Messages

1

Mach Screens / 33 seconds to load complex screens in Mach3

« on: January 19, 2013, 11:58:12 AM »

I have complex screens with 200 graphics files for LEDs and buttons. It takes 33 seconds for Mach3 to come up. I assumed that the time was needed for bringing all the graphics into memory, but when I removed the files from the folder, the loading time was still 33 seconds. Must be something else happening. I have VB programs behind behind hundreds of buttons, 100s of DROs  and one script of 1000 lines.

Are there things I can do to speed things up? Which things are causing the biggest speed hits? Button programs, DROs or something else?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

2

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Auto run a program after clicking RESET

« on: March 26, 2012, 10:17:25 AM »

Thanks! Your trick worked perfectly the first time I tried it.

3

VB and the development of wizards / Auto run a program after clicking RESET

« on: March 26, 2012, 12:32:31 AM »

Is there a way to automatically run a VB script after the RESET button enables Mach3? I need to home an axis and initialize some things. I can't get a VB script to run when Mach3 is in RESET mode. Might Brains or the macro pump do it? If so, I would be appreciate a code fragment or two to get me started. Thanks in advance.

4

VB and the development of wizards / Flaky tool path display

« on: March 14, 2012, 12:24:05 PM »

The tool path display often will not display the new program, showing the tool path for the previous G-code instead. The G-code updates, but the tool path display does not, sometimes. Below is my klugy solution:

   CloseTeachFile 'Close new file
   Call LoadTeachFile() 'Load new file

   While IsLoading 'Wait for new file to load
     Sleep 10
   Wend

   Sleep 1000 'Wait 1 second
   DoOemButton(160) 'Do the tool path regen button

I don't like the time delay - anybody have a better solution?

5

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Start a .PDF from a button?

« on: February 17, 2012, 03:56:44 PM »

I see the black DOS screen flash when using the .BAT method. Its too fast to see any possible error messages.

6

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Start a .PDF from a button?

« on: February 16, 2012, 11:13:15 PM »

Thanks for the tips, but I can't quite get it to work. I see a DOS window flash on the screen (so fast I can't read anything), but it won't run the PDF file. I am running Windows 7.

If this were to work, it seems like video files would work, too. Great for instructional videos for users.

7

VB and the development of wizards / Start a .PDF from a button?

« on: February 16, 2012, 12:59:29 PM »

From a button, is there a way to open a .PDF file for a user to read? It looks like MSM is supposed to do that, but it won't work for me. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you.

8

General Mach Discussion / Signals to put Mach into Reset

« on: July 01, 2011, 02:59:22 PM »

This should be easy, but I have had no success so far. I have 3 signals (left door, right door and power fail) that have LEDs on the screen, but I can't get the signals to put Mach into the Reset or E-stop condition. If any of these signals come on, I want the user to push Reset to get going again.

Thanks for any hints you might offer.

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: Best CNC links page ever. ( Your help needed)

« on: November 04, 2005, 08:17:42 AM »

Please consider my website aircastle.biz for inclusion in your CNC links page. I build CNC punching machines and Mach2 is used exclusively to drive them. Not yet shown in the site is a 12" punch. Microstepping drivers with builtin power supplys will be offered soon as stand alone items.

Under developement is an automatic tool changing, tool rotating, workpiece rotating CNC punch with special software. You will be able to enter 4 numbers to have the program and machine punch up any size minibox within its size limits. Creases embossed into the workpiece will allow bending up the box with your fingers.

Thank you in advance for any consideration.