Messages

5551

General Mach Discussion / Re: What have I got and what do I need

« on: July 15, 2011, 06:09:53 PM »

No you do not need the Pro version for Tool Comp with leadin leadout. The pro version just adds part offsetting directly to the gcode so there is no tool comp in the gcode.

(;-) TP

5552

General Mach Discussion / Re: What have I got and what do I need

« on: July 15, 2011, 01:49:48 PM »

Tool Offsets are fairly simple ONCE you understand them.To Use you assign each tool a number 1-255. Next you fill in the TOOL TABLE with the relavent infomation such as tool diam . Next assign the SAME numbers in Lcam as you have in Mach3. That way it stays straight in your head (;-).

Now when Lcam uses a tool offset Mach willl apply the same offset to the part and everything works out and the part comes out to size.

Another approach is to use a CAM that applies the offset to the Gcode directly. You specify what the tool diam is and the CAM compensates the toolpath as it writes the gcode(post).

WHICH is better??? It all depends. With ToolComp controlled by Mach you can simply adjust the profile as to correct size by just changing the Comp values in the tool table. BUT it relies HEAVILY on the operator to maintain the tool table correctly.

The Cam approach is extremely simple as there is NO tool table offsets involved. BUT to adjust the size you would have to RECAM the project to change size.

Most do well with the Cam approach. You can upgrade the LCAM to teh pro version BUT be aware there is little to NO support and the project is DEAD as to further developement.

I would suggest SheetCam for your Cam needs.

Just a thought(;-) TP

5553

General Mach Discussion / Re: G68 and Plasma cutting - help!

« on: July 15, 2011, 10:33:54 AM »

To use the G68 function is fairly simple the easy way is to move into position at the point you want to PIVOT the program at(normally at X0Y0) . Then figure out the rotation angle you need.

Then apply the rotation angle from the MDI screen.

NOW THE REALLY WEIRD PART. The machine will cut in the rotated plane BUT it will not JOG in the rotated plain. It jogs in the original machine coord plane.

This also was Art's choice I tried to get it changed as well, no luck. It could have been an option to go either way. It makes it very strange when you have to jog away from a lost arc to clean or change consumables.

But for the most part it IS what it IS and does work. You just have to understand the QUIRKS

(;-) TP

5554

General Mach Discussion / Re: G68 and Plasma cutting - help!

« on: July 15, 2011, 10:24:31 AM »

When Art set up the G68 in Mach he assumed that you should NOT be able to home the machine while in a rotated position ,and he assumed correct for the X and Y axis. But homing the Z would have no effect on the rotated axis, I tried to get it fixed BUT it did not happen(;-) It would be BETTER IF you could use the G28.1 for the Z as it gives you the dual function of home and limit from the same setup. AND allow you to use a probe funtion if needed.

IF you had a seperate Probe feature you could do an auto sheet setup where the probe touched off on the edges of either the X or Y axis and rotated the program to fit the sheet.

Just a thought, (;-) TP

5555

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Run script when cnc cut finishes

« on: July 14, 2011, 07:02:08 PM »

I have a script to do the messaging over the web or you can do it with a SMS modem.

You would insert it into the M1030 macro. That way it will text you automatically when the M30 ends the program. It works very well on LONG programs.it just buzzes your cell phone with the text message.

It can have a toggle code  so you can turn off the option when you don't need it.

I can post the code if you want it. I'll drag it out.

(;-) TP

Just a thought (;-) TP

5556

Show"N"Tell ( Your Machines) / Re: How to- USB powered LCD display of DRO`s

« on: July 14, 2011, 04:49:29 PM »

HIYA IAN, Here is the link to Henrik's page.

http://henriksplace.se/cnc/cnc_mach3_vb_serial.html

(;-) TP

5557

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Sus WhileDO()

« on: July 14, 2011, 04:34:52 PM »

Would still be nice to have the Sus WhileDo() function With the hotkey declared inside the () as in Sus WhileDo(^F4)

Just a thought(;-) TP

5558

General Mach Discussion / Re: G68 and Plasma cutting - help!

« on: July 14, 2011, 04:29:08 PM »

You just set your ZhomeTOM  switch to be a probe. Then substitute the G31 for the G28.1. Your backoff setting may change a few thou so you may need to reset that value. That will get you running and you will have to change your post to reflect the change .

G68 is really great to have with plasma.

(;-) TP

5559

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Sus WhileDO()

« on: July 14, 2011, 01:28:53 PM »

I have used that hold state inside of macros but never from an outside prespective.

YEP testing shows it certainly will allow outside movement while in the hold state (;-)

SO as long as I don't have any other macros running concurrently that use that approach then 1 button it is (;-)

Now the plasma G68 part rotation is a 1 button option.

Thanks Ian, I learn something new almost every day, (;-)

5560

VB and the development of wizards / Re: Sus WhileDO()

« on: July 14, 2011, 11:07:05 AM »

OK that is a common hold state(;-) will it allow one to do other things such as JOG while it is active?

Trying to only use 1 button(;-). There are ONLY so many buttons on the hand pendant and 20 buttons on a useable pendant does not work(;-) Might as well have the keyboard in my hand. LOLOLOL

Just a thought(;-)TP