ I already downloaded the zip, but did nothing with it thinking I would need a license to install it.
Now I will do my homework and follow the instructions provided. I have had TCP Modbus working with MACH4 since just after the 'beta' release, but I'm sure you have discovered many ways to get the most out of it, so I'm looking forward to reading all of your stuff. I can see that you and others have been busy demystifying the processes.
And I want to make sure to thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Thank You!
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Well, I have build 2214 installed and MACH4 will not run any g-code at all, so I will need to get that figured out before I can move forward with much of anything.
This machine is 64bit Win7Pro and everything should work so far as I know . . . but . .
Mach3 often refuses to run subroutines and now MACH4 won't run G-code at all, including the sample Roadrunner. All I have to work with is a Lua error that is too vague to be usefull.
>:(
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Well, I have build 2214 installed and MACH4 will not run any g-code at all, so I will need to get that figured out before I can move forward with much of anything.
This machine is 64bit Win7Pro and everything should work so far as I know . . . but . .
Mach3 often refuses to run subroutines and now MACH4 won't run G-code at all, including the sample Roadrunner. All I have to work with is a Lua error that is too vague to be usefull.
>:(
The error message was a lot longer than was showing on the screen. When expanded, it included the file name that was causing the error. mcLua.mcc was missing. The problem turned out to be that I was not using a new profile created by MachMAD and the machMAD install shuffled everything around so that the MACH can't find the files unless the MachMAD profile is used.
The licensing scheme looks like it is going to be a significant hassle for users. Another nail in the MACH coffin perhaps.
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More strange behavior;
Now that I have run MACH4 from the MachMAD profile, I can go back and run it from the original profile and the mcLua.mcc not found error message is gone and the g-code runs, yet mcLua.mcc is still not present in the Mill4 profile macro folder.
It's nice that it is working with both profiles, but I would like to understand why.
Also the licensing window that is supposed tom pop up on first run of MAD never appeared. Going to the 'about' pull down and selecting the 'permanenet' NIC only yields one ID number, not the long string of numbers indicated in the MAD document.
So I have two questions:
How is the Mill4 profile now finding the mcLua.mcc that resides in the MachMAD macros folder?
Does MACH4 have to be licensed with ArtSoft (or whoever) before the MAD license IDs can be generated?
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I found a pop-up that presented dual ID numbers, so on the chance that the MAD can be used with MACH4 in demo mode, I sent those numbers and 10 bucks in for a license.
I've had a MACH4 license since they went on sale, but I don't know exactly what computer I want MACH4 on at this point or what components will be in that computer. Also I don't know at this point whether development can be reasonably done using the demo mode as claimed.
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Here is what MAD does, (the newest version since the SDK changed).
MAD gets ALL of your NIC and/or other PC IDs that the PC ID returns.
This can be one to several numbers, MAD does not "filter" it just
grabs them all for your MAD lic.
I suspect that the SDK has not yet "settled" as of yet as well.
So until that happens, I guess we all will be "Patching" or
finding work-a-rounds until then. It is all part of the
"Growing" process, we will all get there. Mach4 is HUGE and there
is a lot of testing by users needed to mature it.
Scott
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Hopefully a simple question:
The font in the Gcode box is huge when using MacgMAD profile.
Normal keyboard grow/shrink key combination don't work.
I don't see a param in the MACH4 config for this, and so far I have not found any XML for MAK4.
Where can I get to the font size param?
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This error started after installing MAD, so on the chance it is related:
This error occurs on entry into config of the Modbus pluging
(http://www.thecubestudio.com/Mach4Error.JPG)
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nope, that is in Mach/modbus code