Saving code for easy reuse somehow?

[facegarden]

Hello,
So I've got some common code I want to be able to re-use (specifically, I want to be able to pull out our probe and run some macros with certain parameters), and I was wondering if there is a way to store that text somewhere for easy re-use in mastercam.

I basically want to have some pre-defined manual entry commands, which I can adjust after picking them for whatever specific parameters I need.

That is, unless mastercam can do it more intelligently. Is there any way to define a probe and have mastercam treat it differently? Moving the probe safely requires running a macro that turns it on, and will stop it if it hits something, and then once I position the probe, I am going to want to run some zeroing macro.

There are also some macros for using the table probe to check a tool, or sero a range of tools. I would love to be able to click around a bit and insert some basic code for one of those things easily.
Ideas?
Thanks!
-Taylor

[Shotout]

I use a macro call to check tool lengths against breakage and wear on a couple of programs we run. The actual macro is in the control but I have a text file for MC that is the call for it. What I do is insert a Manual Toolpath (Menu bar Toolpaths-->Manual Entry or user defined toolbar button) click Use Text File, Select and As Code after the operation for the tool I want to check. I can then select the Edit Now button which will pull it up in my editor, insert the variables I need and then save it as a txt file with the same name as the nc file. I then reselect the txt file and pick the one I edited. It will post like any other toolpath then.

There may be a better method but this works well for me.

Originally Posted by facegarden Hello, So I've got some common code I want to be able to re-use (specifically, I want to be able to pull out our probe and run some macros with certain parameters), and I was wondering if there is a way to store that text somewhere for easy re-use in mastercam. I basically want to have some pre-defined manual entry commands, which I can adjust after picking them for whatever specific parameters I need. That is, unless mastercam can do it more intelligently. Is there any way to define a probe and have mastercam treat it differently? Moving the probe safely requires running a macro that turns it on, and will stop it if it hits something, and then once I position the probe, I am going to want to run some zeroing macro. There are also some macros for using the table probe to check a tool, or sero a range of tools. I would love to be able to click around a bit and insert some basic code for one of those things easily. Ideas? Thanks! -Taylor

[Superman]

[QUOTE=Shotout;601185]What I do is insert a Manual Toolpath (Menu bar Toolpaths-->Manual Entry or user defined toolbar button) click Use Text File, Select and As Code after the operation for the tool I want to check. I can then select the Edit Now button which will pull it up in my editor, insert the variables I need and then save it as a txt file with the same name as the nc file. I then reselect the txt file and pick the one I edited. It will post like any other toolpath then. QUOTE]


I agree, "Manual Entry" is the way to go
- have a generic text file on your PC for each gauging situation, and do as Shotout suggests, and then customise the
- or copy & paste into the "Manual Entry" window, then to modify the actual code to suit this particular part, it then is permanent with no modifications required after each posting

[facegarden]

Hmmm... Sad, that still isn't as easy as just picking it as a pre-defined entry from a menu.

What about with visual basic? Could I add a menu option that way?

Thanks,
-Taylor

[cadcam]

What about with visual basic? Could I add a menu option that way?

Yes
Go to the Mastercam forum and there is a section on just doing these types of things,

[facegarden]

Originally Posted by cadcam Yes Go to the Mastercam forum and there is a section on just doing these types of things,

? This is the mastercam forum. Unless you mean a forum on a different site?
-Taylor

[cadcam]

The Developers forum on the Main Mastercam forum on Emastercam.com the main Mastercam forum for all Mastercam users.
I am not trying to get away from here but what you are looking for is there.
But that forum is not like here with all kinds of diffrent options . it is based on Mastercam only.

[facegarden]

Originally Posted by cadcam The Developers forum on the Main Mastercam forum on Emastercam.com the main Mastercam forum for all Mastercam users. I am not trying to get away from here but what you are looking for is there. But that forum is not like here with all kinds of diffrent options . it is based on Mastercam only.

Oh cool thanks, I'll have a look!
-Taylor

[Mike Mattera]

You can also customize a Canned drilling cycle to output your probing macro.

Mike Mattera

[facegarden]

Originally Posted by Mike Mattera You can also customize a Canned drilling cycle to output your probing macro. Mike Mattera

Oooh sounds like a good idea, I will try that!
Thanks,
-Taylor