Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- faq [2020/01/21 09:13] – ivan
+++ faq [2020/01/24 11:01] – ivan
@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 ++++
+====Software Setup====
 ++++ How do I navigate the myCNC software? |
@@ Line 17: / Line 18: @@
 If you would like more information about all the particular buttons and on-screen elements in a particular myCNC profile, please consult the [[mycnc:mycnc_screen|MyCNC Screen manual]].
-++++
-++++ Why is there no connection between my computer and the myCNC controller? |
-If there doesn't seem to be any connection between the controller and the computer running the myCNC software after the computer and the controller have been connected by an Ethernet cable, check that the controller IP address has been specified correctly in the Settings > Config > Network > Controller IP address field. If that address is specified correctly, go through the No Connection troubleshooting manuals for your system: [[troubleshooting:no_connection|No Connection between myCNC controller and a Host computer]] - these manuals will indicate how to set a static IP address on your computer to be in the same subnetwork as your controller. Note that if your WiFi is in the same subnetwork, it might lead to issues with computer-controller communication - try disabling the WiFi if the issues persist.
 ++++
@@ Line 64: / Line 59: @@
-++++ Why is the machine not moving despite the on-screen coordinates changing? |
+++++ How to set up homing? |
-If after the motors have been connected, the machine isn't moving despite the on-screen coordinates changing while pressing the jog keys, the pulse width might be set up incorrectly, causing the motors to not register the signals sent from the controller. The exact pulse width is different for every motor, so it is not possible to preset a default configuration which will suit every machine. Check the guide on setting up the pulse width in this manual: [[mycnc:mycnc_pulse_width_setup|MyCNC Pulse Width Setup]]
+The following video is available to aid the user with the homing procedure setup.
-Typically, if using a stepper motor, a higher setting number than the default should be chosen in order to allow the machine to register the pulses sent to it.
+{{youtube>WDXHJ6PYuq0?large}}
-NOTE: The first value in the Pulse Width field in the myCNC settings refers to the first four movement directions for the controller (for example, X+, X-, Y+ and Y-), while the second value refers to the last two movement directions (for example, Z+ and Z-). Typically, these fields should be set to the same value, however they can be different if different drivers are used on the last two axes (motors 5 and 6) as compared to motors 1 through 4.
+A full manual is available here: [[quickstart:mycnc-quick-start:homing_setup|Homing Procedure Setup]]
 ++++
+++++ How to change Screen Size and Position |
-++++ What to do if it seems like there is something wrong with the hardware? |
+  * Open **Settings** Tab
+  * Open the **Config** Tab
+  * Select **Preferences**, **Screen** tab
-First of all, go through the relevant hardware troubleshooting checklist available here: [[troubleshooting:hardware_checklist|Hardware Troubleshooting Checklist]]
+{{::faq-qs-010-screen-size.png}}
-If using an ET10 board, check that it was assembled correctly, using the images in this forum thread as reference: [[http://forum.pv-automation.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1170|Forum Link]]. A common mistake with the ET10 boards is not aligning the board properly before putting them back together, resulting in a dysfunctional assembly.
+There are few settings to control GUI screen size, position and window attributes
-If nothing comes up, write to us using our [[https://www.pv-automation.com/contacts|Contact Us page]]. If the product is under warranty, we will replace it.
+  * **Full screen**  - switch myCNC main window to full-screen mode (without Window title and borders)
+  * **Maximize screen** - switch myCNC window to Desktop Size but keep windows title and  border
+  * **Fixed screen size** - set size in pixels for myCNC main screen window
+  * **Fixed screen position** - move a left-top point of the myCNC main window to the given position
+<code>
+It's supposed this setting should work the same way for all OS and Window Managers like
+Windows 7/8/10, Linux KDE, XFCE or Mate Window manager. Unfortunately, window behaviour
+DOES depend on OS/Window Manager. You might need to play with these settings to find a view
+suitable for your needs.</code>
 ++++
-++++ How to remove the homing dialog that keeps popping up when starting the program? |
+++++ How to change the Interface Language? |
-The homing dialog is done through the HOMING_HANDLER Software PLC. If you would like to disable it, add a line saying exit(99); near the start of the code like so:
+Open Settings Tab
+{{mycnc:mycnc-language-select.png}}
-{{::faq-qs-homing-handler-002.png}}
+Open the **Config** Tab
+{{mycnc:mycnc-language-select-7.png}}
-This will force the handler to exit before showing the popup. In order to bring the popup up again, simply delete the exit(99); line, or put two forward slashes in front of it, like so:
-<code> //exit(99); </code>
+Select the **Preferences > Screen** tab
+{{mycnc:mycnc-language-select-10.png}}
+Change the **Language** two-letters language code, and press the **SAVE** button
+Restart myCNC Software
+{{mycnc:mycnc-language-select-6.png}}
 ++++
+++++ How to change the program units (mm and inches)? |
-++++ Why do ports turn on/off automatically when opening and closing the program? |
+A quick video on switching mm to inches is available:
-Check the _HANDLER_INIT and _HANDLER_EXIT Software PLCs for the starting and closing commands respectively (specifically, the ''portset'' and ''portclr'' commands:
+{{youtube>_frGph3FIIE?large}}
-{{::faq-qs-004-sofware-plc.png}}
+++++
-The ''portset'' command activates a certain port (for example, //portset(3)// will activate output #3), while the ''portclr'' command clears the specified port (//portclr(3)// will turn off output #3). In order to disable these commands, either delete them from the relevant Software PLCs, or comment them out by putting two forward slashes in front of the commands. Don't forget to press the Save All and Build All buttons to make sure that the changes take effect.
+++++ How to check what a button/on-screen element does? |
+//NOTE: This is an experimental feature, so not all functions might work as expected. It is not recommended to press the Save button in experimental "Edit XML config item" window under any circumstances.//
+For example, we might want to check how the parking buttons work.
+ {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-001.png}}
+  * Goto Config -- Advanced -- UI Settings  \\ Enable **Allow to edit cnc-screen.xml** checkbox, Press "Save" button  {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-002.png}}
+  * Find the button you need to check and press the right mouse button on it \\ {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-003.png}} \\
+  * **Edit XML config item** experimental dialog will be shown
+  * Find a line with the "action" attribute - this line indicates what action will be run when the button is pressed. In this case, the button will run the **M305** macro. \\ {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-004.png}} \\
+For on-screen elements other then buttons, the process is similar. For example, if we would like to check how the "Lift Z" element is displayed in the parking widget:
+ {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-005.png}}
+  * Go to Config > Advanced > UI Settings \\ Enable **Allow to edit cnc-screen.xml** checkbox, Press "Save" button  {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-002.png}}
+  * Find the on-screen element you would like to check and press the right mouse button on it \\ {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-002.png}} \\
+  * **Edit XML config item** experimental dialog will be shown.
+  * Find a line with attribute "name" and check what value this on-screen element displays. For example from the screenshot, the on-screen element will display the value of the Global Variable #7020 (which is used as the Lift Z value in the "Go to Parking Position" macro M305). \\ {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-006.png}} \\
 ++++
+++++ How does the Run from Here procedure work? |
-++++ How to change Screen Size and Position |
+In an event of an emergency stop or failure of a mill machine running a program file, it is often useful to be able to open the file back up afterwards and be able to continue from the middle of the program without having to go through all the steps again. This is often complicated by the fact that a large program file consists of many lines of code, making it difficult to easily navigate to the place where the cutting process stopped initially. In order to facilitate finding this spot, the Run from Here process is put in place in myCNC software.
-Open **Settings** Tab
+The Run from Here method is described in the following section of the myCNC Screen manual: [[http://docs.pv-automation.com/mycnc/mycnc_setup_examples/four_axes_mill#run_from_here|manual link]]
-Open the **Config** Tab
-{{mycnc:mycnc-language-select-7.png}}
+++++
-Select **Preferences**, **Screen** tab
+==== Troubleshooting ====
-{{mycnc:mycnc-language-select-8.png}}
-There are few settings to control GUI screen size, position and window attributes
+++++ Why is there no connection between my computer and the myCNC controller? |
-  * **Full screen**  - switch myCNC main window to full-screen mode (without Window title and borders)
+If there doesn't seem to be any connection between the controller and the computer running the myCNC software after the computer and the controller have been connected by an Ethernet cable, check that the controller IP address has been specified correctly in the Settings > Config > Network > Controller IP address field. If that address is specified correctly, go through the No Connection troubleshooting manuals for your system: [[troubleshooting:no_connection|No Connection between myCNC controller and a Host computer]] - these manuals will indicate how to set a static IP address on your computer to be in the same subnetwork as your controller. Note that if your WiFi is in the same subnetwork, it might lead to issues with computer-controller communication - try disabling the WiFi if the issues persist.
-  * **Maximize screen** - switch myCNC window to Desktop Size but keep windows title and  border
-  * **Fixed screen size** - set size in pixels for myCNC main screen window
-  * **Fixed screen position** - move a left-top point of the myCNC main window to the given position
-<code>
+++++
-It's supposed this setting should work the same way for all OS and Window Managers like
-Windows 7/8/10, Linux KDE, XFCE or Mate Window manager. Unfortunately, window behaviour
+++++ Why do ports turn on/off automatically when opening and closing the program? |
-DOES depend on OS/Window Manager. You might need to play with these settings to find a view
-suitable for your needs.</code>
+Check the _HANDLER_INIT and _HANDLER_EXIT Software PLCs for the starting and closing commands respectively (specifically, the ''portset'' and ''portclr'' commands:
+{{::faq-qs-004-sofware-plc.png}}
+The ''portset'' command activates a certain port (for example, //portset(3)// will activate output #3), while the ''portclr'' command clears the specified port (//portclr(3)// will turn off output #3). In order to disable these commands, either delete them from the relevant Software PLCs, or comment them out by putting two forward slashes in front of the commands. Don't forget to press the Save All and Build All buttons to make sure that the changes take effect.
 ++++
-++++ Why do ClearPath drivers not work out of the box? |
-ClearPath drivers will not out of the box unless using the line driver to 5V converters. Here is the official explanation from the ClearPath website as to why the ClearPath drivers are not directly compatible:
+++++ How to remove the homing dialog that keeps popping up when starting the program? |
-{{::faq-qs-005-clearpath.png}}
+The homing dialog is done through the HOMING_HANDLER Software PLC. If you would like to disable it, add a line saying exit(99); near the start of the code like so:
-Effectively, a converter board is necessary to create a steady 5V signal which the ClearPath driver will be able to register. These line driver to 5V converter boards are available as part of certain kits on the myCNC [[https://shop.pv-automation.com/|Online Shop]].
+{{::faq-qs-homing-handler-002.png}}
-More information about the converter boards is available here: [[other:5v-converters|Line driver to 5V converters]].
+This will force the handler to exit before showing the popup. In order to bring the popup up again, simply delete the exit(99); line, or put two forward slashes in front of it, like so:
+<code> //exit(99); </code>
 ++++
-++++ How to change the Interface Language? |
+++++ Why is the machine not moving despite the on-screen coordinates changing? |
-Open Settings Tab
+If after the motors have been connected, the machine isn't moving despite the on-screen coordinates changing while pressing the jog keys, the pulse width might be set up incorrectly, causing the motors to not register the signals sent from the controller. The exact pulse width is different for every motor, so it is not possible to preset a default configuration which will suit every machine. Check the guide on setting up the pulse width in this manual: [[mycnc:mycnc_pulse_width_setup|MyCNC Pulse Width Setup]]
-{{mycnc:mycnc-language-select.png}}
-Open the **Config** Tab
+Typically, if using a stepper motor, a higher setting number than the default should be chosen in order to allow the machine to register the pulses sent to it.
-{{mycnc:mycnc-language-select-7.png}}
+NOTE: The first value in the Pulse Width field in the myCNC settings refers to the first four movement directions for the controller (for example, X+, X-, Y+ and Y-), while the second value refers to the last two movement directions (for example, Z+ and Z-). Typically, these fields should be set to the same value, however they can be different if different drivers are used on the last two axes (motors 5 and 6) as compared to motors 1 through 4.
+++++
-Select the **Preferences > Screen** tab
-{{mycnc:mycnc-language-select-10.png}}
-Change the **Language** two-letters language code, and press the **SAVE** button
+++++ What to do if it seems like there is something wrong with the hardware? |
-Restart myCNC Software
+First of all, go through the relevant hardware troubleshooting checklist available here: [[troubleshooting:hardware_checklist|Hardware Troubleshooting Checklist]]
-{{mycnc:mycnc-language-select-6.png}}
+If using an ET10 board, check that it was assembled correctly, using the images in this forum thread as reference: [[http://forum.pv-automation.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1170|Forum Link]]. A common mistake with the ET10 boards is not aligning the board properly before putting them back together, resulting in a dysfunctional assembly.
+If nothing comes up, write to us using our [[https://www.pv-automation.com/contacts|Contact Us page]]. If the product is under warranty, we will replace it.
 ++++
@@ Line 183: / Line 219: @@
 ++++
-++++ How to check what a button/on-screen element does? |
-//NOTE: This is an experimental feature, so not all functions might work as expected. It is not recommended to press the Save button in experimental "Edit XML config item" window under any circumstances.//
+++++ Why do ClearPath drivers not work out of the box? |
-For example, we might want to check how the parking buttons work.
+ClearPath drivers will not out of the box unless using the line driver to 5V converters. Here is the official explanation from the ClearPath website as to why the ClearPath drivers are not directly compatible:
- {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-001.png}}
-  * Goto Config -- Advanced -- UI Settings  \\ Enable **Allow to edit cnc-screen.xml** checkbox, Press "Save" button  {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-002.png}}
+{{::faq-qs-005-clearpath.png}}
-  * Find the button you need to check and press the right mouse button on it \\ {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-003.png}} \\
-  * **Edit XML config item** experimental dialog will be shown
-  * Find a line with the "action" attribute - this line indicates what action will be run when the button is pressed. In this case, the button will run the **M305** macro. \\ {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-004.png}} \\
-For on-screen elements other then buttons, the process is similar. For example, if we would like to check how the "Lift Z" element is displayed in the parking widget:
+Effectively, a converter board is necessary to create a steady 5V signal which the ClearPath driver will be able to register. These line driver to 5V converter boards are available as part of certain kits on the myCNC [[https://shop.pv-automation.com/|Online Shop]].
- {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-005.png}}
-  * Go to Config > Advanced > UI Settings \\ Enable **Allow to edit cnc-screen.xml** checkbox, Press "Save" button  {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-002.png}}
+More information about the converter boards is available here: [[other:5v-converters|Line driver to 5V converters]].
-  * Find the on-screen element you would like to check and press the right mouse button on it \\ {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-002.png}} \\
-  * **Edit XML config item** experimental dialog will be shown.
-  * Find a line with attribute "name" and check what value this on-screen element displays. For example from the screenshot, the on-screen element will display the value of the Global Variable #7020 (which is used as the Lift Z value in the "Go to Parking Position" macro M305). \\ {{mycnc:faq:mycnc-show-attributes-006.png}} \\
 ++++