[A_Camera]

Most people are not overly concerned with what software they use.
The following are things that any new or existing software should do for the user.
1. simple interface - An interface that is easy on the eyes. One that allows the user to look at it and recognize common controls.
2. Documentation - I can't stress this part enough. I have seen software with crappy docs.

There are a lot of other things but thats opinion. The above 2 items are the top on my list as a CNC guy.
I can learn new software but if the documentation and interface are not good I tend to stay away.

I agree that documentation is very important but unfortunately software creators rely on users too much and as a result the products are poorly documented. This is the case for Mach3 as well as UCCNC, which is a good alternative but it is even worse when it comes to documentation.

[A_Camera]

I addition to ergonomic interface, the main idea is to make screenset without need of using a MOUSE. I can't imagine how to use it in dusty environment with cooling fluids etc. I've never saw any mouses or touchscreens on real industrial metalworking equipment.

Have you heard about touch screen or touch pad or roller boll? But yes,even a mouse can be used in that environment.

[ger21]

You mention "the competition" Who are they? who would you recommend ?

I'm moving to UCCNC.

Others are:
EdingCNC
PlanetCNC
KmotionCNC
LinuxCNC (Pathpilot)

[A_Camera]

What is the current competition? Mach3 works well enough for my hobby use, but I am worried that my ancient Windows XP machine may die a slow and painful death someday.

Steve

If your XP PC die you can get a new one with W10. Mach3 is just fine with that as well. You need to get a motion controller as well but it is a real upgrade well worth the money.

[jayd85]

thanks ger21, I thought UCCNC could not run with parallel port, and needed special drivers, is there an official site for UCCNC,

[ger21]

UCCNC does not work with the parallel port. It only works with motion controllers from CNC Drive.
CNCdrive - motion controls

The only viable parallel port options right now are Mach3 and LinuxCNC. And the parallel port limits you to Windows 7 or older, 32 bit only

[jayd85]

No parallel driver would be a problem for us, I actually have no issues with mach3, (hobby level) was going to give mach4 a try, they claim it will run on 64bit ? but definitely the parallel port is dead, and something has to change eventually

[ger21]

No parallel driver would be a problem for us

If you depend on the parallel port, then you're really stuck with Mach3.

It's $120 for a UC100 motion controller, and then no parallel port is required.
You can NOT use the parallel port with Windows 8 or later, or any 64 bit OS, in either Mach3 or Mach4. And the parallel port driver for Mach4 does not support all of Mach4's features. If you plan on using mach4, I recommend a hardware motion controller, and a well supported one at that. Do your homework carefully if you want to use Mach4.

[vmax549]

IF you need a new PC simply downgrade teh W10 to W7 (32bit) or W8.1(32bit) and you are back in business. As to Mouseless GOOD LUCK I have fought that battle for about 10 years now. Software writers cannot fathum you wanting to NOT use a mouse. They will look at you like you have 3 eyes (;-) . Some have no idea what being tabbable means on a screen. You CAN use teh MS mouse option where the keyboard direction keys (numeric) move the pointer around the screen. A bit clunky but it does work.

Being Mouseless IS the way to go. Some Companies will not allow a mouse driven machine tool system in teh building . They have safety concerns running a machine tool with a mouse.

(;-)TP

[ger21]

IF you need a new PC simply downgrade teh W10 to W7 (32bit) or W8.1(32bit) and you are back in business

My understanding is that the parallel port can not be used in (by Mach3/4) any version of Windows 8. Maybe that's Mach4 only, but I think it applies to Mach3 as well.

[jayd85]

If you depend on the parallel port, then you're really stuck with Mach3.

It's $120 for a UC100 motion controller, and then no parallel port is required.
You can NOT use the parallel port with Windows 8 or later, or any 64 bit OS, in either Mach3 or Mach4. And the parallel port driver for Mach4 does not support all of Mach4's features. If you plan on using mach4, I recommend a hardware motion controller, and a well supported one at that. Do your homework carefully if you want to use Mach4.

That doesn't sound too bad,$120 for a UC100 and $60 for UCCNC Software and I can still use my step and direction driver g540, sounds good, at least to give UCCNC a try

[ger21]

And, you can still use Mach3 with the UC100 if you want. All the CNC Drive motion controllers work with Mach3, and they are working on Mach4 plugins for them as well.

[ger21]

That doesn't sound too bad,$120 for a UC100 and $60 for UCCNC Software and I can still use my step and direction driver g540, sounds good, at least to give UCCNC a try

For the same price, you can currently get a UC300ETH with 5 port motherboard with a free UCCNC license from CNC4PC.
https://cnc4pc.com/motion-control/mo...troller-b.html

[vmax549]

If I remember correctly Win 8.1 worked ok but you had to install teh LPT driver manually. Moot point as w7 and XP work fine on new PCs for a cnc controller. There are some newer devices that do not have XP drivers available though.

(;-) TP

[ger21]

I'm pretty sure that at least the Mach4 driver (Darwin) will not work at all in Windows 8.

[mactec54]

I'm pretty sure that at least the Mach4 driver (Darwin) will not work at all in Windows 8.

Found this company now has a plug in and Breakout boards for 64bit for Mach3 and Mach4, Stepper3.com worth a look at if someone wants to use Mach3 on a 64Bit computer

Stepper3 LLC, CNC Solutions

Breakout Boards : Stepper3 LLC, CNC Solutions

[OlfCNC]

Get a UC300ETH or UC400ETH with the ethernet interface and if you have some extra get the UCCNC, it worths the little extra money as its superior to mach3.

[YaraAuto]

Have you heard about touch screen or touch pad or roller boll? But yes,even a mouse can be used in that environment.

Once again. I've never seen any touchpads, roller ball etc. pointing devices except of tactile keyboards on metalworking equipment (mills, lathes ...). I saw many woodworking machines (Italian, China...) which have mouse and standard keyboards. I don't know how long do they work in hard conditions but, I think, not very much.
Besides, it is very dangerous to operate CNC system with pointing device: you have to be able to change feed and spindle speed very fast, to on/off spindle, lock/release tool. All these operations must be made with tactile effect (keys). Of course, some rarely used functions can be operated with touchscreen or smth else, but the main must be done only with keys.

By the way, ALL professional CNC systems (FANUC, HAAS, SIEMENS) have standard keyboards with special keys for fast operations.

No mouse needed, a MPG or a Joy stick covers most all that is needed, there are many ways to use a MPG, it can be hand held or built into the control, this and a few button is all that is needed to control any CNC machine

unfortunately, in standard screenset even documented hotkey (Alt+L) "Load file" doesnt work. (Maybe only in my MACH3 ?)

Wow I thought you where serious about this, Siemens?? would be one of the least used machine controls, Fanuc would be number 1, Haas would be next

There are already some good screen sets for Mach3, have you looked at these

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/screen...mach-aqua.html

Mach3 2010 Screenset

I think it will be quite hard to select among these systems. Maybe the right solution will be to make something common, with similar functions and principles.
I saw these screenset. They are very good. But for CNC operators it is habitually to use standard interface.

For example, horizontal line of functional keys at the bottom of screen is used very often. Also vertical line at the right side is used too. It is the standard.
There are no any extra colors on the screen, maximum 2 or 3, but no more.

That doesn't change the fact that the competition is now superior, and Mach3 is riddled with bugs that will never be fixed.
But I for someone in the market to purchase a copy, imo, I would no longer recommend Mach3.

Yes, I meet some problems. I can't switch between Step mode (stop after each program line) and Auto mode when the program is running, The indicator is flashing but program don't stop after the next line.

[Khalid]

I have UC100 installed on my router and using Mach3 with it..It is a great device..recently i ordered :
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free...608.0.0.SnpV05

[vmax549]

Discussing Screensets are like discussing religion. They normally end up in a flaming war. Teh are 2 basic camps Old school who promote keyboard function keys and a 2-3 color scheme at most and a flashing anything means SOMETHING is bad wrong.

THEN you have teh gamboy side which is MOUSE only and promotes flashing leds and Woodgrain backgrounds and lots of flashing gizmos on screen like a modern GAME would use.

(;-) TP