[crob09]

Just wondering if someone could help me by pointing me in the proper direction.
I am wondering how to write a post program for Mach3, is this done the same way Mach3 is configured, by using an XML file?
Basicly what I want to do is write a small program in VB 2010 that communicates with Mach3, nothing too special.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, and thanks in advance for your help and your time.

Rob
What is a cnc , what is cnc 3D Printer rapid prototyping

[ger21]

Can you explain in a little more detail what exactly you want to do?

A post is typically used in a CAM program to format g-code for a particular machine. Mach3 is not a CAM program.

While it is possible for a program to communicate with Mach3, there's virtually no documentation on how to do it.

If I know what you're trying to do, maybe I can give you some more information.

[crob09]

I always figured Mach3 was a Computer Aided Manufacturing program opposed to a Drafting, CAD program.
I am trying to use a VB 2010 program to jog a single stepper motor.

Thanks for your help.

[ger21]

No, Mach3 is a machine controller.
You can't jog a motor through Mach3 via a VB program.

[crob09]

No, Mach3 is a machine controller.
You can't jog a motor through Mach3 via a VB program.

Alright i'll bite, what is thge difference between a Machine Controller and a Computer Aided Manufacturing program?

Also wondering why I can't use a VB program to send a signal threw one of the COM pins, is there really no API fpr Mach3?

Is EMC a Machine Controller and not a CAM program?

[crob09]

Ok so how about this as a question isntead...
Rather than using a DB25 or COM port I would like to use a USB port, so I have an Atmega based Micro with a FTDI chip, how to I use it with Mach3 opposed to a DB25 or COM style breakout board? The drivers will remain the same given they are not a contributing factor here.
I have seen Pokeys and they use a USB Micro, the question is How?

[ger21]

Alright i'll bite, what is thge difference between a Machine Controller and a Computer Aided Manufacturing program?

A CAM program creates g-code from CAD models or drawings.
A machine controller reads the g-code, and controls the machine according to the g-code from the CAM program.

Is EMC a Machine Controller and not a CAM program?

No, it's also a machine controller.

Also wondering why I can't use a VB program to send a signal threw one of the COM pins, is there really no API fpr Mach3?

No, there is no API.

Ok so how about this as a question isntead...
Rather than using a DB25 or COM port I would like to use a USB port, so I have an Atmega based Micro with a FTDI chip, how to I use it with Mach3 opposed to a DB25 or COM style breakout board? The drivers will remain the same given they are not a contributing factor here.
I have seen Pokeys and they use a USB Micro, the question is How?

You'd need to write a plugin. There's a plugin SDK, and I think on the Machsupport forum there's a plugin wizard or something like that.
MachPluginWizard v1.1 BETA Release

[crob09]

Thanks for clearing that up!
I will look into writing a plugin.
You certainly directed me down the proper path!

So what is a good example of a CAM software?

Thanks,

Rob

[ger21]

So what is a good example of a CAM software?

Most have the word CAM in their names. There ar probably hundreds of different ones.

MasterCAM
AlphaCAM
SheetCAM
MeshCAM
RhinoCAM
MadCAM
Visual Mill
OneCNC

and many, many others.

[crob09]

Thanks!

[salzburg]

If you want to move a stepper motor with VB than check out CNCDuDeZ.

[crob09]

Hi,

Any direction on writing my own plugin?
Is it an XML thing?

Thanks,

Rob

[neilw20]

Follow the link in post #7, and Main Page - MachCustomizeWiki
It's a 'c' thing.
Plugin Documentation - MachCustomizeWiki

[crob09]

Follow the link in post #7, and Main Page - MachCustomizeWiki
It's a 'c' thing.
Plugin Documentation - MachCustomizeWiki

Thank you!