Just creating a placeholder thread. I am quarter of the way through building an iPad pendant for Mach. It will connect through wifi to the pc running mach, and Im hoping to have it be able to control most of the common functions. As well, Id like it to show the gcode window, MDO, as well as the ability to hook up to a webcam. This will allow monitoring mach from across a shop (or like me, upstairs from the couch  ). Anyway, watch here for progress updates. So far i've got connections established and im currently working on the Mach hookup from the host side.

Id love some input as far as a wishlist of features. As well, for the GUI, would you guys rather a "realistic" looking cnc panel (the knobs are made to look real, etc. - see: "Skeuomorphic"), or a cleaner GUI that adheres more to common iOS interface looks.

Ok just to add a note. You do realise that the more resources you HOG from the PC to run GIZMOSs the LESS resources are left available for MACH3 to do it's job (Run your machine). On some PCs it is not a problem but on others it can cause mach3 to lock up freeze choke scream and generally ruin parts and eat the table sometimes.

IF you run an outside controller then probably not a problem but IF you are running the printer port version it COULD be a problem.

Just a thought, (;-) TP

Yup, definitely took it into consideration. The server app is lean, and would be the same as running any other plugin. As with other things, if your computer is so slow that it wont run it, then I guess you are faced with the decision not to use it or do some upgrade. The computer would have to be pretty minimal not to run it, it doesn't use up a whole lot of resources.

For anyone interested.... this is almost ready for release. See more details here (the page is in early construction).

Also, ive incorporated a webcam stream viewer into the app. (The iOS Side of the app, since the stream comes straight from a webcam, this has nothing to do with your Mach PC).

http://www.machpendant.com/

The app has been finished and is available in the app store. Reviews so far have been great!

Visit the website for installation info http://www.machpendant.com or visit the CNCZone.com thread http://www.cnczone.com/forums/mach_software_artsoft_software/177182-mach3_ipad_ios_pendant.html

I bought my copy about 12 seconds after it hit iTunes! 

Installation on a win7 and an XP machine was easy, and done in under a minute.

Works great!  And it's a 1.00 release - just think where it could lead!





(The preceding was not a paid endorsement)

I have bought it today. It works well 
Screen design (functions) may be limited due to the space of iPhone screen, however, I would like to ask you to add other functions like;
 - Jog speed % up/down (now only the step is changeable in one-way)
 - Go to safe Z
 - Park position
(I have written these as a customer review in iTunes)

Thanks in advance for your further update 

Bon

Interesting!  One question: to avoid both having any spurious bits of software hogging processor resources, and any issues with viruses etc, my workshop computer has no network connection.  Can I just fit a WiFi dongle/card and connect the iPad "peer to peer", or would I need an access point please?

Yep "peer to peer" as you described will be fine

Just an update for those interested:

A new version has been released that includes customized macro buttons. Use them for auto tool zero, special tool changes, homing, go to safe z, park position - whatever you can program into a macro!

Make sure to install the new Server applet to make use of the macros (Version 1.0.4.0)

For those asking, still no solution for shift lock on jogging.

Im almost ready to launch a new version of the app and server applet that has MUCH better support for webcams.

Basically, ive changed the mindset for webcams. All you need to do is plug the webcam into your mach machine, select the proper device in the server applet and go. Of all the support emails I get, 99% are about webcam compatibility. This should solve alot of those problems and make hooking up a webcam feed much, much, easier.

If any existing users are interested in being beta testers for the new version, shoot me an email at mmaat(at)ualberta.ca