Mach3 2010 Screen set

[ger21]

No, I just have conflicting info. I think I changed it after I wrote that part of it. The section that talks about homing in the back is correct. I'll try to fix that up tonight. Thanks.

[jsantos]

I was setting up my machine to do some cutting and was doing the x- and y- probe. I first did the y-probe and was holding the probe against the material. Everything was going well until it got done. Then to my surprise, the machine started moving toward me - along the x-axis. I reached for the e-stop very quickly. Rebotted Mach3 and tried it again. The same thing happened. Started looking at what's going on and noticed that the probe edge was still on.

Can we have the probe-edge option as a one-time only option - turn it off after doing an edge probe to protect people like me from hurting themselves. :-)

[ger21]

Add this line to the end of each probing macro (M901-M912):

SetUserLED (1870,0)

Add it right before "End Sub"

I just tested it and it works fine.

I don't want to change it though, as then someone would want it the way it is now.

[jsantos]

Add this line to the end of each probing macro (M901-M912):

SetUserLED (1870,0)

Add it right before "End Sub"

I just tested it and it works fine.

I don't want to change it though, as then someone would want it the way it is now.

Thank you, Sir!

BTW, I forgot to mention that I had to enter the radius instead of the diameter for the probe tip. The old probe that I used picked up the diameter from the current tool. Is it possible to do that with the wizard?

[ger21]

[quote=jsantos;992736]

1. Can we have the DROs in the Probe Wizard longer or the text smaller? I work in millimeters and the Edge Length DRO truncates to 3 digits to the right of the decimal point.

Are you using large fonts, or something other than the standard Mach3 font (Arial)? I have 4 decimal places here.

BTW, I forgot to mention that I had to enter the radius instead of the diameter for the probe tip.

Are you sure? I know that a few people use it regularly, and no one has reported that. I just looked through the code, and did some testing, and it looks correct to me.

The old probe that I used picked up the diameter from the current tool. Is it possible to do that with the wizard?

If you want to edit the code, I can probably come up with a way to do it. Say, if the diameter DRO is zero, then use the current tool Dia as the Probe Dia?

[jsantos]

[quote=ger21;993973]

Are you using large fonts, or something other than the standard Mach3 font (Arial)? I have 4 decimal places here.

Sorry, I meant I only get 3 digits to the left of the decimal place.


Are you sure? I know that a few people use it regularly, and no one has reported that. I just looked through the code, and did some testing, and it looks correct to me.

I looked at the code and it looked correct to me too, so I tried it again and now I had to enter the diameter. Strange, I was using the radius 3 different times in 3 different runs. Has to be have been operator error, just like not turning off the edge probe. :-)


If you want to edit the code, I can probably come up with a way to do it. Say, if the diameter DRO is zero, then use the current tool Dia as the Probe Dia?

I guess I'll have to take to modifying the code.

I used to be a partner in a computer consulting company and we did some pretty good business of reimplementing software that companies have bought and modified over time. Over a period of years modifying vendor code, they got to the point where they could not keep up with the updates anymore and decide to reimplement, spending millions in the process. Then, they start modifying the code again.


In the interest of safety, isn't it a better option to have the edge probe a one-shot option instead of the other way around. And anyone who wants to keep it turned on/off can change it themselves to their peril?

[ger21]

Here's what I'll do. I'll be going through the entire wizard and adding some new features.

1) Add external probing of round objects.
2) I'll add an option to turn off Edge Probing, so people can have a choice.
3) If Probe Diameter is 0.00, it will use the current tool's diameter
4) Allow 4 digits on each side of decimal.

This might take a few weeks, so if you have any more suggestions, let me know.

[HelicopterJohn]

Hi Gerry,

Thanks for you continued support of an already fine product.

The Semi-Automatice Tool Changer is a REAL GEM!

I am just now getting ready to start using the probing wizard and look forward to your update with new features.

John

[PEU]

Here's what I'll do. I'll be going through the entire wizard and adding some new features.

1) Add external probing of round objects.
2) I'll add an option to turn off Edge Probing, so people can have a choice.
3) If Probe Diameter is 0.00, it will use the current tool's diameter
4) Allow 4 digits on each side of decimal.

This might take a few weeks, so if you have any more suggestions, let me know.

Cool, let me suggest again having a LED next to each axis DRO to know which one is selected when using an MPG. Thanks!


Pablo

[ger21]

I'm only updating the probing wizard. These LED's are already on the probing page.

[jsantos]

Here's what I'll do. I'll be going through the entire wizard and adding some new features.

1) Add external probing of round objects.
2) I'll add an option to turn off Edge Probing, so people can have a choice.
3) If Probe Diameter is 0.00, it will use the current tool's diameter
4) Allow 4 digits on each side of decimal.

This might take a few weeks, so if you have any more suggestions, let me know.

Option for negative edge probing, i.e., option to have the next edge probe moving backward instead of forward.


Suggestion: I think it might help people better understand the value-add of your screenset if you post the manuals. I bought your screenset on faith and was very pleasantly surprised at the nice features they had in them - even very simple but very useful things like buttons for parking and tool change positioning. Also, I think your probing is more accurate than the ones that are more commonly available because of the double probing (although I haven't actually tested them). There are a lot more in this screenset that I find very good that people will discover by browsing thru the manual.

And, of course, support is just totally awesome!!! :-)

[ger21]

The manual has been on my site since January.
Maybe I should move it up so it's easier to find??

Here's a link to it: 2010 Screenset manual

[jsantos]

The manual has been on my site since January.
Maybe I should move it up so it's easier to find??

Here's a link to it: 2010 Screenset manual

Hmm, I've been to your site several times and never even noticed the manual. :-)

[bandtank]

Gerry,

I noticed your website says Version 1.1 is available, but I'm not sure how long ago that was added as I don't see a timestamp. What should I do to update my version of the screenset?

Thanks,
Tony

[ger21]

If the file I sent you is 1.08 or 1.09, then you have the latest. If I make any changes, I'll send a new version to everyone. I've only done this once, back in March.

[PEU]

purchased the screenset today, still waiting, no hurry really, just wanted to let you know


Pablo

[ger21]

Sent as soon as I got home from work. Hope you enjoy it.

[electric2u]

can you do the tool change with out having two tools loaded in the g code? i would like to be able to do this with out rezeroing (i woun't to use the plate on the table)

kevin

[ger21]

(i woun't to use the plate on the table)

Not sure what you meant to say there.

You can use the M6 button on the toolbar to change tools, but doing it this way won't change the current tool #.

Or, you can use MDI and do M6 Tx.

Anytime an M6 is called, the new tool is automatically zeroed. You do need to use the two plates, though.

[electric2u]

isn't there away to zero the second tool you run, with out zeroing off the part agean? using the plate on the table. (i see your from michigan, i'm in boyne city)