[RA-Bowtie]

G'day all,

I figured that it's about time that some body started a wish list for Path Pilot.

I'm hoping that some of the Tormach guys read these forums.

1) Would love to have instant access to a web browser, rather than the clunky method that we use now.

2) The ability to read a PDF. I find this frustrating, as a beginner. I wish I could open one of the Tormach (PDF) documents and Alt/Tab back to Path Pilot to implement what I've just read/ learned.

Anybody got any other ideas?

Michael

[jcposada]

I miss the gcode reference section that was available in one of the Mach3 screensets I first learned with. And keyboard shortcuts. And support for non-shuttle pendants.

[compunerdy]

1. Enter shortcut for MDI
2. Better support for touchscreens
3. Better graphical display.. mine always seems to be off the viewable screen.. maybe there needs to be a refresh option?


Is there a way to bring the ATC tray in without the spindle in the way? There used to be but the only button I see for that now lowers the spindle which does not work when the machine thinks the tray is at a empty slot when it is not.

[kstrauss]

1) Support for pendants such as VistaCNC
2) Touch screen support

Other than those deficiencies I'm pretty pleased!

[shred]

1. Enter shortcut for MDI
2. Better support for touchscreens
3. Better graphical display.. mine always seems to be off the viewable screen.. maybe there needs to be a refresh option?

I right-click and pick one of the views (usually Top View) and it redraws on the page. The screens are better setup for touch than Mach, but it's annoying not all screens work well in Ubuntu.

Is there a way to bring the ATC tray in without the spindle in the way? There used to be but the only button I see for that now lowers the spindle which does not work when the machine thinks the tray is at a empty slot when it is not.

'Go to tray load position' won't drop the spindle down if the ATC thinks there's nothing in the spindle that needs to be put away. If you somehow got tools in the tray that the ATC doesn't know about, you can manually insert them on the ATC screen (or sometimes I'll carefully pop them out from the retract position by hand)

[compunerdy]

Might just be something with my programs but no matter which view I select I cannot get a decent view to show up. They showed up perfect every time in Mach.. same programs.

I was not aware of the trick to enter tool 0 to get it to work like that. The machine got confused during a tool change due to air pressure. It thought the tool was in the spindle even though it was in the tray. I hit go to tray load position and crash.. I got past it and I know how to do it now if I run into it again.

[C*H*U*D]

I'd like to see the splash screen for shutdown fixed. I can't read what it says with the Tormach logo there.

I know this is a very minor issue, and I almost didn't write this, but I think it makes for an unprofessional impression.

[jcposada]

Also, ability to import/export the tool offsets table.

[David C. Allen]

I hope you guys have forwarded your requests/ideas to the PathPilot Support Team.

I would also like to see a way to import/export the tool offsets table, like the Tormach Tool Assistant and have sent that request to the PathPilot Support Team.

David

[popspipes]

I would like to see a default to G01 in the MDI mode. I have to specify G01 then the approprite axis to get them to work or it throws an error.

Maybe at the end of a program run it should reset to G01?

Actually its just a minor annoyance..

[tmarks11]

...instant access to a web browser,...The ability to read a PDF

I have an old Shuttle mini desktop (7 yo) that I set up next to the controller. Add $123 for a 23" dell monitor, and I can do anything I want that requires desktop support without messing around with the controller.


back OT, more keyboard shortcuts
-ability to define dedicated keys for step vs continuous jogging. Even ALT + arrows would work
-key for cycle start (annoying to have to take my hand off the keyboard to grab the mouse in single block mode or after using feedhold). Probably want to like an ALT+SPACE or something so you don't activate by accident :O

If more keys already exist (aka Linuxcnc), then DOCUMENT them in the manual! Shouldn't be an easter-egg sort of thing.

I have a very nice fully customizeable Cherry SPOS R&C keyboard that I was setting up for Mach3. Separate continuous vs step jogging control clusters. Doesn't do me much good in PP with only 7 shortcut keys.

[MichaelHenry]

For those wanting touch screen support, Tormach just put up a touch screen on their web site last Friday.

Mike

[compunerdy]

Wow they do a pretty crappy job of notifying customers of new products.

[kstrauss]

It seems pretty cheap! Any idea regarding the brand/model?

[RA-Bowtie]

I hope you guys have forwarded your requests/ideas to the PathPilot Support Team.

I would also like to see a way to import/export the tool offsets table, like the Tormach Tool Assistant and have sent that request to the PathPilot Support Team.

David

G'day David,

I'm really not trying to sound apathetic about this, but I figured that the P/P team have enough on their collective plate.

I'm sure that some of the Tormach guys have a look on here and see what's going on ... hopefully!

Michael

[RA-Bowtie]

I have an old Shuttle mini desktop (7 yo) that I set up next to the controller. Add $123 for a 23" dell monitor, and I can do anything I want that requires desktop support without messing around with the controller.


back OT, more keyboard shortcuts
-ability to define dedicated keys for step vs continuous jogging. Even ALT + arrows would work
-key for cycle start (annoying to have to take my hand off the keyboard to grab the mouse in single block mode or after using feedhold). Probably want to like an ALT+SPACE or something so you don't activate by accident :O

If more keys already exist (aka Linuxcnc), then DOCUMENT them in the manual! Shouldn't be an easter-egg sort of thing.

I have a very nice fully customizeable Cherry SPOS R&C keyboard that I was setting up for Mach3. Separate continuous vs step jogging control clusters. Doesn't do me much good in PP with only 7 shortcut keys.

I think it would be fair to say that most of us find that space is at a premium, not to mention the cost (if needed) of buying another computer.

The fact that the Tormach controller is conveniently hidden away in the stand, makes life really easy. I wouldn't like the idea of having to make
room for another monitor, keyboard, etc.

Keep in mind that I have no interest in doing all the other "normal" computer stuff .... e-mail, banking, looking at porn ;-)

Michael

[shred]

You could install a KVM switch and throw another Goodwill-grade PC into the stand with the PP, but I don't know how happy PP would be to have the KB & mouse go away if it were running a program.

I have a tablet that I use to look up stuff or watch videos or play Angry Birds while waiting for the machine (or the laundry or an oil change or whatever). Works great, portable and multipurpose. Android tablets can be had probably cheaper than a KVM switch these days.

[RA-Bowtie]

You could install a KVM switch and throw another Goodwill-grade PC into the stand with the PP, but I don't know how happy PP would be to have the KB & mouse go away if it were running a program.

I have a tablet that I use to look up stuff or watch videos or play Angry Birds while waiting for the machine (or the laundry or an oil change or whatever). Works great, portable and multipurpose. Android tablets can be had probably cheaper than a KVM switch these days.

I gotta ask .... a KVM switch? .... I'm guessing that it allows you to switch from one poota to another ?

I did buy a tablet a couple of weeks ago, but never thought to use it for the mill area .... bloody brilliant idea !

Michael

[kstrauss]

A KVM switch allows you to share a keyboard/monitor between multiple computers.
See StarTech SV231USB 2 Port Professional USB KVM Switch Kit with Cables - Newegg.com for one example

[David C. Allen]

G'day David,

I'm really not trying to sound apathetic about this, but I figured that the P/P team have enough on their collective plate.

I'm sure that some of the Tormach guys have a look on here and see what's going on ... hopefully!

Michael

Michael, I send the PathPilot Support Team everything! !

Hello PathPilot Support Team:
When you click "EXIT" in the "Manual Control Group" you get a prompt screen "E-Stop the Machine Tool before proceeding" So my question is why, when PathPilot knows if the E-Stop has been pushed. The Prompt should only show up if the machine has "Not" been E-Stopped.

With a E-Stopped machine prompt "Click ok to shut down the control computer"

Or if the machine is not E-Stopped prompt "Click Ok to return to PathPilot then E-Stop the Machine Tool"

I am sure there are more important things the team is working on, but wanted to express my thoughts on the exiting PathPilot.Beta release

Just my $0.02

David
PCNC 1100 Series 3