[keralesh]

I recently purchased a new cnc router and it came with Mach3, so I installed it and everything works from main screen, but I am unable to load all the other screens (mdi, offsets, etc.). The other screens are in Millbitmaps, but when I try to load them, the only options are for files with .set ext. and bitmaps are .bmp. The main screen file is in 1024.set. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

[ger21]

You just click the MDI or Offset buttons. They are not separate screens, just different pages.

[keralesh]

There is no mdi button or offset button, there are separate screenshots which are in Millbitmap, but can't be loaded because it has to be a .set ext. I inquired with Artsoft and gave them all the info, including license info, and the tech specialist told me it is a pirated version of Mach3, which may explain why it is not like the real thing. Guess I'll have to download the real thing. Thanks.

[pickled]

Yeah having genuine OEM software is probably a big help versus trying to run with an eye patch on. As would be fishing in the right forum for applicable advice and results. Thankfully Ger21 spans the boundaries here :-). Good luck!

[ger21]

There is no mdi button or offset button,

There is no row of buttons across the top of the screen?

Typically, a pirated version is just a standard version with a pirate license.

All versions of Mach3 have the different screen backgrounds in the \Millbitmaps\ folder, but all those are contained in the 1024.set screenset.

It sounds like you just don't know how to use Mach3.

[keralesh]

No buttons across top. The only thing across the top is "CNC 6040Z engraving machine control panel". I have uninstalled and reinstalled the software twice, with no luck. The only thing in the 1024.set is the main screen. I followed the instructions exactly. You're right, I have never used this software before. Thanks for your input.

[ger21]

Then they supplied you with a custom screen.
What you are seeing in the \MillBitmaps\ folder are not separate screens, but images from the stock Mach3 screenset.
You need to download a standard version of Mach3 if you want to use those screens.

[keralesh]

I agree, that's why I'm going to download from Artsoft. Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it!

[keralesh]

A little off the topic, would you recommend Mach3 or Mach4, and why. I am an experienced machinist for the past 30 years. I have been a moldmaker, toolmaker, cnc programmer and machinist and a manual machinist, which I am still doing. I will be using a cnc router. I am using a laptop with windows 7 professional 32bit, which I am willing to upgrade for best performance. I will be using it for my own use, not production. I would appreciate any ideas or suggestions you might have. Thanks

[ger21]

If you have no previous experience with Mach3, then my answer would be neither.

I'd look at getting UCCNC and their UC100 motion controller.

Mach3 can be problematic when using the parallel port on modern PC's. It's works fine for some, and not so well for others. Many end up getting a motion controller to work around this.
The UC100 will work with both Mach3 and UCCNC, but UCCNC has a much better trajectory planner and gives smoother, faster motion. It's also actively being developed. Mach development stopped several years ago.

Mach4, imo, is just not a finished product yet.

[keralesh]

Thanks. I am using a laptop with usb to motion controller. Thanks, I appreciate your candor. Sorry to keep bothering you, but I would like to know your opinion on my OS. I am running Windows 7 professional 32bit. Does Mach3 work with 64bit, if so, would I be better off upgrading to 64bit with what I have, going to Windows 8 64bit, or staying with what I have? Thanks again

[keralesh]

Sorry to keep bothering you, but I would like to know your opinion on my OS. I am running Windows 7 professional 32bit. Does Mach3 work with 64bit, if so, would I be better off upgrading to 64bit with what I have, going to Windows 8 64bit, or staying with what I have? Thanks again

[ger21]

It really depends on what you're using the PC for.
Are you just using it for Mach3? If so, then I'd say to just stay with what you have.
I would only change to a 64 bit OS if you need to run 64 bit software on it.

Mach3 will run on 64 bit software, but it can't use the parallel port. It will only work with a motion controller on a 64 bit OS.

[keralesh]

The laptop is only used for Mach3, and I am using usb to motion controller. Thanks for all your help.

[keralesh]

Downloaded Mach3 from Artsoft, installed, and I got message:Corrupt install, No license file found, Aborting. any ideas?

[ger21]

completely uninstall all previous versions, and download again and re-install.

You might want to try removing your pirated license file first. That may be causing it. Newer versions of Mach3 won't run on a pirated license file.

[keralesh]

Got mach3 downloaded and things look good, but the motors don't work. Any of knowing if pin numbers are correct? Port setup is good, motor outputs X,Y,Z enabled, X-2,3 Y-4,5 Z-6,7(Step pin, Dir pin), Step port, Dir port- All 1's. Arrow keys change numbers in dro, but motors don't move. Checked motors and you can't move by hand. I am using ausb to motion controller connection. Could it be I downloaded the wrong software?

[keralesh]

I think I figured out what I have to do. I think I have to also download the memoryoverride.zip also, since my OS is 32bit. Hope that's it.

[ger21]

Did you install the plugin for the motion controller?

Did the machine come with an .xml file?

I think I have to also download the memoryoverride.zip also, since my OS is 32bit

That should have nothing to do with it.

[keralesh]

I went back and downloaded the old mach3 software(in a different file) and copied the Plugin, and integrated it in the new Mach3 file. That did the trick, I now have movement. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the help and advice you have given me. It was very generous of you to let me take up so much of your time. I have learned a lot from you. Thanks again!