Art thanks for allowing for the use of Transparent PNG files.
While it does work, there are some limitation as you will see below.
This picture should explain the current problems with the Transparent PNG inport.

Just for referance to others this is what I am hoping to achieve.
Esentially it will be an escutcheon for a screen.
I know this is not every ones cup of tea, however it will open up many possibilities in terms of screen appearance.

In the past I have mentioned Z levels. I think it may have been percieved that I was refereing to a CNC thing.
Many  drawing programs use this term for the level that the picture is displayed. (what picture displays over the next picture or component)
It would make things easier if Z levels for BMPs,etc,could be assigned. This would really help in terms of designing a screen where you can place DROS etc along with pictures on different levels. The order of appeance could be changed instead of the only current selection of "BMPs to back"

Benny,
   Nice example of what you are trying to achieve.  I like your idea of the "Z" levels being positionable....!
      let's hope it will be in the cards(read feasible).

John(bloy)

When I get some time (probably in a few years), I'm going to "borrow" your idea and make a router screen. I planned on modeling the "plate" and doing a 3D rendering of it, and use that for the bitmap. Do you have a free source for that font, by chance?

Ger, you can download the fonts from here http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php?topic=126.0
The thread will tell you how to implement them too, since it is not done in the screen designer.
With these DROs you could make displays something like the image below. Providing the transparent PNG thingy gets sorted out.

This is just a hint of what to expect. Imagine a whole screen image like this.
I didnt know how to simulate a DRO so I borrowd a time script that reads fro your computers clock
<a href="http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=183.0;id=92" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=183.0;id=92</a>

Benny

  very nice... I must look into that.. YOu dont have the source code for that dispaly do you, there must be a way of attaching an alpha blend attribute to the DRO background... Ill give it some research...

Art

While you are doing adjustments you might as well insert this ability

This is a working demo. Slide the control to test.
This sort of slider could be used for quick speed adjustment, changing scale settings and other adjustable DRO needs.
<a href="http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=183.0;id=97" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=183.0;id=97</a>

What about keyboard or touch screen operation?

We really need to address getting rid of the mouse in the shop.
Mach4 is aimed at commercial users which is where the money is. Commercial users will not accept a mouse in a production enviroment.

John S.

Good suggestion John, Some time ago I came up with this virtual MPG idea ( Touch screen activated).
The speed that your finger touches each virtual plate generates a pulse.
Someone suggeted glueing a ring to the screen as a finger guide. I like that idea
 The slider I posted B4 could also be used via touch screen.
<a href="http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=183.0;id=99" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://machsupport.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=183.0;id=99</a>