Mach3 Truncates G-code

[noisillator]

I'm new to machining and still trying to get everything running right. The system includes a Taig mill and Gecko G540 driver. I think I'm almost done, but now I'm having a strange problem with Mach3 truncating the G-code files.

If I start Mach3, then load the code without doing anything else, the toolpath image appears normal and I can scroll down to the "M80" last line in the G-code window. However, as soon as I click the Reset button to enable the system, the code is truncated to line 1862. If I then Regen the toolpath display, about half of it disappears.

This problem is consistent and repeatable, and I've tried installing on two different PCs, both running XP. Help!

Edit: I'm generating the code with Vectric Cut2D, saving in various formats including "Mach3 txt."

Jack

[ger21]

Do yo uhave a license installed and working correctly? Does yourname show up when you go to Help>About?

[noisillator]

Originally Posted by ger21 Do yo uhave a license installed and working correctly? Does yourname show up when you go to Help>About?

I bought Mach3 from a user who was selling his mill. A name shows in the "Licensed to:" box, but it's not mine.

You know, I went back and looked at the truncated code, and it's not doing exactly what I thought. Before it truncates, line 1862 is where M80 is located. After it truncates, it still shows line 1862, but the code on that line has been changed to a duplicate of the line before it. In fact, they're all the same from line 500 forward. Is this a licensing issue?

[ger21]

Sounds like it. Without a valid license, Mach3 only runs 500 lines of code.

[noisillator]

Originally Posted by ger21 Sounds like it. Without a valid license, Mach3 only runs 500 lines of code.

Yes, that's it. I just discovered that the software I purchased is Version R1.83.027. Somewhere along the line, I downloaded a later version and got them mixed up. Do you think this earlier version will create any significant problems? I'm just wondering if it's going to be buggy.

Thanks for your help with this!

[jalessi]

Noisillator,

Since you purchased Mach3 you can copy the license file "Mach1Lic.dat" from the old version to the newest version of Mach3, it will function flawlessly.

Jeff...

[jalessi]

Noisillator,

It is a good idea to archive a copy of your "Mach1Lic.dat" license file for safe keeping, it will save you headaches and some money down the road if you ever lose your data.

Jeff...

[ger21]

As Jeff said, the license is good for ANY version of Mach1, Mach2, or Mach3.

[noisillator]

Originally Posted by ger21 As Jeff said, the license is good for ANY version of Mach1, Mach2, or Mach3.

Well, now I'm confused. The license file isn't working correctly with the later versions. It looks like everything's working, but then Mach3 truncates the code. There must be something wrong with the license file.

[jalessi]

Noisillator,

If you correctly copied the Mach1Lic.dat file to C:\Mach3 then it is possible that your Mach1Lic.dat file is corrupted.

Your best bet is to send a email with a description of the problem to ArtSoft with a attached copy of your Mach1Lic.dat file.

Send email to:

license@machsupport.com

P.S.

Make sure the icon that executes Mach3 is pointing to the correct directory on your P.C.

It is possible that you may have two or more Mach directory locations on your hard drive.

Jeff...

[noisillator]

Thanks Jeff, I have sent the file to the licensing folks.

Edit: Scott at ArtSoft has informed me that the file I'm using is a known pirated version. He didn't say so, but I'm assuming later versions of Mach3 have been made aware of it. That's the only reason I can think why it would work only with the older version. Dang, I thought I was done with this, now I need to reevaluate which software to use.

[rrrevels]

Even buying a new license is worth the effort. I have been using Mach since Mach1 and can't see any reason to consider changing. It does what it is supposed to do and does it well. For the price, it is a deal.

Russ