Messages

1131

Finished Screens / Re: Has anyone created any Mach4 screens so we can explore its abilities?

« on: May 16, 2015, 08:38:53 PM »

This is NOT a fully functional screen set just an example one of about 3 dozen I created to test layouts.

Just an example, (;-) TP

1132

Finished Screens / Re: Has anyone created any Mach4 screens so we can explore its abilities?

« on: May 16, 2015, 05:25:08 PM »

I think everyone that has created screens is sitting on them waiting for someone else to post theirs FIRST (;-)

You do have the standard Demo screens. They will pretty much give you the lay of the land screen wise. 

(;-) TP

1133

Finished Screens / Re: Has anyone created any Mach4 screens so we can explore its abilities?

« on: May 16, 2015, 11:35:53 AM »

Mach4 is still pterry much at a beta level demo. There is much that a normal CNC machine has that has not been implemented in the demo.

image backgrounds to tool paths  ( nope)
interactive programming screens   ( They chose to use an OUTSIDE program Mach MILL WIZARD to do that not inside pages as everyone else does. You can create the pages with the Screen designer, LUA and scripting IF you really want them)

interacting with the file system from within screen to open gcode files at a press of a button or from a list.  ( You can do that from the run screen, load Gcode select file,cycle start. You can create your own function with Lua and scripting to do it any way you choose)

Limited function screen for operators (with lockouts)      ( you create them with screen designer and Lua scripting)

Mutually exclusive button selection with LED indicators    ( you create them with screen designer and Lua scripting)


Most things MACH4 seemed to be aimed at OEMs and them customizing it the way THEY need for their application. FOR the hobbiest you are pretty much on your own and they is very little documentation to support the customization of it AT THIS TIME.

BEING that Mach4 is designed to run an outside controller You the OP are dependant on the OEM to make them work as you need it OR do it yourself. 

But like I said it is basically still in beta form. The final form MAY or may not be different.

(;-) TP

1134

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Help with rapid home switch zeroing

« on: May 15, 2015, 08:08:01 PM »

As many times as I have seen Mach3 corrupt the XML on close( that is where your settings are stored) also people fiddle with your machine when you are not around(oh yes they do)  and seen machines slam the stops I do not nor recommend trusting Mach3 for that.

BUT it is your machine, have at it. (;-)

(;-) TP

1135

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Help with rapid home switch zeroing

« on: May 15, 2015, 03:03:38 PM »

Something to remember When Mach3 first starts up it has NO idea where it is at in 3d space(your machine). So it would be possible if you ran the routine it could slam into the stops at full speed.

I would and do suggest for people to  Refhome the machine at a reasonable safe speed then do a follow up at slow speed.  Besides you only refhome once per machine session right ?  No real time waisted compared to repairs.

Just a thought,

(;-) TP

1136

General Mach Discussion / Re: I have CNC'ed my cold saw

« on: May 15, 2015, 02:39:32 PM »

AH Nothing like Machine ********* 

Thanks, (;-) TP

1137

General Mach Discussion / Re: advert blocks on Mach3 site

« on: May 14, 2015, 11:35:56 PM »

I tried adblock BUT they are still there.

GGRRRRR , (;-) TP

1138

General Mach Discussion / WHAT IF ?

« on: May 14, 2015, 07:59:00 PM »

What if all the stuff that has been invented ,created for Mach3 over the years was rolled into one master version of Mach3.

What would it be like

I was pondering this after coming to the conclusion that I could NOT think of anything new to work on for mach3. My list is empty.

Has Mach3 reached End of Life as to further development  by the masses ??

Just a thought, (;-) TP

1139

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can you run cnc plasma cutter with a 24vdc Z axis motor for THC?

« on: May 14, 2015, 03:36:21 PM »

In the USA, CandCNC

In the UK RazorDance

(;-) TP

1140

General Mach Discussion / Re: Can you run cnc plasma cutter with a 24vdc Z axis motor for THC?

« on: May 14, 2015, 12:03:58 PM »

Well it is not IMPOSSIBLE but would be a lot of experimenting.  You would have to monitor the step/dir linesfor z and it active activate a set of relays to run forward/reverse the DC motor when under THC control. 

The remaining problem is you have ZERO control of height when the THC is not controlling.

Chances are good the results would be less than desirable.

(:-) TP