Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => Mach4 General Discussion => Topic started by: lesspaul on June 23, 2018, 06:03:53 PM

Title: My new screenset (and thanks to all)
Post by: lesspaul on June 23, 2018, 06:03:53 PM
Attached is a screenshot of my new screenset -- clearly inspired by the Mach3 "Screenset 2010".
Features:
The HOME and ZERO buttons turn green when homed/zeroed.
Pressing "Zero to Laser Crosshairs" sets Zero to the proper offset for my gantry mounted laser pointer, and turns X/Y Zeros green.
Pressing "Probe for Tool Zero" launches a coroutine script which does a fast then slow probe and sets Z-zero (and turns Z Zero green)
M6 is highly customized
1) Checks to ensure machine has been homed -- error if not
2) Records current X/Y, feed, and modals
2) Moves to Z0,  fixed plate loacation
3) If 1st M6 following "Probe for Tool Zero" then fast/slow probes plate for offset and returns to Z zero
4) Prompts for tool change and then fast/slow probes for zero and applies offset.
5) Returns to Z0, rapids to starting x/y and restores feed and modals.

Feedback and constructive criticism much appreciated

Title: Re: My new screenset (and thanks to all)
Post by: lesspaul on June 23, 2018, 06:07:51 PM
I neglected to say thank you to each and every one who has responded to my numerous questions, and to the very many who's earlier posts provided immense help as well.
Title: Re: My new screenset (and thanks to all)
Post by: joeaverage on June 23, 2018, 07:39:16 PM
Hi,
nice job!

You have taken great advantage of the screen editing functionality built into Mach4. Those features are I believe are, if not unique, certainly much
further developed than any of it competition. As I say...good work!

Craig
Title: Re: My new screenset (and thanks to all)
Post by: cd_edwards on June 25, 2018, 02:02:24 AM
good work. I started todo this as well. I got to a certain point and then had to quit due to RL situations.

Title: Re: My new screenset (and thanks to all)
Post by: Fledermaus on June 25, 2018, 06:35:17 AM
Paul

Nice clean layout. Good to see you achieved your ambition. The learning curve can be steep, but all it needs is a degree of determination.

Allan
Title: Re: My new screenset (and thanks to all)
Post by: lesspaul on June 25, 2018, 10:19:11 AM
The learning curve can be steep, but all it needs is a degree of determination.

Several things I learned:
-- Mach4 Hobby and Industrial screensets appear to be interchangeable. Hobby just ignores the additional cosmetic settings.
-- Screen elements are interdependent. Simply renaming an element can break things. It is important to know what is happening in Screen Load Script and PLC Script.
-- Dragging screen elements is very buggy. They can lose focus and your mouse moves on without the element.
-- When setting attributes for screen elements such as buttons, LEDs, etc it is wise to enable "Snap to Grid" and a large grid value to keep from inadvertently nudging position.
-- When moving an entire group or page, it is much better to "export/delete/import" than cut/paste or "copy/paste/delete original". This avoids renaming issues and makes re-formatting easier.
-- What you see in one computer screen resolution is not what you see on another. Final tweaking and editing need to be done on the target machine unless you are very conservative with font sizes.
-- Save often. There is no undo (only Zuul ;-) ). 

I'm sure my screenset will go through more changes, but I'm happy with the overall look and feel.