NCPlot v2 beta 17 now available for download

[MetLHead]

You can download it at www.ncplot.com

New for beta 17:

The DXF importer and Text to G-Code tools will now output two digit G-Code values (G00 instead of G0). This should be compatible with more controls.

Added support for G52 local work shift and G92 work shift setting.

It's now possible to select a point entity that is on another entity.

Enabled the axis orientation icon for all view modes.

Enabled the Sort Geometry feature. After chaining geometry, this feature will arrange the geometry starting at the upper left corner and proceeding to each next closest chain.

Added support for work offsets. The work offset data on the machine configuration dialog is saved separately for each configuration.

Added the Initial Settings command block to the control options tab. This setting is a standard G-Code block that you can use to specify the default modal state of your machine. For example, if your machine is in G91 incremental mode by default, you can enter "G91" into the initial setting block and NCPlot will execute this before processing your program.

The top view can now be rotated in 90 degree increments. This is found under the control options tab.

Added run time estimation to the Part info dialog. This dialog displays the part extents, the total feed length, average feed rate, total rapid length and number of tool changes. From these values, the total run time is estimated. You can enter your machine's rapid rate and approximate tool change time to more accurately estimate the cycle time. Note that this does not currently support lathe feed per rev feedrates.

Added two new items to the edit menu, Select From and Select To. The Select From tool will record the current cursor location and Select To will select everything between the recorded location and the current cursor location. This makes it much easier to locate and select a range of lines in the program.

Clicking the program window will now set a new search start point. For example, when searching for text in the program and you want to restart the search from a particular point, just click the cursor to the desired spot in the program.

Added the Point at center tool to the Calc menu. This tool creates a point at the center of all selected line and arc entities. This is handy for creating points that you can then measure between.


I am getting close to a final beta release so please feel free to post comments or questions. After the beta cycle is done, I will finally be releasing NCPlot v2.0, which means that it will no longer be free to use. If you don't know already, you can buy NCPlot before the release and get it at a discounted price.

Regards,
Scott

[wjbzone]

Scott,
You are releasing updates faster then I can keep up. I had better place my order soon.

I have not used NCPlot enough yet to be proficient, but working on it.

I keep getting "plot from cursor" confused with "start from cursor". I like to use "start from cursor" and single step from there. Can I add a button on the toolbar?

Is there a way to clear the paths? While stepping through, I like to clear the clutter after a while and still be able to step.

I would like import dxf as reference geometry (to see my paths relative to the dxf geometry). It would be good if I could show the dxf geometry as a different color and when clearing the paths, not clear the geometry.

Thanks,
Bill

[MetLHead]

Bill,

I try to only let the list of changes get so long before releasing an update. If I work on it a lot, this doesn't take very long so you can probably guess what I do in my spare time.

I think I can add the start from cursor to the toolbar with no problem. The start from cursor should clear whatever is on the screen, and you should be to do this at anytime while stepping.

Loading DXF geometry is kinda iffy, but I'll have a look at it.

Thanks,
Scott

[wjbzone]

Originally Posted by MetLHead Bill, The start from cursor should clear whatever is on the screen, and you should be to do this at anytime while stepping.

That will work.

Bill

[tiroler537]

Hi,very nicely done and works great for me.Just waiting for the DNC part to be turned on,hhhmm colorized editor maibe too?
Anyway great product as it is now...

[MetLHead]

Originally Posted by tiroler537 Hi,very nicely done and works great for me.Just waiting for the DNC part to be turned on,hhhmm colorized editor maibe too? Anyway great product as it is now...

Thanks!

Progress has been a little slow because of the holidays, but things will pick up again pretty soon. But at least you won't have to wait for the colorized editor! Take a look at the attached picture. To setup the colors, go to the menu Setup | Address Colors. Then double-click the colored box next to the address letter you want to change.

Regards,
Scott

[rippersoft]

Well, I think I have seen enough. I just made a purchase. Your product has helped me a great deal in determining what was wrong with my drawings. I look forward to much more capability in the software.

Thanks for your efforts.

[MetLHead]

Originally Posted by rippersoft Well, I think I have seen enough. I just made a purchase. Your product has helped me a great deal in determining what was wrong with my drawings. I look forward to much more capability in the software. Thanks for your efforts.

Thank You! Your key is on it's way.

Scott

[rippersoft]

MetLHead,

Can you tell me what DNC is and how you plan to implement? Do you intend to control a mill like TurboCNC?

Thanks.

[MetLHead]

Originally Posted by rippersoft MetLHead, Can you tell me what DNC is and how you plan to implement? Do you intend to control a mill like TurboCNC? Thanks.

No, NCPlot was never intended to run a machine. The DNC function will allow simple RS232 upload and download and possibly drip feed operation. I haven't really done much with it yet, so if you have some functionality you would like to see, now's the time to make a wishlist.

Regards,
Scott

[jonbanquer]

Originally Posted by MetLHead No, NCPlot was never intended to run a machine. The DNC function will allow simple RS232 upload and download and possibly drip feed operation. I haven't really done much with it yet, so if you have some functionality you would like to see, now's the time to make a wishlist. Regards, Scott

Scott,

Do you wish to see comments posted yet on what users would like implemented in V3 of NC Plot ?

jon

[MetLHead]

Jon,

I've got a list going in my head already, but I'd rather hear suggestions from others so I can see if I'm psychic or not

It's not too early to start a wish list for version 3, but I'm not anywhere near ready to start on it. I'm still trying to finish version 2, and I'm sure even after it's release, I'll be busy at least for a while with service releases. So, at this point I'd rather hear about any problems you might have so I can take care of them before it's released.

Thanks,
Scott