EdingCNC Upgrade and other Problems with BZT PFX1000 CNC

Hello dear forum,

I bought a used PFX 1000, manufactured in 2010 by BZT. It's a big step for me, as I had only worked with a Shapeoko a few times before. However, I have done numerous tutorials and readings to prepare myself.

The used BZT milling machine I now have is equipped with an EdingCNC control unit, specifically the CPU5B model. The machine also came with a computer for controlling the CNC. The computer is functioning well, and I can connect it to the milling machine, although sometimes it can be quite complicated. The startup sequence must be followed precisely: first turn on the computer, then the milling machine, and then start the program. Otherwise, I end up in simulation mode.

After a successful start, I referenced the axes. Did I miss any steps in the startup process that I should have performed?

Most of the time, it works. The software running on the computer is USBCNC 3.5, which, from what I've read, is a very old software by EdingCNC. The computer connects to the machine via Ethernet, and the CNC module of the milling machine has the Ethernet extension for that purpose.

I can also successfully move the axes and load a G-code file. However, it seems that I can't load the file completely. When I load the file, I only see a blue "box" displayed, without a preview of the milling program, etc. Therefore, I'm unsure if I should start it. Also, the "box" is located outside the milling area, but I can correct this by setting the workpiece position beforehand. I assume this is how it should be? I noticed that loading the file only works if I omit the "Simulation" checkbox during file loading; otherwise, I get the error message "Loading Job failed."

Now, onto my actual problem: The computer's hardware is fine (AMD Quad Core CPU and 2GB RAM) - at least it should be sufficient for running EdingCNC / USBCNC. However, the computer is running an ancient Windows XP and the outdated USBCNC 3.5 software.

Therefore, I would like to wipe the computer, documenting everything beforehand (such as the settings in EdingCNC), add an SSD to the computer to improve performance, and then install Windows 7 and the latest EdingCNC software.

I wonder: Can I simply proceed with this plan? Where are the data/parameters for the milling machine stored - everything that is under the "Settings" section? Are they stored on the computer in the software or directly on the CPU5B and retrieved from there only? Do I need to do something additional, like some kind of calibration?

If the data is stored in the software, can I directly transfer the data to the latest EdingCNC version? Which settings are important to document and "migrate"? What else should I consider when upgrading to a new OS and new software in terms of ensuring the proper functioning of the milling machine?

What would you generally recommend I do before starting the first CNC program or loading the first G-code? For example, I thought about lubricating the linear guides. I also wonder if I can or should upgrade the controller (i.e., the USBCNC).

Lastly, I work with Fusion 360, like many others... For exporting the G-code, I used the EdingCNC/USBCNC post-processor, which should be correct, right? Are there any additional settings that are important? I didn't select a machine, or should I activate the Generic 3-axis CNC by Autodesk, for example?

For those who haven't stopped reading, here's another problem: The handwheel has an issue - or at least, I think so. All the buttons work fine, and I can select the axis in the software. However, the encoder wheel doesn't seem to work; when I turn it, the values of the X/Y/Z axis don't change. But I think the PC is receiving something because the blue bar (which seems to represent data transfer or something like that?!?) beneath the "HANDWHEEL" field moves when I turn the wheel.

I have attached some pictures of the errors, the settings page, and the milling machine here: https://cloud.spacyal.com/s/oLBiAXs8FqzZWRJ

Thank you very much for your help!

Sorry for the extensive nature of my questions...

I'm not familiar with your machine, so I can't offer a lot of advice, but ...

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Originally Posted by spacyal

Therefore, I would like to wipe the computer, documenting everything beforehand (such as the settings in EdingCNC), add an SSD to the computer to improve performance, and then install Windows 7 and the latest EdingCNC software.

I wonder: Can I simply proceed with this plan?.

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Rather than wiping that system, I suggest that you acquire a 2nd computer running Windows7 and install "the latest EdingCNC software" on that 2nd machine. While in theory a backup/restore should work, if it doesn't you will be in a difficult situation. Also, before you change anything, I suggest seeing if EdingCNC offers a guide to moving files from an older computer. Presumably you would be buying "the latest EdingCNC software" and that should entitle you to some kind of transfer/installation support IMO.

Well.. that is one way of tackling that prob.. erhm challenge..

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Now, onto my actual problem: The computer's hardware is fine (AMD Quad Core CPU and 2GB RAM) - at least it should be sufficient for running EdingCNC / USBCNC. However, the computer is running an ancient Windows XP and the outdated USBCNC 3.5 software.

Therefore, I would like to wipe the computer, documenting everything beforehand (such as the settings in EdingCNC), add an SSD to the computer to improve performance, and then install Windows 7 and the latest EdingCNC software.

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on the EdingCNC website there is a quite recent version still running fine on an XP machine (i know, since i built my CNC in 2007, updgraded it in 2013, and now, it is still running with the same PC, on Windows XP)

What is better to do, Just install a fresh EdingCNC (https://edingcnc.com/external/Softwa...p_v4.03.46.exe) which is the latest version supporting XP.

Just install in the default location, it will update your INI files and you will have no problem setting it up again.
I have done numerous updates through the years, never had any problem with them..

Getting a new PC will also help, Just copy the folder of EdingCNC to it, and upgrade..(i also have a laptop which i dont use to run a machine, but to write macro's, it just has a copy of my EdingCNC folder running on that machine..

I

Hello,

I'm in a similar situation to you having just bought a BZT PFX 1000 4-axis, while having limited experience with CNCs. I'm very curious to see how you have progressed since this post.

Are you still using Fusion 360 for the gcode, did you end up configuring a machine within Fusion?

Regarding upgrading to a newer version of EdingCNC software, did you need to upgrade your controller as well?

Additionally, I'd really appreciate any advice you have about starting up with it, are there any unexpected thing you learned?

Thank you so much in advance!