[ger21]

Big thanks to Mike for his beta testing. Got my auto zero setup last night, and it works amazing. With Mike's excellent testing, we've added a lot of safety checks in the probing routines to check for most possible errors.

I'll try to get some video of the tool change process tonight.

I'm working on the manual, and an installer, and hope to have the Screen ready for release in the next two weeks.

[Mike F]

Hi, One of the big things that Gerry has managed to solve with the semi-auto toolchange is that Z datums aren't always made on the top surface of a workpiece. Quite often the Z datum is the bottom of the work, especially if the whole of the top surface is machined in the first operation. In this case, if your Z datum was the top surface, your datum has now disappeared.

I often machine 3D foam shapes where one side is machined first then the other side is machined by sitting the first side in a cradle. For this operation, my Z datum is the surface of the cradle and does not reference the actual workpiece at all.

Something else worth mentioning is that Gerry has made it possible to use the semi-auto toolchange function with or without spindle control from Mach. With spindle control, the toolchange routine is seamless. Without spindle control, the routine prompts for the spindle to be started.

This is one excellent screen set. (In a very British accent) You are definitely the man, Gerry

Mike

[ger21]

Here's a sample of how it works.
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7np99wSr9c8"]YouTube - Mach3 2010 Auto-Zero[/nomedia]

[ger21]

Someone requested a demo. It's severely crippled, and shouldn't be used to run a machine, but it let's you see what the screen looks like.

Manual also available.
The CNC Woodworker - Mach3 2010

[DonW]

Looks very cool...might be interested !
How long until it's 100% functional and ready?

[ger21]

It's been 100% functional, and I've been using it, for about a week now. I just need to get the 4 axis version done, which should just take a few days. I'm shooting for next weekend.

[DonW]

A moot point for me, since I only have a 3-axis router.

:cheers:

[revwarguy]

Hey, Ger! I just found out about your screen set work, and I am excited by it!

I am a modified blue screen user with Romanlini's home switches, SuperPID and a G540.

I usually like to use a wired plate for z zeroing, as I sometimes have trouble getting material to lay flat (debris left under it, or it might be a bit warped, etc.), and zero on the surface may not be where zero on a "Tex" style zero setter is. That way, I can make sure about where zero is placed on a piece of material.

Your work looks good - Count me in giving her a go!

What graphics editor did you use? Are your zeroing routines VB scripts?

Can't wait.

[ger21]

Most if it is done with the form designer in Visual Studio Express.
Yes, they are VB scripts.

[revwarguy]

Ah! I've used VS Express - (C Sharp) are you going to provide some screen source for mods as well (separate product, perhaps) or is it just in a binary version?

In either event, where do I sent the $20?

[ger21]

Actually, it's Visual Basic 2010 Express. I lay out the form, press run, print screen and bring it into Photoshop. I planned on offering the Photoshop files for a little extra. I'll export the forms as well and include them.

I'll have a PayPal button on my site in a week or so.

[ger21]

Have the 4 axis screen done.

[ger21]

Per request, in addition to the 3 and 4 axis screens, there is a version of each with an extended diagnostics screen. The additional LED's will need to be configured by the user, but they are on the screen ready to use.

[ger21]

It turns out that scaling can wreak havoc when a macro is moving to a specific place, as even moves in machine coordinates are scaled.
I think I have that figured out, though.

But after two weeks of attempting to prevent users from causing crashes, it appears that you just can't stop them all. While the macros check for bad user input, and movements that the machine can't make, there are still certain situations that can cause a crash. There are just too many possible configurations of Mach3 to cover them all.
I'll try to compile a list of issues and put it in the manual.

[mcphill]

I for one would willingly buy a known "beta" version that is as fully functional as you have it. Bug lists, etc. as well as openness to feedback would be appreciated for me!

[DonW]

Per request, in addition to the 3 and 4 axis screens, there is a version of each with an extended diagnostics screen. The additional LED's will need to be configured by the user, but they are on the screen ready to use.

I noticed that the Referencing function doesn't seem to be on that diagnostics screen. Is it located elsewhere?

Thanks...

[Mike F]

Referencing is available from the main screen, on the menu bar at the top of the screen. There are icons for Ref All, X, Y, Z and A if you use the four axis screen set.

Mike

[ger21]

Sorry, I though I had most everything from the stock diagnostics screen, but I missed the Ref buttons.
AS Mike said, they're on the toolbar. And it's easy to use them and open the diagnostic screen, as it just sides over, and can be opened with the TAB key, as well as a toolbar button very close to the ref buttons.

[DonW]

No need to go too crazy... they're available, that's all we need.
Thanks.

[ger21]

Yes, they're there, and I've been using them all. Also, the individual axis buttons are VB, so they can be customized to have the machine back off the switches. Or anything else you might want to do while homing.