Hi folks, I am new user of Mach3.  I have one issue with Mach3 that I haven't been able to figure out - after loading g code I only see the tool path for a cut file while scrolling the mouse wheel for a split second after each view enlargement occurs - then the window goes blank.  It also flashes on, then off, at major tool moves (touch-offs maybe?) while the program is running.  The cut files run fine - I just can't follow the progress in the window.  Its not that big a deal until you have a fault occur and want to locate the line it happened on - you can't follow the tool path progress in the window as you scroll through the g code to the point it matches physically where the torch is when I pressed stop because the window is blank. 

I am using a custom screen, designed by CandCNC for plasma tables but it seems to work fine on my office desktop, where I test out the g code files I create.  It just doesn't work on the computer that is dedicated to my plasma table.  Has anybody seen this issue before?  Any idea on how to fix it?

Thanks for your help.

Well, I had hoped someone from Artsoft would would recognize the issue and reply.  I really would like to fix this.  As said previously, it makes it really tough to locate where in the code a fault occurs, so you can possibly fix it or skip over it and restart close to the back side of it, when you can't follow the tool location as you scroll through the g-code till you get to the point of the physical error.

What are the specs of the PC you're using?
I've never heard of this, but would suspect a video card issue.

Hi, thanks for the response.  I am using an HP Compaq 80-86 computer with 3.4 GHz Intel Pentium 4 cpu.  The graphics accelerator is listed in the devices menu as an Intel Q965/Q963 chipset family device.  I am running windows XP with SP3.

I'd try updating the video drivers, if possibly. Of that doesn't help, try a cheap PCI video card.
Onboard graphics are not supported with Mach3.

You mean like this?

Nvidia GeForce 9300GE 256MB DDR2 SDRAM PCI Express x16 Video Card  Walmart  $11.49

Yes, but make sure your motherboard has a PCI Express slot, and not just PCI.

Well, updating the drivers didn't work.  I have ordered a graphics card - good call on checking the size.  I do have a PCIe x16 slot BUT it needs to be low profile.  Found one on ebay for 5 bucks (but the DMS59 adapter and DVID cable cost another $14 )  Hope that solves the issue.

The folks at CandCNC identified the problem.  The material color and background color were set to high numbers in the tool path config setup which was drowning out the tool path except when it was being manually manipulated.   I can see the path and the position of the tool now.