What do you want in a simple Mach3 router screen?

[ger21]

I'm playing around with the idea of designing a Flash based screenset for router use. I'm sure that most users don't use 80% or more of what's in Mach3. With that in mind, here's a basic outline.

What I'm looking to do, is have a screen for loading files only. It'll show the code and the toolpath, and have a few file related buttons and a few more that may be needed. I have a sample attached. Then, another screen for running programs. This screen will NOT have a toolpath display on it. Mach3's toolpath display requires a lot of processor power, so not having it on while running programs should help Mach3 run a little easier. Basically everything you need to run your machine should be on this screen. Not having a toolpath display opens up a bit of room here.

I'll also add simplified settings and diagnostics screens as well, which will only contain need items. Throw in an offsets screen as well.

The main reason for this post is to ask everyone, What features do you actually use in Mach3? Which buttons, DRO's, LED's......?
Even though this will be designed around the machine I'm designing, I'll try to make something that others can use with minor mods, or I'll do a generic version at the same time.

Comments appreciated.

[ger21]

Starting to lay out a "Run" screen.

[ger21]

I'm going to temporarily move this thread here to see if I can get any feedback. I'll move it back to the Mach3 forum in a few days.

[georgeburns]

Ger,

Have you taken any classes in GUI/HMI design? It's looking much cleaner than Mach3 (one of the ugliest HMIs ever), but I think you should search around for some standards of practice for GUI/HMI design.

[LaserImage]

As a brand-new Mach user I would appreciate your simplistic layout. I haven't finished my router yet so I don't have any real experience using Mach but from the playing around I have done so far, I think there is a lot there that I don't need. I like the idea of the toolpath display being on a different screen, I can watch the router if I want to see what's happening.

Please keep updating here so I can follow your progress. If you would pm or email I would appreciate that.

Gary

[johnmac]

Have you looked at Kcam, from Kellyware? It offers far less then Mach, but is cheaper to buy and simpler to figure out for new users. It may give you some ideas. Kcam does suffer from some Windows timing issues. Mach uses a driver to overcome this.

I think some simple, low cost software for DIY'ers with limited budgets would be great! I'm sure not knocking the price of Mach, but it does have a lot of extras that may never get used.

John

[ger21]

I know what I want and what I need. I'm interested in what features people are actually using in Mach, I don't need any ideas from other software.

If you want something cheaper than Mach3, there's EMC (free), TurboCNC ($60) and CNCPro (free).

[Khalid]

Don't Kill other's ideas...Keep it up Gerry

[Greolt]

Yeah I am going to be watching what you come up with Gerry.

I think everyone would have different ideas on what they want.

For instance I would only want three axis DROs. With a smaller subset showing machine coordinates.

Goto Zero button. Laser cross on/off and zero.

Homing button. Feed Rate Override. Cont or Inc Jog and step size. Auto Z zero button. MDI.

That's all I can think of at the moment.

Greg

[ger21]

For instance I would only want three axis DROs. With a smaller subset showing machine coordinates.

You want to see the G54 coordinates and G53 at the same time? I guess I don't really need the slaved DRO. I'm putting a row of buttons for G53-G58. So you'll be able to toggle between machine coordinates and any of 5 offsets. For the machine I'm designing, I'll use G55 for the second spindle, G56 for the side mounted 4th axis, G57 and G58 for two vises for holding work vertically. Or at least something like that. I guess I might need a few more offset buttons than that.

I've already added the Homing and Goto Zero. Working on the FRO right now.

I'll be simplifying Mach3's FRO, as there's stuff there that's not needed. Not sure if I want a slider or up/down buttons. I plan on having most the controls on an external panel, so won't really use the screen controls much. I think up / down buttons give a little more precise control than a slider, although it's a bit slower. Any thoughts on that?

I'll add the jog options, and two auto zero buttons (one for each of my Z axis)

And I was going to put an MDI on the run screen.

I think I may need to downsize my DRO's a little to free up some more room. I can probably also downsize the g-code window as well.


Thanks for the input. Much appreciated.

[teamtexas]

One thing I look at every time I get ready to do a job on the router is the DRO readout in the toolpath screen to check the size of the job and ensure I have my tool and material placement right.

[ger21]

You mean the Program Limits, right?