Mach 3 tool setter Big-tex version

[Big-tex]

thanks for posting, I will see what I can do as soon i got some time in between projects.

Thomas

[middyeasy]

I have a Taig with no homing switch.. im wondering if I put a touch plate down somewhere on my machine.. used say the MACH BLUE touch probe screen and then set the HOME position as that plate , make x and y where i then set using the touch Z button.. then used your code as is...

so in your X and Y blocks ..the first two you show in your video.. setting those to 0 for X and 0 for Y. then your code should work as expected no???

Thanks very cool.. I definetly wish to use this!

Ken

[Big-tex]

Homing ensures that machine coordinates are always same and touch plate is in same location within those coordinates. Also change you M6 Start to x and Y for location of your tool change with fixed plate below. I found that works best.

Since testing I used this setup on several jobs and it worked fine for me.
I am glad I completed it and its working..... I can contribute back to community.

Metric version coming soon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[denz]

If anyone is interested this is a metric version of Tex's great bit of work.
This works for me 100% of the time on my machine. I recommend that if you try it, test above the table surface.
Place the plates on a sponge or something soft.
rename file by removing ".txt"
Cheers

[Big-tex]

denz I am glad it works for you.

I have done some routing lately and did not realize at the time while writing scripts, how much it makes my life easier this is next best thing to auto tool changer.

[gadget47]

Thanks Big Tex,
this addition is great!! (downloaded it 2 weeks ago).

Regards,
Bob

[Big-tex]

It looks like it spreads fast. It was my time to give back to community.

[Big-tex]

New version will come out soon with updated features including hot keys.
Grab file for logitech game controller etc........

Also implemented in it will be laser pointing and XY zeroing to laser.

Changes to graphic portion of screen as well.

[Big-tex]

Almost done one more issue needs to worked out, I should release it this week.

[mark setvenson]

look forwood to see it

[Big-tex]

Just info for those that have been waiting.
I am still at work but will upload it tonight.
All done tested and working fine.
Next is to make short video and upload it to you tube

[Big-tex]

Here is Ver.2 of screen I have been working on.

As some testers have expressed this is next best thing after tool changer.
i will take it from top as if you have clean Mach 3 install.
1. go to mach 3 website and download Blue screen for Mills and install it
2. unzip attachment and copy file "MachBlue-probing big tex ver2 INCH.set"
to Mach3 directory
3. copy content of sub folder "MachTestScreens" to mach3/bitmaps/MachTest Sceens and replace existing
4. In Mach3 go to view load screens and select MachBlue-probing big tex ver2 INCH.set
5. follow instructions on video on first post.

Ernies touch probe still works if anyone wants to use it.
Recomedation is still is to set up M6Start in your profile setup fived plate location.
This can be done in notepad just paste code end edit to your location. This file is found in mach3/macros/"your profile"
Also I found that in General Config Distance mode must be set to Absolute.


M6Start Example:

Code("G53G0X46.25Y0.1Z-0.5")
While IsMoving()
Sleep 100
Wend

tool = GetSelectedTool()
SetCurrentTool( tool )



You are done!

Features:
-updated script in original touch off
-updated, fixed and cleaned up scripts behind initial Zero setup and Tool change Zero setup
-changed graphic portion of screen and added laser zero functions since routers do not need flood
-added hot keys Alt1 Alt2 Alt4 Alt5 etc as in original Mach3 screen set
-added hot keys Ctrl-Z for Initial Zero setup and Alt-Z for Tool Change Zero setup
-added hot keys Ctrl-L for laser ON and Alt-L for Laser zero

Here is how laser zero works:
Connect laser to output of your choice on BOB and configure Mach3 in pots and pins to correspond to given output.
I will also post tomorrow vendor for cheap but decent laser cross hair and pdf of simple DIY schematic for voltage regulator as laser draws 3.5-5 V and some breakout boards provide 12v. Also this will prevent to much power being drawn and possibly destroying BOB. Laser zero will turn on laser, jog to desired position where you would like setup XY point of origin for your working 0,0 point of orientation press laser zero. Machine retracts and moves to that location turning laser off.
Just as I said I will add few things tomorrow if I got time such us cheap setup for pendant grab file etc.


Happy testing........