Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => Mach4 General Discussion => Topic started by: Mauri on May 29, 2017, 08:24:01 PM
-
Hi,
How to make it work:
1) Populate your End Mills/Ball Nose Mills into the Mach4 Tool Table under “View” in Mach4.
2) You must make your G-Code M06 T01 correspond to Tool#1 etc.
3) You must populate Diameter/Corner Radius/Flute/Length/Shoulder Length and if you want Holder Length/Holder Diameter.
a. Tools can only be End Mills and Ball Nose Mills.
b. Corner Radius on a Ball End Mills is half the diameter.
4) To get colors you must Populate Tool Color R/ Tool Color G/ Tool Color B (e.g. ) 150/100/0
5) Other settings are under “Configure” “Plugins” Simulator ModuleWorks. Used to setup Stock Material and Cutter Height.
6) Also under “Diagnostic” Simulator ModuleWorks. Used to save STL after simulation has started to finish.
7) Must set up CV as it simulates the actual machine cut.
8) Precision in the “Edit Tool Table Field” 4=4 decimal places (see picture)
Positives to this program.
1) Relatively low cost.
2) Produce nice out put down to 3mm Ball nose.
3) Can save and import STL files.
4) May suit a lot of users who do simple CNC milling.
Things that need to be done.
1) Supply an operating Manual for users.
2) Make the Parameters in the “Simulation Configuration” maintain values entered.
3) Provide an accurate way of setting up the Z Tool Height.
4) Provide a sample G-Code that is exactly the same as the Picture provided on what the program can do on the Mach4 website.
http://www.machsupport.com/3d-cutting-simulator-moduleworks-plugin/
5) Provide all the “Simulation Fields” available.
a. There must be more otherwise it would be impossible to replicate the Picture on the website.
6) Improve resolution for smaller cutters especially ball nose.
7) Provide “Simulation Fields” for Tapered cutter D-Bits and Tapered Ball Nose if they exist.
Like to have
a. 4 Axis simulations.
b. If tapered ball nose and D-bit “Simulation Fields” do not exist then would like to see them.
Negatives to this program.
1) Poor resolution with cutters smaller than 3mm Ball nose.
2) Program uses line flats like STL triangle to make its shape and not Curves.
a. This is particularly noticeable with small cutters (see pictures).
b. This could be addressed if there is some resolution setting in the Module or maybe this Module is a cut down version of ModuleWorks Full Simulator.
c. 12 Year old simulators are far superior down to (e.g) 30D 0.1mm Dia 0.05mm Radius are near perfect in this old simulator but not in ModuleWorks Module. (see pictures).
3) Because of the resolution this program is not suitable for Engraving/Fine Carving/Jewelry.
In summary as this is only a Beta release hopefully a number of items I have highlighted will be addressed, otherwise a good start.
Regards,
Mauri.
-
Last Picture.
Regards
Mauri.
-
Mauri
Thanks for that very informative post
As I tend to use > 6mm cutters it looks like it will not work for me
What I am disappointed in is the lack of response from Artsoft
Thanks again it a pity someone had to stump up for a lic. To get the info
-
Why didn't they put out a free beta to fix the bugs and then start charging?" I just purchased Mach4, which I totally love, and threw the extra $50 in for Module Works.
My copy won't run.
Is there an installation manual or guide?
I get this error message upon loading Mach4:
-
That's the I got it was put down to not having a licence , but as you have one not sure
-
Beerbatter,
You most like have a different screen set name.
You can add the Tab "Simulation" on your Screen version and then rename it.
The name must be mwPanel.set
Regards,
Mauri.
-
Here is what I can say so far. If you download the Module Works Plugin from the Newfangled website, you get an executable install file called mwMach4Installer.exe.
When you run that, it does in fact install a Module Works directory and files, but in the Profiles folder of the Mach 4 installation.
You have to run a new profile they provide called Moduleworks, which it does apparently install. This is accessible from the Mach 4 Loader.
All good so far.
But when I try and go load the plugin into Mach 4 before I can activate it, the file type *.m4plugw can't be found anywhere.
The file type *.m4plugw is what the plugin installer in Mach4 is looking for.
So my next questions are: What is the Moduleworks downloaded installer really installing?
And where is the *.m4plugw plugin file?
-
One more thing. I can load the mwpanel.set screen file manually, and that gives me the "Simulation" tab, but can't see any simulations.
-
Beerbatter,
Yes you can, however, I just use a Profile dedicated for Simulation called "ModuleWorks" and keep it separate from anything to do with production.
The Simulation "Tab" will only appear in the mwPanel.set Screen, unless you make your own screen version.
Regards,
Mauri.
-
Mauri,
Thanks for all of your responses. I don't understand what you mean in the picture where it says "Simulation Tab with Screen not named correctly".
That is what I currently get, a big green screen. What am I missing? How do I get get to the screen you show "correctly".
-
Beerbatter,
If the name is not correct you end up with the green background and not the picture you see above.
In your case you need to install the license in Mach4 it starts with 3D-cutting-simulator-mach4-hobbly-plugin etc.
Regards,
Mauri.
-
Beerbatter,
Make sure you exit and restart Mach4 after installing the Lic.
Regards,
Mauri.
-
Mauri,
Still no good. License files loaded for both Mach4 and Module Works. Still green screen.
-
Beerbatter,
Are you using the Profile "ModuleWorks" as provided?
Regards,
Mauri.
-
Yes Sir.
-
Here is loader showing profile.
-
BeerBatter,
It should work.
Lets go through these items again.
PlugIns Make sure you have these.
mwCNCSim.dll
mwCNCSimVisualization.dll
mwMSimCollisionChecker.dll
mwVerifier.dll
mwSim.m4pw
mwSim.sig
mwSim.xml
Make sure you launch the ModuleWorks Profile.
Make sure you have 3d-cutting-simulator-mach4-hobby-plugin+MCH-etc and SolidSimLic.dat in your license Sub Directory.
Make sure you go to help in Mach4 and install the Licence for ModuleWorks 3d-cutting-simulator-mach4-hobby-plugin+MCH-etc
Install the license and Exit Mach4 the re-enter Mack4.
Make sure that you enter some Tools in TooTable.
All should then be good to go.
If this fails reinstall the Module works in a new named installation add licenses and install as above and then see if it works.
Regards,
Mauri.
Regards,
Mauri.
-
Mauri,
I completely unistalled Mach4 and deleted all folders. Started from scratch.
I downloaded fresh Mach4 and Module Works Installers from the Newfangled website.
Next I ran the Mach4 Installer first, followed by the MW Installer.
Next I copied both the Mach4 license file and the MW license file into the License folder the installer created.
Next I ran the Mach4 Loader and selected the ModuleWorks profile, and ran it. This is where the first error message pops up that it failed to load shared library mwSim.m4pw
Next I went to the About menu and selected Load License File and loaded the Mach4 license. File loaded successfully is the message.
Next I repeated the About:Load License File command and loaded the ModuleWorks license File. File loaded successfully is the message.
Next I exited Mach4.
Next I reopened Mach4 and got the same error message, along with the green screen.
All files you listed in the Plugins folder all exist.
All license files you listed in the License folder all exist.
A couple of questions that seem odd at this point.
Plugins have to be activated in Mach4 Config., and Plugin preferences are accessed from the Plugins menu.
Below is what appears in the list of available Mach4 plugins per what is found in the Plugins sub-directory.
As well as the really odd ball window that I get when I select the Simulator plugin from the Plugins Configurations menu.
So I don't know where to go next. I pretty good with computers. Really odd. Any further ideas are welcomed.
Thanks again for your involvement.
-
Are you running the latest version of Mach4?
-
Chaoticone/Beerbatter,
From the screen capture it shows V3390, so yes he is.
The only other question I have was the license made for this PC as you can only have one license.
Regards,
Mauri.
-
Beerbatter,
I see your problem.
You are missing the ModuleWorks in Mach4 Plugins.
See my Screen capture below.
Regards,
Mauri.
-
Chaoticone,
Why do we not have V3390 for ModuleWorks plug in as V3390 Mach4 is the latest Production release.
Regards,
Mauri.
-
Plugins don't have to be at the same build level. All of the Mach supplied plugins (in the installer) are the same level because they get built at the same time as the Core and GUI. So a plugin from a different developer can be different. Some developers may choose to put the Mach build level at which they compiled against (looks to be what ModuleWorks has done). Unless the Mach API changes, there isn't a need to make a new plugin build other than fixing things or adding functionality.
Steve
-
OK. So how do I get the Simulator-ModuleWorks plugin to show up in the Mach configuration window?
Thanks
-
Beerbatter,
Life was not meant to be easy.
Below I have all the MW plugins installed and what shows up in Mach4.
Then with MW plugin related to the Mach4 Plugin windows under config it shows it missing.
If you have these two files missing then it will not load the MW plugin into Mach4.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Mauri.
-
Below is everything that is in the Plugins sub-directory after a fresh install of Mach4 and MW.
Can someone please send me the missing files?
Thanks
-
Beerbatter,
All Looks good to me.
I would have hoped Mach4 Personnel would have responded to this by now.
I am not sure if Mach4 support will answer, but give it a try.
Regards,
Mauri.
-
Mach personnel didn't write the plugin. ModuleWorks did. All we can do is load it up and test it. Just like you. And it works fine for me, so I don't know what the problem is. :(
Steve
-
smurph,
Interesting that yours works. A couple of questions.
Do you have the Hicon files in your Plugins directory?
Did you receive two separate licenses for Mach4 and MW, or did you receive just one combined license file?
-
No HiCON files.
Two separate licenses.
-
OK, Thanks. Still a mystery then.
-
I probably should have asked this first. Has anyone tried running MW on Windows 7.
-
I have not. I don't have any W7 machines anymore.
-
I`m using win7 pro and all is working fine :-)
DazTheGas
-
Hey guys, I too kicked the cash to buy a license and am pretty dumb founded. You would think this module would come ready to rock. But its not. I just get an error upon loading Mach4 that it cant find the sim library.
-
There you go. Finally someone else with the same issue. I was beginning to think I was nuts.
Don't get me wrong, I wish there weren't any issues, but at least now that someone else has surfaced with same issue, maybe we can begin to solve it.
From all the work I have done to try and get this to work, along with the never ending help from Mauri (Mauri you rock), I think there is either an issue with the way the MW license file is being compiled, or there is a problem with the way the mwSim.m4pw file is being compiled, or there is a problem with the ability for Mach4 to register the mwSim.m4pw file so that it shows up in the list of Plugins in the Mach4 Configuration Menu.
Furthermore, if you try and go the usual route of adding a new plugin using the "Add" button in the Mach4 plugins config menu, that tool looks for a file with the extension *.m4plugw, of which no such file has ever surfaced for ModuleWorks.
-
There is one other thing I forgot to mention. Why such a complex licensing structure. I know it is important to protect the software, but currently in my License subdirectory I have 5 license files for 2 products, Mach4 and ModuleWorks.
Two for Mach4:
Mach4Lic.dat
mach4-hobby+MCH-etc.etc.
Three for MW:
SolidSim.dat
SolidSimLic.dat
3d-cutting-simulator-mach4-hobby-plugin+MCH-etc.etc.
Can anyone tell me how what these are all for and how they are related? Sure is complex.
-
I'm kind of in a crap position too, my Mach4 computers ethernet card died so I cant access internet with it. Everything I've been doing up till now has been using my laptop to download install files, copy them to a hard drive then plug hard drive into Mach machine, copy, paste, install. What a headache.
-
How do I add the simulation tab too say the wx4.set?
-
Hey JB,
I hear ya man.
On the dead Ethernet card, I solved that once with a USB WiFi dongle. They are pretty cheap and will get you going without even opening up the computer chassis.
Heck, it may be even faster than what you had in there before that died. Just a thought.
Good luck getting your stuff going.
- Noel
-
Got it back up and running. Had to dig and dig to find the proper drivers from dell. Running on an old Dimension 2400 with a Celeron running at a whopping 2.2Ghz lol. The simulation business is ticking me off. MW does not show up in available plug ins, and all I get is the green screen even after setting up a tool table. Small, but there.
-
Right on. Congrats on the back up and running.
With MW, do you still get the "Unable to load shared library mwSim.m4pw?
-
Yep, I sure do. I still dont have it in the plugins drop down either. I have all the plugin files like Mauri shows but still no go.
-
JB-Tech/Beerbatter,
Just to ensure we are all on the same page.
MW will only work on the PC that the license was generated.
The License is generated the same as the Mach4 using the PC identification as shown in the Mach4 Help panel.
If you want to use it on another PC you must go to the Mach4 site login and Delete the unwanted License and generate a new one.
You can only have one License with MW per purchase.
If this does not help sorry for wasting your time.
Regards,
Mauri.
-
I purchased Mach4 and MW at same time, and used the PC ID from my CNC PC, which I also used to download from Newfangled. All purchasing, downloading, installing, and licensing was done on my CNC PC. So good there.
-
From all the work I have done to try and get this to work, along with the never ending help from Mauri (Mauri you rock), I think there is either an issue with the way the MW license file is being compiled, or there is a problem with the way the mwSim.m4pw file is being compiled, or there is a problem with the ability for Mach4 to register the mwSim.m4pw file so that it shows up in the list of Plugins in the Mach4 Configuration Menu.
Furthermore, if you try and go the usual route of adding a new plugin using the "Add" button in the Mach4 plugins config menu, that tool looks for a file with the extension *.m4plugw, of which no such file has ever surfaced for ModuleWorks.
-
I'm in the same boat as Beerbatter, I bought everything at once, created all Lic files using same PCID. It flat out doesnt work. Half tempted to email support and ask for my money back. Obviously MW didnt do much bug checking to verify this stuff works and AS/ Mach guys didnt do much testing before throwing it up as ready to use and charge people for it.
-
Take a look of the way I have installed the Simulator. http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,35089.0.html
DazTheGas
-
Followed your steps precisely and no good. Still the same errors as I had before. After installing the MW license, closing M4, reopening M4, and then going to the Screen editor to select the register for the new panel, the mwSim0/Panel0 register does not appear in the list. And yes, Mach4 reported that the MW License file was installed successfully during that step.
I still feel there is something wrong with my license file.
-
Maybe this might help posted by MachSupport
If you are getting a failed to load .dll error message when opening the Module Works profile, then you need the vcomp120.dll from the windows 2013 redistributables. If you contact support us at Machsupport.com we will send you the file, the new installer has the file added to it and we will get it posted for download after testing.
DazTheGas
-
I don't get the .dll error. I am good there. I get the Failed to load shared library mwSim.m4pw
-
Thanks for that info Daz
-
Hello All,
I have created a video of me doing a fresh install of MW following DaztheGas install instructions so that you all can see the error and problem I get.
If there is anything you can think of for me to look at, just reply and I will check it out and report back.
Thanks again and I hope this helps to uncover any issues if any.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxuTbcRE9RE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxuTbcRE9RE)
-
Beerbatter,
Why did you not use the ModuleWorks Profile when you start Mach4?
Regards,
Mauri.
-
I started with the MW profile in the beginning, but that never worked either. My video install tries to follow DastheGas's proven method of starting with the Mach4Mill default profile, just to be sure nothing is funky with any custom profiles that might prevent MW from running correctly. He showed a method that worked, and I attempted to duplicate that method.
-
Well that has stumped me. I had a motherboard die over the weekend so I have just installed win7 pro on different computer and installed mach4 and sim actually hoping for it to fail so I could see what else it required....
Everything worked fine just as in video I did, so I cant figure this out???
DazTheGas
-
It most definitely has to be something odd about my PC, although the exact same error has occurred with another member, so although maybe rare, there is something up related to Windows.
Just to be sure something funky didn't happen to my MW license, I logged into my account at NewFangled, verified my PC ID, and had the MW license file resent. Loaded the resent license and still no good.
-
Just some background on my PC which is having the same issues as Beerbatter. It is a old Dell 2400 with a celeron 2.2ghz proc running Win XP, 1g of ram and slow as mud.
-
There has got to be some other missing component. Maybe another DLL that is required to run the MW simulator is missing on your systems? Are either one of you familiar with dependancy walker? http://www.dependencywalker.com/ (http://www.dependencywalker.com/)
I would like to see the output of that program when run on both of your machines. It may tell us something. So if you are comfortable running that, please do so. Just point it at the mwSim.m4pw file.
Steve
-
smurph,
Thanks for the idea. I did as you said. DW reported a number of missing .dll's.
Unfortunately, I failed to somehow save the DW report before trying to fix it myself, so I can't give you a list of all the files that it said were missing except for one which I wrote down (msvcp120.dll). After searching for that on the Internet, it said I needed the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2013. So I downloaded and installed the redistributable and that solved some of the missing .dll issues.
The other missing .ddl's suggested a .NET Framework 4.7 missing, so I downloaded it and installed. Still no good.
Below are the remaining errors in DW before I try and go any further.
Be aware that I found something on the Internet that said DW is outdated (2006) and may not report correct results for newer OS's.
-
I did a little more research. Haven't tried any fixes yet. I don't want to load my PC up with a bunch of redistributables I don't need just testing.
See this link for some clues: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/17023419/win-7-64-bit-dll-problems (https://stackoverflow.com/questions/17023419/win-7-64-bit-dll-problems)
and this link: http://www.nirsoft.net/articles/windows_7_kernel_architecture_changes.html (http://www.nirsoft.net/articles/windows_7_kernel_architecture_changes.html)
The API-MS errors may not be real as I have read that DW being old often reports these missing .dll's although they really aren't needed. They are not on my system at this time, needed or not.
I am convinced that the developer is missing some important Windows, C++, or .net libraries when compiling MW that permit MW from running on older OS's.
Just curious, was MW developed and compiled on a Windows 10 machine?
Let me know if you guys think of any other fixes to attempt. My next step may be to install Dcomp.dll, but I read that can be dangerous too.
I read that sometimes the missing Dcomp.dll causes other errors that would be fixed with Dcomp alone.
Thanks again to all and let me know what to try next.
-
Correct, a lot of what is displayed not needed. What I wanted you guys to do is run depends.exe, point to the mwSim.m4pw, and then save the output to a file and post that file up. That way, I can load that file and analyze it. I do this stuff for a living, you know. :) I can't tell much from the screen shots, as there is going to be a lot of misleading info.
The MW guys are using VS2013. And probably on a Win10 machine by now. So you are most likely correct in your assumptions. Developers tend to target the newest OS to make sure it runs on it because that is what most people will be running if they bought a computer within the last couple of years or so. But that can backfire. Maintaining backwards compatibility and such is a freaking nightmare. All perpetrated against programmers by Microsoft. The newer compilers will not even run on XP. So XP is definitely on its' way out.
Steve
-
smurph,
Gotcha. Thanks so much for taking the time to check this out.
Here is the file. Change extension to .dwi (upload won't accept it).
Remember, I did install a couple of redistributables that eliminated some errors, so those won't be shown in this output file.
But it still isn't working so no matter.
I here you on obsolescence. We run into it in engineering as well, but software is way worse.
Thanks again,
- Noel
-
Havent worked on my setup in a minute. Been busy with other aspects of life. I think I may pull the trigger and build a newer machine and grab a ethernet smooth stepper. I guess at somepoint I need to get away from the old serial port lol.
-
Right on. Be sure to go with the Ethernet and not USB version. Works great. I used the C25 Breakout Board from CNC4PC. Plugs right in like a shield and works great.
-
Thanks for all the info, to all of you that have contributed in this conversation.
I have the same problem that has yet to be solved. I have purchased licenses for both Mach4 and ModuleWorks, both installed correctly. Mach4 works correctly but no joy from MW. I have followed DazTheGas's video and all other attempts mentioned. Still I have the same dialogue appearing each and every time I start Mach that Beerbatter and JB-Tech have mentioned with the same outcome.
I have no solutions to offer but am only writing to let you all know that you are not alone.
Will continue to follow.
Thanks to all
-
Has anyone got module works running correct...
I can't get it to zoom in or out, I loaded an stl file its to big to fit in window but I cant zoom it smaller the zoom works in mach4 g code window fine
but doesn't see to work with module works and I cant seem to get the tool height to move stays right on top of part no space no matter how I
change the z pos..
Daz have you figured this out know you did a video a while back any updates
Does module works have a support forum.?
Thanks gary
-
Gary,
If you have the first version, please download the latest one.
Also download the manual.
There are no issue with zoom or rotate in the Simulator Tab and or setting Z height, although it would have been better if it picked up the coordinates of the G-Code.
The have made a few updates to the initial stock settings and it is a lot better than before.
They have added Tapered Ball Nose as well.
This version still has resolution issues if you use small cutters, the program has been purposely done this way as there is a possibility that an Industrial version will have a lot more bells and whistles, 4 Axis and fine resolution, but at a greater cost not sure if we will ever see it.
The Module Works company makes a great simulator but is very expensive.
So if you do not do engravings 2.5 and 3.5 with small tools or do general machining then it will simulate fine.
For me it does nothing as we predominantly do fine engravings.
Regards,
Mauri.
-
I do have the latest version... I tried it again but still can't get it to zoom I can get it to rotate and move around screen but not zoom
Is there a special key or button click I need to use, if I click and hold the right button I can move the object on the screen up down right laft
if I click and hold the left button I can rotate the part, but out buttons so can't figure out zoom... i'm left handed so my buttons may be reversed from right handed...
thanks gary
-
Gary,
I just use the Wheel on my mouse to Zoom.
Regards,
Mauri.
-
Ok thanks went back to try it a again but same if I load the gcode I can zoom in mach4's display window ok with the mouse wheel,
But still not able to zoom in m works, I did get the tools and simulation to work but no zoom..
Probley won't be of much use without zoom like I had mentioned most of the stl files I have loaded end up to big for the display window...
Have been testing with m works demo gcode...
Thanks again
-
Hi, I too have this problem with mwSim.m4pw, seems like it appeared when I installed the latest version 3841. Using XP on an old machine. Also something has changed as its gone to demo mode and doesn't recognise my license either, if its not one thing its another... ???
-
Hi jorgan202,
Mach4 reverts to Demo mode if the PC identification number is not the same as the machine you had the licence issued to.
You can if you re-install Windows or some other fairly radical installs cause the PC ID to change but not normally. If the PD ID has not changed the
the licence file is corrupt and you'll have to get the previously registered PC ID licence resent from NFS. If you load the current PC ID onto the clipboard
you can compare the two PC IDs on the licence management section of the NFS site. If for whatever reason the PC ID has changed just register the new one
and get a new licence. If the old PC ID is of no use anymore you can delete it. You may have up to five PC IDs licenced at one time.
Craig
-
Hi Craig,
All was fiddling with was the network service trying to connect to my home network, which has failed dismally, but for some reason the machine details have changed, very mystified. doesn't make sense. Tried the system restore, but as luck would have it, that failed too and top it all, my purchase details have disappeared from my account so I cant update my details and get a new code till they get back to me.... >:(
-
Network , mother board and graphics board all will change the PID , that what Windoze uses to check the activation as do NFS
-
Must stop fiddling, its get me into trouble, I suppose there's no way to change it back to what it was? Hopefully they will sort my account out on Monday, then I can just update my key, funny how things all happen at the same time..... >:D
-
Cr@p when you get old, knew I had update my email address for my account, but of course the login name didn't change, how stupid am I... Well Demo mode sort now phew... ;D
-
Hi ,
on home page machsupport.com it is read :
http://www.machsupport.com/3d-cutting-simulator-moduleworks-plugin/
NEW BETA RELEASE V2 – 3D Virtual Machining
but the only version downloadable is : mwMach4Installer_v102.exe V102 and not V2 Beta .....
can someone tell me why?
Regards