Want to program a Z-Zero function...Help!

[teamtexas]

I have a small numeric key pad that I use as a pendant while I'm standing in front of my cnc router. It work great for getting the x, y, and z axis to where I want to start. The only problem I have is that I would like to zero the Z axis while standing there and then raise it off the material so that I can start the router before I walk over to the computer. Is there a way to program one of the unused buttons on the keypad to do that?

Dan

[flyboy1015]

Dan,

Did you ever find an answer to this question? I am also looking for a way to zero the Z axis while using a keypad as a pendant.

Chad

[ger21]

Yes. you'll need to create a custom button on your screen, add the zeroing VB code to the button, and make the shortcut key match your keypad button.

[teamtexas]

Thanks Gerry.

[teamtexas]

That work great. I added a two new buttons to my 1024 screen set using screen 4. Now I can zero the Z and start a cycle while standing in front of the cnc. Just what I needed to run small batches of the same item.

Dan

[flyboy1015]

I was also able to get mine set up like I wanted. I just needed to play around with the screen designer to figure out what I was doing. It is working. Thanks.

Chad

[flyboy1015]

Thought I should add a picture of my finished "pendant". I just used a USB keypad and mapped the keys to jog the machine. I then took the advice above and added a hotkey to one of the buttons with the Mach screen designer so that I could use my keypad to zero the z axis when setting up a part in the machine.

Thanks, guys, for your help.

[teamtexas]

Nice bit of labeling flyboy. I'm afraid my paint marker was not picture worthy.

[flyboy1015]

I'll probably add some more functions later on, but for now, I have the minimum functionality that I need. I used a label maker to do the lettering on the keys. I had originally thought about building my own pendant and using the circuit board inside the keypad and just hard wiring my own buttons to it. I may still consider doing something like that later, but for now, I'm happy with what I've done.