[ger21]

But it sounds like if I generate my gcode and it put's an M6 in for tool change, then it would go to a predetermined spot to change the tool, then when that's done I'd hit cycle start, it would take the new bit down to the fixed plate and do it's magic, then it would spin up the router and continue on with the new bit?

Correct.

However, I'd like to have the second button in there for times when I might not generate all the code in one file..

There'll be an M6 button, so you just type in the new tool #, and click the M6 and it should do the same thing. Move to position, wait for toolchange, press cycle start and it'll set the zero.
I need to do some testing, and change the code a bit. doing a quick test right now and it's giving me an error.

I also noticed it returns to the previous position, but I don't see a need to do that, as it'll be moving right into cutting.

[Arbo]

Put in a tool #? what does it need that for? I don't use tools in mach...

It can not return to the previous position, as long as it goes up in z to clear whatever it may need to clear.. but I guess that'll be a function of the gcode..

[ger21]

You don't need to put in the tool #. Disregard that.

Do you have a Z home switch? Right now I have it set up to go to SafeZ in machine coordinates.

Nevermind that.

I'm going to add a DRO for a clearance above the fixed plate. So after the tool change, it'll lift the tool the specified amount in the DRO, then resume with the g-code. It'll be you're responsibility to have a rapid clearance move after the tool change.

I've got it working right now, so that calling an M6 will do the same thing as the second button. This way, it'll work automatically if your code has an M6, or, you can just click the M6 if you want to change the tool between programs.

You can always just use you're own code if you want it to work differently.

I'll get the code cleaned up the way I want this weekend, then I'll just need a simple website. Hopefully, It'll be ready to go in a week or two.

I actually cut some parts tonight with it. Works good.

[Arbo]

I added a z home switch today.

I think I like your automated method. But definitely will use the manual way too on occasion.

Was playing with the tex version in bluescreen today. I like the whole concept, and it will definitely make life better with the CNC.

A week or two? Oh man, your killing me.

[Arbo]

Forgot to ask, is there a DRO to enter plate thickness? I don't remember seeing one in blue, but it must need such a thing to set the zero correct.

[ger21]

I added a z home switch today.

I think I like your automated method. But definitely will use the manual way too on occasion.

Was playing with the tex version in bluescreen today. I like the whole concept, and it will definitely make life better with the CNC.

A week or two? Oh man, your killing me.

Just got my home switches working.

I don't think it's safe to use the Safe Z setting, as there's no way to know if SafeZ is in work coordinates or machine coordinates.

Big Tex returns to just below the home switch, but if the user has a home switch offset, then that won't work either.

So I think the safest way is for the user to define the retract height above the fixed plate.

So you won't need the Z home switch. But you will need X and Y home switches, in order to know where the plate is.

Yes, there's a DRO for the plate thickness. In the Blue screen it's to the right and up a little from the other buttons.

[Arbo]

So I think the safest way is for the user to define the retract height above the fixed plate.

I agree, it makes sense. As in general, you are going to know how far you can come up from that point safely.

[ger21]

Here you go.

[lancut]

Hi Gerry, just stumbled on this thread, it pays to spend some time on the CnCzone. I'm checking your new creation and I'm amassed how well that screen looks. NICE JOB. Question, does the main screen have spindle/coolant on - off buttons. Can't find one anywhere I notice couple of icons and maybe that what they represent? Currently I'm using your Aqua screen and works wonderfully except for the Z Zero probing. It does not respond to Edit Button Script. The probing move after touch retracts part way and the plunges. Wonder VB script did you coded with the probing function, want to edit but don't now what is named. Is it a Hidden Script? Thanks.

Trial version of this new screen be possible before purchase?

Thanks.

[ger21]

Spindle and coolant are on the toolbar at the top. And yes, I'll have a trial version, but not much will work in it.

In Aqua, Edit Button Script should work fine. But, the buttons won't blink when you select it. Just do Edit, button script, and click the button and it should work.

[lancut]

O. I try that this Monday. Thanks.

[Big-tex]

Gerry
I have been so swamped with side jobs I just did not have time to do some testing. Christmas is coming and my customers come first I don't need to be saying paying customers. I hope I get some time off tomorrow.

lancut
Jak potrzebujesz pomocy daj znac.

[lancut]

Big Tex
pm send.

[PEU]

Still need to add a few more things, but looks good so far.

Can you add diagnostics for second port also? at least for me it would help a lot!

[ger21]

Diagnostics LED's are not port specific. They are for specific functions, which can be on either port.
For example, if all your home and limit switches are on port #2, the LED's on the diagnostics page will still work.

I'm not aware of any port specific LED's in Mach3.

[PEU]

oemtriggers 1 to 15, MPG pins, outputs 1 to 20?

[ger21]

oemtriggers 1 to 15, MPG pins, outputs 1 to 20?

I don't see any info on LED's for those functions.

There are 3 additional input and 6 output LED's that the user can use for other functions.

Unfortunately, I can't justify the time for something that very, very few would ever use. I've never seen a screen with any of these on it.

[Mike F]

Looks good, can't wait to get it and start using it.

Does anyone actually use the scale stuff?

Hi, I think I was probably the one who asked Gerry to put the scale DROs into the screen set. They are absolutely brilliant for doing mirror images of things. Quite often I need to make two halves of a mould, each of which is a mirror image of the other. Rather than having to create two CAD drawings and two toolpaths, all you need to do is scale either the X or the Y axis to a scale of -1 and you have your mirror image - it's brilliant and I use it quite a bit.

Clearly, it can also be used to scale objects in all three axes too but for those who do a lot of mirroring, it's invaluable.

Mike

[Arbo]

That is interesting. So does that simply flip the X and Y axis? So your zero's for the part remain the same but you get a mirror image? That would be handy.

[Mike F]

Hi Arbo,

Yes, that's exactly what happens. You only need to scale to -1 in either the X or the Y not both. Although it is possible to flip in both, you get the same image as the original and there's not a lot of point in that

One slight word of warning, and it is something Brian is aware of and looking into, there can be a tendency for arcs to be reversed so do check in the toolpath window before you cut. It has something to do with using either the 'R' word or the 'I, J, K' method of producing the arcs.

I do a lot of 3D pattern making and it has saved me an awful lot of time.

Give it a try,

Mike