MasterCam x4 to Mach3

[Robert M]

Using MasterCam X4 for a little while, enough to manage the basics and some, posting with the post processor from Artsoft download page in order to use my MACH3 controller software ( MACH3b post version -> on the post script, a few lines down, it’s written “post dev : NovaLab “ ).
Two issues I’m hoping someone may come to my rescue !

A - How can I gather all toolpath under a toolpath group. Explain : Say under a toolpath group you have ie 10 sub routines from this group. When I highlight this toolpath group to be pressed to post, it gives me one by one subroutine at the time, not grouped ??
Although, a way around I do so I can managed this, I make a nesting, but surly this is not the right way !!

B – on a specific type of nesting, only one type, the post give me a M5 instead of a M3 at the beginning, say line N60 !.....darn it should give a M3 as with all other post does !?!

Well… hoping I made this clear enough so one can help these mysteries I have !! (surly I’m not the only & first one !! )

Thanks Robert ;0)

[Robert M]

Doops….
I will assume I did not explaining myself properly nor clear ! ;0(
Anyway….
Can one help me / show me how to access and modify a post in MasterCam ?
Thanks

[cob]

have you tried using the generic post you might be able to use it with mach 3

[Robert M]

Hey….. a reply
Hi cod,
Yes I did try it and compare it a few time back a few mo ago.
Can’t remember specifically, but more inconvenient issues w/it made me stick with the modified one for MACH3.
WOULD rather like to learn how to “open” this MACH version post and modify it.
Anyone out here knows how ??

[ObrienDave]

Answer to A:
If you get separate posted programs when trying to post a complete group you need to check the nci setting.
Even though Mcam doesn't really need to use the nci intermediate file anymore, it still needs to have the setting changed to something OTHER than 'Last created operation'.
I leave mine set to 'Current MCx filename'

Answer to B:
AFTER MAKING A COPY!
A .pst post file can be opened in ANY word processor.
When saving however, make sure the word processor you are using can save the file as an UNFORMATTED text file.
Notepad does this very nicely.

[Robert M]

ObrianDave,
Thanks for your time to reply !
A ;
Here’s a jpg of my post processing window. Even thought I check or as it is, uncheck, still get same separate posted program
B:
I missed explain my need. No need to change or correct a post script done by the post processor program !!
I’m hoping to find ways to actually change the post processor program !?!.... as I get a M5 at start instead of an expected M3 !!
Robert

[Robert M]

OUPS... forgot !

[ObrienDave]

The reason your groups are not posting as a group is because you are getting a DIFFERENT nci name for each operation.
This makes Mcam think they are actually separate programs.

Unfortunately, I don't have the time at this moment to explain this properly.
Give me a day or so and I will try to give you a better explanation.
I will explain how to fix your current group operations at that time.

This is the setting I am referring to.
You will find it in Configure under the NC tab.

[Robert M]

This is generous of you !
I will wait till you may have more time, coz I can’t find this NC tab ( if any in X4) under -> Setting -> config ??

[ObrienDave]

Sorry, That is from V9.
Somewhere the X versions have a similar looking setting.
Don't really remember where it is.
Please keep looking.

[Robert M]

Hi Dave,
I’ve look in to what I would consider pretty much everywhere I can imagine and see….and nothing of such.
I may assume this is either hidden somewhere different in X4 or simply no longer an option ?
Thanks anyway, but still stuck with this “ A & B ” issue of mine ;0(

[Superman]

In System Config, under "Toolpaths"
-->set it similar to the attachment pic

You may have to change the NCI destination if not posting to the one NC file
-->select the group of ops that you want in one NC file
--> R-click
--> select "Edit Selected Operations"
--> select "Change NC file name", type the name of the NC file you want, and Accept

--> post that group

If you get a dialog box asking if you want to post all, then you also have other ops in a different location that are posting to the same file, that have not been selected