[YaraAuto]

Hi.

I'm an embedded software engineer and was engaged in the field of retrofitting of the old CNC machines for 15 years. All this time we've been replacing different CNC systems, servodrivers, PLC etc.

When I saw MACH 3 for the first time I was not very excited because of its strange interface. The functions were almost the same but appearence ... I saw many profesional CNCs, SIEMENS, HAAS, HEIDENHAIN etc, and their interface was different form MACH,

So I decided to make screenset, which will be similar to one of these systems as close as possible. I think a huge amount of people who work on design of this prof systems knew how to make the most ergonomical interface.

I started this thread to ask community which CNC will be selected for copying.
I have to say that I didn't use these systems by myself (we installed a selfmade software) so I need your help and consultations.

If everything goes well we will receive a professional look of well known software.

For the first I will try to copy mill interface.

And, of course, it will be absolutely free and opensource.

So, STEP one: which professional CNC system do you prefer to use?

[ger21]

Mach3 is a dying program. It hasn't been updated in 5 years, and is inferior to most of it's current competition.

[Steven_C]

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.

[YaraAuto]

5 years without updates - it is bad ((

But now a lot of DIYers use it and will use for a long time. I don't know will be this project successful or not but I'll try.

Of course if you have any other propositions about modifying interface of some other CNC system - I'm listening.

LinuxCNC - is not my variant now because I've never used linux at all.

PS Something is wrong with my first post. Some extra links were added. Is it normal?

[steve323]

Mach3 is a dying program. It hasn't been updated in 5 years, and is inferior to most of it's current competition.

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

[aarggh]

Just like windows XP, I suspect many people will still be using Mach3 for quite a long time to come so I wouldn't be at all concerned at any imminent Mach3 demise!

If you make the screenset, they will use it!

cheers, Ian

[dharmic]

steve323 has a valid point.

As hardware evolves, drivers tend to only get written for the current OS.

As hardware dies and needs replacing, XP compatible drivers won't be available for the replacements. People will be forced to upgrade not just (for example) a dead video card but the whole computer and OS, and it won't be long before you simply cannot run Mach3 any more. Five more years, maybe.

I've seen it happen many times, with DOS, then Windows 95, then again with NT. Not machining software, but other applications where people are forced to change out software because of ageing hardware.

LinuxCNC is probably the biggest competition at the moment but, if you're prepared to rock their hardware, UCCNC definitely seems worth keeping an eye on.

Oh, and to the OP: if it's something you want to do for yourself, go nuts. But I wouldn't throw time and effort at a commercial venture building aftermarket add-ons for a pensioned product. Your market (the guys who will squeeze every last day possible out of their Mach3 purchase) are probably not the people who are going to throw money at new screens.

[ger21]

Mach3 is not restricted to XP. It can run on Windows 10 if you want, you just need a motion controller.

[daniellyall]

Win XP is going to be around for years, you can still get it not pirate ever.

[OlfCNC]

Win XP is going to be around for years, you can still get it not pirate ever.

And many new computers do not work with XP already just like my new laptop, manufacturer said they do not have drivers for XP, no more supported, only for Win 7 to 10.

[aarggh]

. Your market (the guys who will squeeze every last day possible out of their Mach3 purchase) are probably not the people who are going to throw money at new screens.

He's making a free screen. So I think it would be quite popular if it fills a current need.

cheers, Ian

[Andreiir]

Make SIEMENS screen .
Or u can make them all , but i am interesed about siemens .

[YaraAuto]

Yes, SIEMENS is very popular so, it is a winner! Besides, I saw a simulator of SINUMERIK 840d. But it is not free. I hope trial period will be enough to understand principles of operation.

[mactec54]

Yes, SIEMENS is very popular so, it is a winner! Besides, I saw a simulator of SINUMERIK 840d. But it is not free. I hope trial period will be enough to understand principles of operation.

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,only because it's so user friendly, and Hobby Guys like easy to use, Haas is world wide and very simple to use, I think anything from 2008, for a Haas screen set would be a good example

I think Mach3 will be around for a long time, you also have Mach4 to look at as well

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

[ger21]

No, Mach3 isn't going away. But I suspect that they'll be stopping license sales soon (When Mach4 is finally "ready"), and at that point, there will be few new Mach3 users. But yes, a majority of current Mach3 users will continue to use it as long as they can.

[YaraAuto]

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.

[mactec54]

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.

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

Touch Screens work very well, but can be expensive, if they do fail you need a backup like the Joy stick and MPG

[GeoffW1]

Mach3 is a dying program. It hasn't been updated in 5 years, and is inferior to most of it's current competition.

Well,

I'm not sure about that. One avenue it continues to reach users is by its bundling with the quaintly popular CNC 3020, 3040, and 6040 machines. A lot of these copies are pirated, but it is still reachig the market.

What do you reckon?

Cheers

[ger21]

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.

[jayd85]

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.

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