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faq [2020/01/21 09:13] ivanfaq [2020/08/21 14:36] ivan
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 ++++ Is a PC required to use the myCNC controller? | ++++ Is a PC required to use the myCNC controller? |
  
-Yes, a PC is required to run the myCNC software, which will be used to control the myCNC board. You can use a full industrial PC (such as the one provided in some controller kits in our Shop), or you can use a small single board computer, such as a Raspberry Pi, an Odroid or a TinkerBoard. The links to download the myCNC software are available at our [[https://www.pv-automation.com/download|Downloads]] page. +Yes, a PC is required to run the myCNC software, which will be used to control the myCNC board. You can use a full industrial PC (such as the one provided in some controller kits in our Shop), or you can use a small single board computer, such as a Raspberry Pi, an Odroid or a TinkerBoard. The links to download the myCNC software are available at our [[https://www.pv-automation.com/download|Downloads]] page.
  
 ++++  ++++ 
  
 +++++ Is a myCNC controller required to use the myCNC software? |
 +
 +Yes, a myCNC controller is needed to use most of the functions of the myCNC software. The main software itself is free and can be downloaded from our [[https://www.pv-automation.com/download|Downloads]] page. Please note that certain specialized software add-ons (such as G-code correction via DXF import with markers) are available as separate licenses which do have to be purchased in addition to the controller.
 +
 +The software can be downloaded and tested in Simulation mode, designed to help the user get a feel for the software layout and functions. However, the Simulation mode is highly restrictive, with most features not accessible without a myCNC controller. 
 +
 +++++ 
 +
 +
 +====Software Setup====
 +
 +
 +++++ What are the login credentials for a computer running a custom Linux build? |
 +
 +The login credentials for all Linux computers using the myCNC Ubuntu MATE installation are the following:
 +
 +Login: **mycnc**
 +
 +Password: **operator**
 +
 +++++
  
 ++++ How do I navigate the myCNC software? | ++++ How do I navigate the myCNC software? |
Line 20: Line 41:
 ++++ ++++
  
-++++ Why is there no connection between my computer and the myCNC controller? |+++++ How to load G-code or DXF files into the software? |
  
-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 correctlygo 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 static IP address on your computer to be in the same subnetwork as your controller. Note that if your WiFi is in the same subnetworkit might lead to issues with computer-controller communication - try disabling the WiFi if the issues persist+{{youtube>RGNR-iafcaI?large}} 
 + 
 +The files that you are attempting to load must be located in folders that are specified in the **Settings > Config > Preferences Common** fields for **NC code folders**. If a folder that you would like to load your files from is missingadd it on a new line and press the Save Configuration button: 
 + 
 +{{::forum-mar2020-002-code-folders.png}} 
 + 
 +If folder is not listed in the NC code folders list (or is not within one of the folders listed)you will not be able to open files from it  within the myCNC application.  
 + 
 +The following standard folders are used on Linux (Ubuntu MATE) installations: 
 + 
 +''~/DNC/'' 
 + 
 +''~/Desktop/G-codes/'' 
 + 
 +The ''~'' symbol allows you to not write out the whole /home/USERNAME/DNC line, however the full filepath can also be used.  
 + 
 +The following standard folders are used on Windows installations: 
 + 
 +''C:\DNC'' 
 + 
 +''C:\DNC\LIBS'' 
 + 
 +After you have listed the folders that you would like to have access to, you can open files using the **Open G-code** and **Open DXF** buttons from the main software screen:  
 + 
 +{{::faq-qs-012-open-files.png}}
  
 ++++ ++++
Line 45: Line 90:
  
 If updating manually, many users also prefer to keep their PLC folder intact to make sure any changes unique to their setups do not get overwritten by the default configuration.  If updating manually, many users also prefer to keep their PLC folder intact to make sure any changes unique to their setups do not get overwritten by the default configuration. 
 +
 +++++
 +
 +++++ How to switch the profile / technology? |
 +
 +In order to switch the current technology / profile within the software (for example, to switch from the Mill profile to a Plasma profile, or from a Plasma profile to Tangential Cutting):
 +
 +  * Go into Settings > Info
 +  * In the right panel, select the profile you'd like to switch to (for example, X1366P)
 +  * Click the Save Profile button
 +  * Reload the application
 +
 +{{::forum-feb2020-014-profile-switch.png}}
 +
 +The myCNC software should now switch to the chosen technology profile. 
  
 ++++ ++++
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-++++ 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}}
  
-NOTEThe 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 remove the homing dialog that keeps popping up when starting the program? |
  
-++++ What to do if it seems like there is something wrong with the hardware+{{youtube>M1Cljq6eB3w?large}}
- +
-First of all, go through the relevant hardware troubleshooting checklist available here: [[troubleshooting:hardware_checklist|Hardware Troubleshooting Checklist]] +
- +
-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.  +
- +
-++++ +
- +
-++++ How to remove the homing dialog that keeps popping up when starting the program? |+
  
 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:  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: 
Line 95: Line 146:
 <code> //exit(99); </code> <code> //exit(99); </code>
  
-++++ +For more information on this homing dialogplease consult the full [[quickstart:mycnc-quick-start:homing_setup|Homing manual]]
- +
- +
-++++ Why do ports turn on/off automatically when opening and closing the program? | +
- +
-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 +
 ++++ ++++
  
Line 111: Line 152:
 ++++ How to change Screen Size and Position | ++++ How to change Screen Size and Position |
  
-Open **Settings** Tab +  * Open **Settings** Tab 
-Open the **Config** Tab +  Open the **Config** Tab 
- +  * Select **Preferences**, **Screen** tab
-{{mycnc:mycnc-language-select-7.png}}+
  
-Select **Preferences**, **Screen** tab +{{::faq-qs-010-screen-size.png}}
-{{mycnc:mycnc-language-select-8.png}}+
  
 There are few settings to control GUI screen size, position and window attributes There are few settings to control GUI screen size, position and window attributes
Line 131: Line 170:
 DOES depend on OS/Window Manager. You might need to play with these settings to find a view  DOES depend on OS/Window Manager. You might need to play with these settings to find a view 
 suitable for your needs.</code> suitable for your needs.</code>
- 
-++++ 
- 
-++++ 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: 
- 
-{{::faq-qs-005-clearpath.png}} 
- 
-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]].  
- 
-More information about the converter boards is available here: [[other:5v-converters|Line driver to 5V converters]]. 
  
 ++++ ++++
Line 167: Line 194:
 ++++ ++++
  
-++++Why does the Parts Library not show certain parts? |+++++ How to change the program units (mm and inches)? |
  
-When entering the Parts Library, you may be greeted with an empty page, or a page that's missing some parts that are supposed to be there:+A quick video on switching mm to inches is available:
  
-{{:faq-library-001.png?}} +{{youtube>_frGph3FIIE?large}}
- +
-To remedy this, head into Settings > Config > Preferences > Shape Library Settings and make sure that the necessary libraries are selected by clicking the checkmark field. This setting is present to allow the operator to disregard all the part libraries which are not necessary for their particular machine: +
- +
-{{:faq-library-005.png}} +
- +
-Save and reload the application, and the Parts Library should be back to normal:  +
- +
-{{:faq-library-006.png}}+
  
 ++++ ++++
Line 202: Line 221:
   * **Edit XML config item** experimental dialog will be shown.   * **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}} \\   * 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? |
 +
 +{{youtube>86YEjR1CJlw?large}}
 +
 +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. 
 +
 +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]]
 +
 +++++
 +
 +==== Troubleshooting ====
 +
 +++++ 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. 
 +
 +++++
 +
 +++++ Why do ports turn on/off automatically when opening and closing the program? |
 +
 +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 is the tool change macro M6 not working? |
 +
 +Check that the M6TXX tool change commands are accepted by the myCNC software (Settings > Config > G-codes settings > Tool Change M6TXX):
 +
 +{{::config-080-tool-change.png}}
 +
 +++++
 +
 +++++ Why is the machine not moving despite the on-screen coordinates changing? |
 +
 +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]]
 +
 +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. 
 +
 +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. 
 +
 +++++
 +
 +
 +++++ What to do if it seems like there is something wrong with the hardware? |
 +
 +First of all, go through the relevant hardware troubleshooting checklist available here: [[troubleshooting:hardware_checklist|Hardware Troubleshooting Checklist]]
 +
 +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. 
 +
 +++++
 +
 +++++Why does the Parts Library not show certain parts? |
 +
 +When entering the Parts Library, you may be greeted with an empty page, or a page that's missing some parts that are supposed to be there:
 +
 +{{:faq-library-001.png?}}
 +
 +To remedy this, head into Settings > Config > Preferences > Shape Library Settings and make sure that the necessary libraries are selected by clicking the checkmark field. This setting is present to allow the operator to disregard all the part libraries which are not necessary for their particular machine:
 +
 +{{:faq-library-005.png}}
 +
 +Save and reload the application, and the Parts Library should be back to normal: 
 +
 +{{:faq-library-006.png}}
 +
 +++++
 +
 +
 +++++ 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:
 +
 +{{::faq-qs-005-clearpath.png}}
 +
 +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]]. 
 +
 +More information about the converter boards is available here: [[other:5v-converters|Line driver to 5V converters]].
  
 ++++ ++++
Line 218: Line 323:
   * Check that the reference voltage has been chosen correctly   * Check that the reference voltage has been chosen correctly
 {{hardware:thc:mycnc-thc-012.png}} {{hardware:thc:mycnc-thc-012.png}}
-  * In Settings > Config > Technology > THC, check that the Alarm Arc Voltage Difference and Alarm Arc Voltage Rise aren't set to a value that's too low - in cases where the reference and the measured voltage are too different, a small value of the Alarm Arc Voltage Difference will prevent the THC system from starting. Set the value to 1000 to temporarily disable this feature. +  * In Settings > Config > Technology > THC, check that the Alarm Arc Voltage Difference and Alarm Arc Voltage Rise aren't set to a value that's too low - in cases where the difference between reference and measured voltage is too great, a small value of the Alarm Arc Voltage Difference will prevent the THC system from starting. Set the value to 1000 to temporarily disable this feature. 
 {{:thc:thc-setup-008-arc-alarm.png}} {{:thc:thc-setup-008-arc-alarm.png}}
   * Check that THC is enabled in the User Settings   * Check that THC is enabled in the User Settings
faq.txt · Last modified: 2024/02/20 10:07 by ivan

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