[MetLHead]

An NCPlot update is now available for download. This update is free for registered users.

This udpate can be downloaded at www.ncplot.com


NCPlot v2.01 Release Notes
May 1, 2007


General

The backplotter now allows comma characters for the auto radius and auto chamfer commands ",R" and ",C".

Made a change to the expression evaluator to allow square bracket comments to follow numeric values. For example: "M06[TOOL CHANGE]". This was causing an error.

Fixed a problem with programs whose program number is designated with the colon character ":". This problem was causing some searched block numbers to not be found. This affected any G-Code or macro statement that required a search for a block number.

Made a change to the Lathe G76 threading cycle to support plotting tapered threads.

The viewport now allows deleting selected entities. Pressing the 'Delete' key will remove any selected entities from the display. This does *not* delete the corresponding blocks from the program. To restore the deleted entities, simply refresh the viewport.



Machine Setup

Added a setting to the 'Machine Type' tab that allows defining the default file types. This defines the types of files that are displayed when browsing for files to open or save.

Added a setting to the 'Control Options 2' tab that allows defining the address used by the G04 dwell command. This setting defaults to the "X" address.



Preferences

Added an option that allows turning on or off the plotting of files when they are loaded into NCPlot.

Added an option that will cause the viewport to zoom to extents when the view orientation is changed.



DXF Import

When using the "Z Increment" setting, under certain conditions the last entity in the drawing would not be converted to G-Code. This is fixed.

Added support for ELLIPSE entities. Imported ellipses are broken into line segments when read.

Now correctly reads closed Polylines.

Fixed a problem in the chain sorting tool. If the last chain was a single entity, it would disappear after sorting.

Fixed a problem in the chain reversal tool. In some cases an unselected chain would reverse along with the selected chain.

The sorting tool now allows defining the start point for sorting. To do this simply select one entity that is part of the chain you would like it start from.


Macro Stepping

Helical arcs were not being drawn when plotted from the 'Show Variables' window. This is fixed.


Enjoy!

Scott

[tobyaxis]

Scott,

You always come through for us, THANKS!!!!!!!

[single phase]

quote:

"Made a change to the Lathe G76 threading cycle to support plotting tapered threads."


very cool

[InspirationTool]

Hi! I found this thread on a google search...

So..... consider this a feature request...

I'd love a program that strips out duplicate movement information...

In other words:

G01 X1 Y2 Z3
G01 X4 Y2 Z3
G01 X4 Y2 Z5

Becomes:

G01 X1 Y2 Z3
G01 X4
G01 Z5

I didn't see a feature like that on the web page.

Thanks!

-Jeff

[MetLHead]

Hi Jeff,

It's not listed on the web page, but it's in there. Look under "Format / Remove Redundant Endpoints".

Thanks,
Scott

[InspirationTool]

NICE!

FYI, it removed redundant X & Y points, but not Z points.

-Jeff

[single phase]

--

[MetLHead]

Jeff,

Hmmm... It seems to work for me. I just tried the little code segment you posted and I got the same results you were after. Can you post an example of what you see?

Scott

[InspirationTool]

I'll send you the G code itself by e-mail...

Thanks!

-Jeff

[MetLHead]

Jeff,

It will only remove endpoints from G01 blocks. I think I did it this way for a reason... but I don't remember what it was

Scott

[pminmo]

this version still has dxf import problems.

[tobyaxis]

Scott,

Could you take a look at the G98 (Initial Point Return) and G99 (Reference Point Return) for the Milling Canned Cycles. It doesn't seem to respond. This is used to jump over and clear Clamps and Fixtures with different Z Levels.

Thanks!!!!!

[MetLHead]

this version still has dxf import problems.

There is still no support for block instances, could this be the problem?

Scott

[MetLHead]

Scott,

Could you take a look at the G98 (Initial Point Return) and G99 (Reference Point Return) for the Milling Canned Cycles. It doesn't seem to respond. This is used to jump over and clear Clamps and Fixtures with different Z Levels.

Thanks!!!!!

Toby,

I didn't change anything that should affect this. I'll have a look.

Thanks,
Scott

[tobyaxis]

Toby,

I didn't change anything that should affect this. I'll have a look.

Thanks,
Scott

LOL, maybe I broke it. Thanks for looking Scott

[pminmo]

There is still no support for block instances, could this be the problem?

Scott

Don't think so. DXF is attached.

[MetLHead]

Phil,

Would you post a picture of what it's supposed to look like? I tried it in a couple different CAD programs, but they looked the same.

Thanks,
Scott

[pminmo]

Picture of what the dxf looks like, and what I get on import. problem is the lower right large circle.

[MetLHead]

Phil,

I think I know what the problem is, but I want to check.

Thanks,
Scott

[pminmo]

I wound up working around it, just thought I would let you know the bug:cheers: .