faq
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faq [2020/01/06 13:35] – ivan | faq [2024/02/20 10:07] (current) – ivan | ||
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======Frequently Asked Questions====== | ======Frequently Asked Questions====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Unfolded version: [[faq_unfolded|Frequently Asked Questions]] | ||
=====General===== | =====General===== | ||
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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 | + | Yes, a PC is required to run the myCNC software, which will be used to control |
++++ | ++++ | ||
- | ++++ Why is there no connection between my computer and the myCNC controller? | | + | ++++ Is a myCNC controller |
- | If there doesn' | + | Yes, a myCNC controller is needed |
+ | |||
+ | The software can be downloaded | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ Can the myCNC software be customized to the client' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Yes, the software can be extensively customized, both visually and under-the-hood (via custom PLC/macro commands). Client logos can be added to the main software screen, and the screens themselves can be customized via the XML configuration files which are open and available to every user. Read more about XML file editing here: [[mycnc:mycnc_screen_configuration|Screen Editing | ||
+ | |||
+ | The myCNC team also undertakes customization projects. The exact price depends on the size of the customization project and the necessary features. For more information, | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ What sort of technical support is provided? | | ||
+ | |||
+ | The myCNC team provides technical support for our controllers and the CNC systems utilizing them. Our technical support can be broadly separated into two categories: | ||
+ | |||
+ | **1) Free technical support** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Free technical support includes things that are largely development-free, | ||
+ | |||
+ | * How do I set up the network settings? | ||
+ | * How do I use the probe sensor window? | ||
+ | |||
+ | It also deals with solving general user errors and issues which do not include | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Help in finding errors within your G-code program | ||
+ | * Troubleshooting tips | ||
+ | * General recommendations for the selection of drives, sensors, etc (provided the team has experience with the particular configuration you are trying to implement) | ||
+ | |||
+ | **2) Paid technical support** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Paid technical support deals with more complex tasks for which it is difficult to give a standard generalized answer, and may include a large amount of programming | ||
+ | |||
+ | Paid technical support typically covers things such as: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Developing custom PLC procedures that have not been previously implemented | ||
+ | * Step-by-step guidance on setting up the machine from scratch (includes a remote connection to your workstation). | ||
+ | * Help with creation of custom profiles and profile screens | ||
+ | |||
+ | The myCNC-ET7 | ||
+ | |||
+ | For requesting technical support, or for more information on pricing, please use the Contact Us page form on our main website, or email us at mail@pv-automation.com. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ====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? | | ||
+ | |||
+ | A short introduction to myCNC software is available here: | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{youtube> | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you would like more information about all the particular buttons and on-screen elements in a particular myCNC profile, please consult the [[mycnc: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ How to load G-code or DXF files into the software? | | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{youtube> | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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 missing, add it on a new line and press the Save Configuration button: | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{:: | ||
+ | |||
+ | If a folder is not listed | ||
+ | |||
+ | The following standard folders are used on Linux (Ubuntu MATE) installations: | ||
+ | |||
+ | '' | ||
+ | |||
+ | '' | ||
+ | |||
+ | To load file from your USB drive, you can add the following folder to the NC code folders list: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ''/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{youtube> | ||
+ | |||
+ | The '' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The following standard folders are used on Windows installations: | ||
+ | |||
+ | '' | ||
+ | |||
+ | '' | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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: | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{:: | ||
++++ | ++++ | ||
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++++ | ++++ | ||
- | ++++ How to roll back to a previous version of the software? | | + | ++++ How to switch |
- | The rollback process is sometimes necessary | + | {{youtube> |
+ | |||
+ | In order to switch the current technology / profile within the software | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Go into Settings > Info | ||
+ | * In the right panel, select the profile | ||
+ | * Click the Save Profile button | ||
+ | * Reload | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{::forum-feb2020-014-profile-switch.png}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | The myCNC software | ||
++++ | ++++ | ||
+ | ++++ Why do the changes to Config/ | ||
- | ++++ How to restore a profile? | | + | The settings in the Config panel are typically edited by the system integrator only when setting up the machine. After completing the setup process, or in cases when the settings within the Config tab are changed, it is recommended |
- | A video on this page goes through the steps to restore a profile in case you want to roll back to it: [[troubleshooting: | + | ++++ |
- | Note that restoring a profile and restoring the myCNC application are two different processes. The profile contains your individual program settings, as well as any visual changes that you might have done to the myCNC application, | ||
- | ++++ | + | ++++ How to roll back to a previous version of the software? | |
+ | The rollback process is sometimes necessary to test things on an older software version, or in cases where you would like to go back to the stable myCNC version from our test release. This process is described in the following Troubleshoot manual: [[troubleshooting: | ||
- | ++++ 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, | ||
- | 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. | + | ++++ How to restore |
- | NOTE: The first value in the Pulse Width field in the myCNC settings refers | + | A video on this page goes through |
+ | |||
+ | Note that restoring a profile | ||
++++ | ++++ | ||
- | ++++ What to do if it seems like there is something wrong with the hardware? | | + | ++++ How to set up homing? | |
- | First of all, go through the relevant hardware troubleshooting checklist | + | The following video is available |
- | If using an ET10 board, check that it was assembled correctly, using the images in this forum thread as reference: [[http:// | + | {{youtube> |
- | If nothing comes up, write to us using our [[https://www.pv-automation.com/ | + | A full manual is available here: [[quickstart:mycnc-quick-start: |
++++ | ++++ | ||
++++ How to remove the homing dialog that keeps popping up when starting the program? | | ++++ How to remove the homing dialog that keeps popping up when starting the program? | | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{youtube> | ||
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: | ||
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< | < | ||
+ | For more information on this homing dialog, please consult the full [[quickstart: | ||
++++ | ++++ | ||
+ | ++++ How to set up default I/O ports' names? | | ||
- | ++++ Why do ports turn on/off automatically when opening | + | The default names for the I/O ports that can later be used in your Hardware |
- | Check the _HANDLER_INIT and _HANDLER_EXIT Software PLCs for the starting and closing commands respectively (specifically, | + | {{youtube> |
- | + | ||
- | {{:: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | The '' | + | |
++++ | ++++ | ||
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++++ How to change Screen Size and Position | | ++++ How to change Screen Size and Position | | ||
- | Open **Settings** Tab | + | * Open **Settings** Tab |
- | Open the **Config** Tab | + | |
+ | * Select **Preferences**, | ||
- | {{mycnc:mycnc-language-select-7.png}} | + | {{::faq-qs-010-screen-size.png}} |
- | + | ||
- | Select **Preferences**, | + | |
- | {{mycnc: | + | |
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 | ||
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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.</ | suitable for your needs.</ | ||
- | |||
- | ++++ | ||
- | |||
- | ++++ 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: | ||
- | |||
- | {{:: | ||
- | |||
- | Effectively, | ||
- | |||
- | More information about the converter boards is available here: [[other: | ||
++++ | ++++ | ||
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++++ | ++++ | ||
- | ++++Why does the Parts Library not show certain parts? | | + | ++++ How to change |
- | When entering the Parts Library, you may be greeted with an empty page, or a page that's missing some parts that are supposed | + | A quick video on switching mm to inches is available: |
- | {{: | + | {{youtube> |
- | 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 change |
- | {{:faq-library-005.png}} | + | |
+ | - Change the G-code settings (//Settings > Config > G-codes settings > Linear Unit//) to inch/mm. | ||
+ | - Change the Visualization settings (//Settings > Config > Screen > Display Linear Axes In//) to inch/mm. | ||
- | Save and reload the application, | + | Do not forget to save after steps 2 and 3. |
- | + | ||
- | {{: | + | |
++++ | ++++ | ||
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* **Edit XML config item** experimental dialog will be shown. | * **Edit XML config item** experimental dialog will be shown. | ||
* Find a line with attribute " | * Find a line with attribute " | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ How does the Run from Here procedure work? | | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{youtube> | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ What's the difference between axes and motor outputs | | ||
+ | |||
+ | The difference between motors and axes is that multiple motors can be used for the same axis. For instance, a gantry may use two motors for the two sides of the machine during the alignment, however they are both still the " | ||
+ | |||
+ | If a "dual axis" is required, then you can assign a specific axis (for instance, axis Y) to two motors. This "slave Y" setup is illustrated in the following section of the manual: [[mycnc: | ||
+ | |||
+ | For tool change macros (M6) you'd need to move one motor to some parking location and switch the Z axis to a new motor output. This change between different motor outputs is illustrated in the following example: [[mycnc: | ||
+ | |||
+ | A visual way of thinking about the concept of switching motors is to imagine that one needs to draw a coloured picture on a piece of paper with six different coloured pencils. Such an operation does not require six arms to complete - instead, one arm (one axis) may be enough. All that is required is to switch the pencils (different motors) by leaving them on the side of the table in some sort of a " | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Hardware Setup and Troubleshooting ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ Why is there no connection between my computer and the myCNC controller? | | ||
+ | |||
+ | If there doesn' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ Why do ports turn on/off automatically when opening and closing the program? | | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{youtube> | ||
+ | |||
+ | Check the _HANDLER_INIT and _HANDLER_EXIT Software PLCs for the starting and closing commands respectively (specifically, | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{:: | ||
+ | |||
+ | The '' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ 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): | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{:: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ 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, | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ How does encoder resolution work in myCNC? | | ||
+ | |||
+ | On modern servo drivers, the motor encoder connects directly to the servo driver and does not connect to the myCNC controller. Therefore, the encoder system, whether the encoder is absolute or incremental, | ||
+ | |||
+ | The servo driver has outputs for emulation of the incremental encoder ABZ. It is these signals that should be sent to the controller to obtain information about the rotor' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Within myCNC, the resolution (number of pulses per revolution) is usually a parameter of the servo driver that can be adjusted, and therefore is not directly related to the physical resolution of the actual encoder. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ 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: | ||
+ | |||
+ | If using an ET10 board, check that it was assembled correctly, using the images in this forum thread as reference: [[http:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | If nothing comes up, write to us using our [[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++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: | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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: | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Note that the libraries must be present within the '' | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{:: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Save the settings and reload the myCNC application, | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ 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: | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{:: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Effectively, | ||
+ | |||
+ | More information about the converter boards is available here: [[other: | ||
++++ | ++++ | ||
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* Check that the reference voltage has been chosen correctly | * Check that the reference voltage has been chosen correctly | ||
{{hardware: | {{hardware: | ||
- | * 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 | + | * 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 |
{{: | {{: | ||
* Check that THC is enabled in the User Settings | * Check that THC is enabled in the User Settings | ||
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++++ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | **Related articles**: | ||
+ | * [[quickstart: | ||
+ | * [[plc: | ||
+ | * [[mycnc: | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====FAQs for obsolete boards/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++How to install myCNC on Cubieboard2? | ||
+ | |||
+ | 1. Number of packages are needed to run myCNC sofware on Cubieboard2. | ||
+ | To install it run - | ||
+ | sudo | ||
+ | sudo | ||
+ | |||
+ | 2. Download myCNC-arm-linux last distribution file from download page. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 3. Run the file with administrator rights: | ||
+ | |||
+ | sudo ./ | ||
+ | |||
+ | 4. Press Y < | ||
+ | |||
+ | 5. Press Y < | ||
+ | |||
+ | 6. Enter myCNC destination folder (" | ||
+ | |||
+ | 7. Installation will be finished in a few seconds. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 8. To run the myCNC software use script file myCNC.sh in myCNC folder. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++How to set up the controller IP via command line? | | ||
+ | In command line while starting myCNC software with option " | ||
+ | For example, Linux: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ./ | ||
+ | |||
+ | Windows: | ||
+ | |||
+ | c: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Command line option " | ||
+ | |||
+ | However when " | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you have different IP address settings in " | ||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ How to transfer a profile to a different machine through Profile Archive | | ||
+ | myCNC can store current profile snapshot to mySQL database file. This file can be transfered to another computer and profile restored form the archive. | ||
+ | |||
+ | By default database file is stored in - | ||
+ | |||
+ | " | ||
+ | |||
+ | "/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | To store current profile press " | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{:: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ++++How to change the scale of a G-code program via Server API? | | ||
+ | There are 2 version of command " | ||
+ | |||
+ | For both commands g-code program should be loaded to myCNC by runnig command " | ||
+ | Example: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ProgramFileOpen / | ||
+ | |||
+ | 1) Command " | ||
+ | |||
+ | Format: SetScale < | ||
+ | Example: | ||
+ | |||
+ | SetScale 3.5 | ||
+ | |||
+ | (myCNC software will open g-code file defined by command " | ||
+ | |||
+ | If " | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | {avsplayer videoid=1} | ||
+ | |||
+ | 2)Command " | ||
+ | |||
+ | For some applications " | ||
+ | |||
+ | When running " | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Example: | ||
+ | |||
+ | SetScale++ 2.75 | ||
+ | |||
+ | SetRotationAngle++ 1.77 | ||
+ | ++++ | ||
+ | |||
+ |
faq.1578335756.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/01/06 13:35 by ivan