[ger21]

Someone on the Mach support forum asked why there wasn't a screen that looked like a "Windows" program, so I decided to see if I could make one. Been working on it on and off for a few months, but started over from scratch today. Here's a little preview. It's only going to have one screen + the flyout.

Edit - 1/1/11
This screen is now available for purchase at The CNC Woodworker - Mach3 2010

[Big-tex]

Gerry
Verrrrry nice


Thomas

[anoel]

I Like it much... I too find all the faux buttons and colors every where to be a bit cheap and hokey... please further develop this...

[ger21]

Haven't seen you around in a long time.

I'm working on it. My flashy Aqua screen is too slow on my machine PC.

I'd appreciate some info on what features you guys don't need, or a list of the ones you do. I can only fit so much on one screen.

[spoiledbrat]

Ger,

That is one elegant screen you have there! I agree with anoel, the default mach screen looks cheap and "gimicky".

Have you ever had the fortune of looking at a softservo screen? I have been using Mach for 5 years. When I saw the Softservo screen, I was immediately jealous and angry at myself for "making do" for so long.

http://www.softservo.com/MCQuad.php?catID=3&subID=2
http://www.softservo.com/img_contents/S-100T_2.gif

I think the one I saw was a slightly older version. Just plain and simple.

If there is any way we can be of assistance, let us know.

And yes, I will pay for a classy screen like that

Cheers,

Rob

[Khalid]

very nice screen indeed.. I hope further enhancement will be made.
Regards

[ger21]

Ger,

If there is any way we can be of assistance, let us know.

Cheers,

Rob

Let me know which button or functions that you use, so I can see what I need to squeeze in. I find that the more people you cater to, the more bloated it becomes.

Also, what can I hide on a "flyout" screen. Stuff you need to have, but don't need to see it while parts are being run.

[spoiledbrat]

Ger, I can see how it could quickly get bloated catering to all. This is not comprehensive, just a rough idea of what I would like to see.

program Run time
Current Spindle speed
Spindle speed adjustment
Current Feed rate
FRO %
Jog speed adjustment
Current Machine position (abs)
Current Machine position (G54, G55, etc)
Graphical toolpath display (white background)
Current file name
current modes in effect (G01, G03, G54, etc)
Smaller buttons : Start, Feed Hold, Stop, Rewind, Load Gcode, Edit Gcode, Close File, Save File
Toolchange flyout (executes M6 macro, querying for new tool #)
Ref all home
Home X
Home Y
Home Z

Small led bank, showing input/output states

As for the pages, It would be nice to have one page, and all "flyouts" covering up the main center of the screen. This way, it does not look like you changed pages... Smoother layout.

Pages should be Offset, Tools, Diagnostics, Program Run (Main) accessed by "closing" any other page. One the diagnostics page, we should have button groups : Config (Ports/Pins, Motor Tuning, General, etc), Operator, and the like.

Next time I deploy, rather than watch movies in my free time, I will be designing a cool Mach3 interface. I just want a "calmer" screen, with less pervasive transitions, less clunky flashy buttons, and the like.

Good luck with this one Ger. I am sure it will be great!

Rob

[JB Laser Tech]

How do you make a Mach3 running job screen, larger?
John
jb-laser"AT"telus.net

[RotarySMP]

Don't a windows compliant screen need pop ups with error messages like:

Fatal Error: x52df956a
YES? OKAY?

[JB Laser Tech]

I saw a video of a guy running Mach3 and the whole screen was just the running screen. In other words, he somehow made the little screen in the top right corner of the Mach3 program as large as the whole screen. Does anybody know how to do that?
John

[ger21]

I saw a video of a guy running Mach3 and the whole screen was just the running screen. In other words, he somehow made the little screen in the top right corner of the Mach3 program as large as the whole screen. Does anybody know how to do that?
John

You use a screen editor (Screen4 or Machscreen) to modify an existing screen or create a new one.

[ger21]

Don't a windows compliant screen need pop ups with error messages like:

Fatal Error: x52df956a
YES? OKAY?

Nobody said compliant.

[2ferrous]

And here I was getting used to the Aqua screenset, and now you come up with another cool screen?
When will the insanity end?

Timothy

PS. Keep'em coming!

[ger21]

When will the insanity end?

Not in the foreseeable future.

[ger21]

I'm doing this screen using Flash, which I have to learn as I go, so it's going slow. Here's a little preview to give a little idea of how it works.

Watch it in full screen to see how the buttons change with mouse over and clicks. Buttons should look and function exactly like it was designed in Visual Basic 2010.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPvi38rkdRc"]YouTube - Mach2010.avi[/nomedia]

[ger21]

Here's a little sample. You can play it with Flash player to see how it works, or, you can load it in Mach and try it out. It'll load and run code, but I don't recommend trying it on a machine yet. If you load it in Mach3, the last tab is the Reset button when the first tab is active. Temporary to get it running.

You'll need the Flash plugin if you don't have it installed.
http://www.machsupport.com/plugins/Flash.m3p

[ger21]

Still evolving. Have to abandon Flash for now due to technical difficulties with my control PC. Can't design a screen that I can't use.

This only looks good at it's native size, because the small icons and text don't scale well. The attachment is the actual size.

[Khalid]

should i say this is beautiful Gerry

[Arbo]

I have been using a modified Aqua. But might have to consider this one if it is just X,Y and Z... looking cool so far.