Dos vs Windows issue

[donek]

Yes. I am running a dinosaur PR on the DOS software as well as a PRS on Windows. I frequently run files with a 2D offset. In the DOS software, the machine retains the settings like offsets if you run the file consecutively. The windows software, however, requires that you re-enter the offsets each time you run the part. Unfortunately, you can't teach the old dog new tricks. I have destroyed several expensive cutters and parts because I forget to re-enter the 2D offset on the new machine. Is there a setting in the Windows software that will get it to retain the values in the fill-in screen when running the same file consecutively?

[adrianm]

There's a couple of ways. On the fill-in sheet there ishould be a button on the bottom left that recalls the last used settings.

Also when you run the file the full command including the offsets is written to the previous (history) window at the bottom of the main window. Double clicking the relevant FP line will rerun the file.

Of course the above assumes that whatever version of the software you're running has thoses features. All the ones I've used do.

[garyc]

Sean...
You can use a custom or master file to call up your fixture file. The file can be run with a 2d offset.

1) Set this up by recording the FR..... command with the 2d parameters or..

2) Highlight your previously cut file..... click replay or....

3) Make up a master file and use the temp offset command... (VO)

VO,1, &x_offset, &y_offset
FP, [your partfile name]

More info on your preferred method is available in the programming handbook

[srwtlc]

The 'Recall last' button on the fill-in sheet doesn't work for the last offset choice.

You could also make a work offset system to set, go to, and work from various locations as needed. A bit more complicated, but handy once in place.

Just do a Z2 at that location and run normally. When done, do a ST and set it back to table base coordinates.

If it's many parts done in 2D offset across the table, then a master file as Gary stated is best.

There is a way to tweak the offset list to have 2d be the default, but then that will get you into trouble if you don't want to run in 2d offset.

[adrianm]

The 'Recall last' button on the fill-in sheet doesn't work for the last offset choice.
Seems to on my system running 3.6.44

[donchandler]

Sean,
I know what you mean. I am running DOS on my old PR machine and Windows on my PRT.Alpha
There are a few things I like about the windows program, but there are a whole bunch of things I don't like. My operators in the shop will always run the PR machine instead of the PRT if they have a choice.

[donek]

There's a couple of ways. On the fill-in sheet there ishould be a button on the bottom left that recalls the last used settings.

Also when you run the file the full command including the offsets is written to the previous (history) window at the bottom of the main window. Double clicking the relevant FP line will rerun the file.

Of course the above assumes that whatever version of the software you're running has thoses features. All the ones I've used do.

The replay button is pretty cool. Haven't checked the actual machine, but the version on my office computer does not recall the last offset settings. Both operations come down to a different procedure than is run on the other machine. It can be difficult to remember all the fussy differences between the two machines.


Sean...
You can use a custom or master file to call up your fixture file. The file can be run with a 2d offset.

1) Set this up by recording the FR..... command with the 2d parameters or..

2) Highlight your previously cut file..... click replay or....

3) Make up a master file and use the temp offset command... (VO)

VO,1, &x_offset, &y_offset
FP, [your partfile name]

More info on your preferred method is available in the programming handbook

Ultimately I will call the part files from another file. When I prototype small parts, I always place the part so the origin is at the lower left corner. This makes it easy to program a set of loops to cut the parts in an array across a large piece of material. When I'm prototyping (what I'm doing now) I will position the machine over a portion of material that can fit the part and run the file. With the Windows software, I am forced to execute the extra steps to ensure my part is cut from the portion of the material I want. It's tough to get out of habits formed over 13 years of using the old machine.



Sean,
I know what you mean. I am running DOS on my old PR machine and Windows on my PRT.Alpha
There are a few things I like about the windows program, but there are a whole bunch of things I don't like. My operators in the shop will always run the PR machine instead of the PRT if they have a choice.

I'm similar. The old machine is so familiar. Whenever I sit down to the new machine I have to force myself not to use the keyboard. I really like the new machine, but am struggling with the transition to the windows software. I hope my operator doesn't have the same issues when we begin production and he has to use both machines.

[garyc]

Sean...
Hook up that 4G box you have under the shelf on the "old girl" and put both machines on the same software!!! :D:D

(and be careful who you let in your shop!)

[donek]

Sean...
Hook up that 4G box you have under the shelf on the "old girl" and put both machines on the same software!!! :D:D

(and be careful who you let in your shop!)

My guess is that will happen. It's probably the path of least resistance on getting a 2nd z-axis on that machine as well. I just don't know if the motors I have on hand for the cnc edge bender I'm planning to build can be driven by the old box.