MachPro Advanced Configuration

MachPro 26 CNC Software Roadmap

MachPro is used for multiple machine types. Some of this documentation will be useful for all machine types, and some is only for certain machine types. Much of the software is already configured with values that that work well for most people. There are some portions of the software that will be most useful if you have additional details.

Modify the tool table

Open the Tool Table

• • Go to the menu and click View → Tool Tables.

  • The tool table window will open.

Open the Tool Table Editor

• In the tool table window, click Edit → Table Fields.

Add the X and Y Offset Fields

• Click the Optional Field tab.

• Find the field name XOffset, select it, and click Move Pri.

• Do the same for YOffset.

• Click OK to save.

• You should now see X and Y offset columns in your tool table.

Set the Master Tool

• Choose one tool to be your master tool.

Measure and Enter Offsets

• For each other tool, measure the distance from the master tool in both X and Y directions.

• Enter those distances into the XOffset and YOffset fields for each tool.

Tool Spindle Rotation Options

Open the Tool Table

• Click View → Tool Tables.

Open the Tool Table Editor

• Click Edit → Table Fields.

Add a User Field for Spindle Options

• Click the User Field tab.

• Click Add.

• Set up the new field exactly as shown in the example image.

• Click OK when done.

View and Use the User Field

• Click View → User Fields.

• The new user field will now appear for each tool.

Set Rotation for Each Tool

• For every tool, choose the correct spindle rotation option.

• Example: For a probe tool, select No Rotation.

• When you select a tool with “No Rotation,” you cannot turn on the spindle.

• If you try, you will see an alarm message instead.

Tool Setters

Open the Calibrate Tool Setters window. Found on the Tools tab.

Creating a Manual Tool Setter

Mapping the input to a software signal

Pull down Configure -> Control and select the Input Signals tab.

Some signals are pre-configured when MachPro is installed. 

Tool Setter Limit (Over Travel) maybe be mapped to Input #6

Tool Setter Input may be mapped to Probe1. 

GoTo Position

• If the tool setter is permanently mounted, then define a GoTo Position so the spindle can safely move to the tool setter before touch-off.

• This ensures a consistent and safe approach, reducing the risk of collisions.

1. Add or Edit a tool setter

• In the Tool Setter tab, click Add New to create a new tool setter.

• Enter a unique name for the tool setter.

• Select the new tool setter from the list to display its settings on the right side.

2. Setter Type

• Under Setter Type, select Manual.

3. Tool Setter Height

• This is used with randomly placed tool setters to determine the Z fixture offset. If you have a fixed position tool setter, leave this value at 0.0

• Measure the physical height of the tool setter.

• Enter the measured value in the Tool Setter Height field.

4. Z Position

• For a fixed positionsetter:

  • Use the Z Position Wizard to determine the machine coordinate for the top surface of the setter.

  • Once set correctly, this value should not be changed.

• If the setter is mounted outside the soft limits, enable Disable Softlimits.

• Once the Z position and height are calibrated, the system will automatically use these values for all tool length offset calculations.

Randomly placed tool setter

Creating an Auto Tool Setter

Click on the Tools tab at the bottom of the MachPro screen, then on the Tool Setters button in the middle of the left side of the screen. 

Align Tool Edge to Center of Tool Setter

This feature positions the edge of the tool precisely at the center of the tool setter, ensuring accurate alignment and consistent measurement results.

Pull down Configure -> Control and select the Settings Tab. Scroll down to the Measurements and Offsets section.

1. Set Tool Setter Align Tool Edge To Setter to Yes.

2. Configure the Tool Setter Align Tool Edge Offset parameter.

   • Choose between Tool Radius or Tool Setter Offset as the source for the offset used to align the tool edge to the center of the setter.

3. Select whether to Align (X or Y) Axis to Setter to define which way the tool moves when aligning the edge to the center of the setter.

4. Close the Settings menu
5. If you selected Tool Setter Offset, then open the Tool Table and click the Edit option
6. Select the User Fields tab
7. Select the Tool Setter Offset field, and use the movement buttons to place the field where you want within the User Fields
8. Close the Tool Table Editor
9. Select View and select User Fields 

Additional Settings

The measuring and offsets settings in MachPro Control may provide helpful access to these settings. Pull down Configure -> Control and select the Settings Tab and scroll down to the Measuring and Offsets portion.

Tool Changer Setup

Winerack Style Tool Changer Overview

The MachMotion plugin supports a wine-rack tool changing system.
It combines user-defined rack positions with a pre-programmed tool-change sequence to run a reliable tool-change routine.
The plugin includes common safety checks.

Wine-rack tool changer: a fixed array of tool holders arranged in a rack.
Tool-change sequence: predefined machine motions that pick up or return a tool.

Configure the Correct Orientation

The tool rack must be parallel to either the X-axis or the Y-axis.
The plugin works with both orientations.

1. Determine which axis the rack is parallel to (X or Y).

2. Open: C:\Mach\Profiles\Router\ToolTables.

3. Keep the file that matches your rack orientation.

4. Create an archive folder and move the other tool changer files to the archive folder. (this is not necessary but does keep things cleaner)

Select the remaining tool changer config file. it should open in libre office,

If you get this error, macros are not enabled. Follow the procedure below:

Enable Macros

In LibreOffice pull down Tools->Options->LibreOffice->Security. 

Press the Macro Security button. Set security to Medium. 

Restart LibreOffice. When it opens up press Enable Macros. 

To confirm macros are working, when you save the file you should see this dialog and "ToolChangerData.csv" should appear or update in C:\Mach\Profiles\[PROFILE]\ToolTables.

Example: Wine-Rack Tool Changer Parallel to X

When the rack is parallel to the X-axis, use the Tool Changer X Parallel to Rack.ods file.

1. Open C:\Mach\Profiles\Router\ToolTables.

2. Keep Tool Changer X Parallel to Rack.ods.

3. Move the other tool changer files to an Archive folder.

4. Archiving is optional. It keeps the folder clean.

Edit the file with LibreOffice. In the file, there is a graphic detailing the sequence and positions. 

Keep in mind, all positions are absolute and must be machine coordinate(G53) values, not work offsets. the DRO will be orange when displaying machine coordinates.

Configure the values in the Description section before editing any other parameters. The default settings are placeholders only.
Using them without adjustment can cause incorrect movements or machine crashes.

Setting Tool Pocket Positions

1. Carefully position the tool in each pocket holder.

2. Record the machine coordinate (G53) position for that pocket.

3. Enter each recorded value into the corresponding tool pocket field.

⚠️ Important: Set each pocket position individually.
Do not copy values between pockets.
Even small physical differences can cause broken tool forks.

Pro Tip: don't set these up with a tool in the spindle, it is more accurate to put a tool into the tool fork, open the drawbar, and then jog the spindle onto the tool very carefully while watching the gap between the tool taper and the spindle taper and adjusting as needed.

• Setting a pocket position to “Nil”  will disable that pocket.

• The number of active pocket positions must not exceed the number of physical pockets in the rack.

"Z Pocket (Step 3)"  is the tool drop off and pick up height. this should have the tool grooves centered in the forks. If you have ISO tooling then it should work fine. 

If you have HSK tooling  you will probably find that the tool is picked up more easily if you set the clamp position to be a little lower than the pocket position, you'll want the spindle to be pushing down on the tool slightly. this makes your tool changes more reliable by cutting done on drawbar faults mid tool change. but this creates a problem for drop offs since it will come in little low on the forks. we can solve this by going to "ToolChangerData" tab of the spreadsheet.

This shows you all the raw tool changer positions, these get auto filled from the "configuration" page, 

"ZPocketClamp" is the pickup height

"ZPocket" is the drop off height

Adjust the "ZPocketClamp" to be 0.020" or so lower than the drop off. you want some slight down pressure to fully seat the tool into the spindle nose.

After entering any positions you must save the document and the CSV conversion macro must run. You will see this dialog if it is successful in updating the settings:

All positions are exported to a .CSV file at that point. If the macro does not run when you save the file, the changed positions will not have any effect. 

MachPro Settings configuration for winerack tool changers

To operate the tool changer it must be enabled in the MachPro settings. 

Pull down Configure -> Control and select the Settings tab

Click the Predefined Filters button for Tool Change. 

The first group of settings should match this. The number of pockets will vary from machine to machine. 

Next you must decide if you want the tool changer to be outside softlimits in the active axis, if yes set "Disable softlimits" to Yes.

This means that the Y softlimits should stop the machine before the spindle reaches the winerack, this protects against crashes if an improper program is loaded. it can cause a little more headache if you get an error mid toolchange. it also means that the Y end position in the spreadsheet should be set to end the tool change back within the softlimit envelope. the yellow line below shows about where the Y softlimit should be in this case.

The next step is the signal mapping for Drawbar, airpurge, etc. there are available settings for 4 spindles. we are going to just use spindle 1 and tool changer 1 for standard single spindle machines.

the general idea is to map what you have and leave everything else blank, use Mach input and output signals, not direct I/O points. this forces everything through mach's logging which improves future troubleshooting

On a winerack tool changer you will probably only have I/O for the drawbar and maybe a dust shroud.

Here are the drawbar settings as an example.

Drawbar clamp output should be mapped to the solenoid that closes the drawbar (most machines rely on a spring stack to lock the tool, this is rarely used)

Drawbar clamped input should be mapped to the input that senses when the drawbar is retracted, usually this is "closed without tool" 

Drawbar input settle time is really handy for timing, settle times are used to delay the next action in the tool change sequence, usually the output fires, then we wait for the associated input to come high, then we advance to the next thing. either the next output or a motion command. if no input is mapped the sequence will advance immediately after firing the output. 

it goes like this. Output1->Input1->settle timer->Motion->Output2->input2->settle timer   and so on.

Settle timers are nice if you want to wait a bit after the input goes high before advancing, or if you have no input available you can use it to wait long enough for the pneumatic action to take place before doing the next thing.

Drawbar unclamp Output should be mapped to the solenoid that opens the drawbar to release the tool virtually every machine will have this.

drawbar unclamp input should be mapped to the input that tells us that the drawbar is open and the tool can drop free. 

Most winerack machines will be using these sections.

The tool release input should be mapped to a tool release button if you have one this will allow you open the drawbar manually to take tools in and out without using the tool changer. if you don't have a button then usually the F1 key on the pendant is a good option.

Pro Tip: all tool changes happen at Rapid so before testing your first tool change lower your rapid override so you have more reaction time in case something is configured incorrectly. 

Carousel Style Tool Changer

The MachMotion control has built-in support for Carousel Tool Changers. It works by taking user defined positions and a pre-programmed tool changing sequence and combining them into a tool change routine. Common place safety checks are built in. 

The tool changer will work with the tool changer parallel to X or Y. 

The user should determine which axis the carousel is parallel to and then delete the non-applicable files located in: C:\Mach4\Profiles\Router\ToolTables

Tool Changer X Parallel to Rotary Carousel.ods
Tool Changer Y Parallel to 2 Carousels 1 Spindle.ods
Tool Changer Y Parallel to Rotary Carousel.ods

Enable Macros

If you get this error, macros are not enabled. Follow the procedure below:

In LibreOffice pull down Tools->Options->LibreOffice->Security. 

Press the Macro Security button. Set security to Medium. 

Restart LibreOffice. When it opens up press Enable Macros. 

To confirm macros are working, when you save the file you should see this dialog and "ToolChangerData.csv" should appear or update in C:\Mach\Profiles\[PROFILE]\ToolTables.

Tool Changer Setup

Carousel tool changer example with Tool changer Carousel parallel to X shown below.  In this case, you would use the Tool Changer X Parallel to Rotary Carousel.ods file and delete the unused Tool Changer files. The system will run even if the unused files are present, but it will be easier to make future modifications to the configuration without them. 

Edit the file with LibreOffice. In the file, there is a graphic detailing the sequence and positions. 

Keep in mind, all positions are absolute and must be machine coordinate(G53) values, not work offsets.

Configure the values in the Description section before editing any other parameters. The default settings are placeholders only.
Using them without adjustment can cause incorrect movements or machine crashes.

Set Tool Pocket Positions

1. Carefully position the tool in each pocket holder.

2. Record the machine coordinate (G53) position for that pocket.

3. Enter each recorded value into the corresponding tool pocket field.

⚠️ Important: Set each pocket position individually.
Do not copy values between pockets.
Even small physical differences can cause large alignment errors.

Pro Tip: don't set these up with a tool in the spindle, it is more accurate to put a tool into the tool fork, open the drawbar, and then jog the spindle onto the tool very carefully while watching the gap between the tool taper and the spindle taper and adjusting as needed.

• Setting a pocket position to “Nil” will disable that pocket.

• The number of active pocket positions must not exceed the number of physical pockets in the carousel.

"Z Pocket (Step 3)"  is the tool drop off height. this should have the tool grooves centered in the forks. If you have ISO tooling then it should work fine. 

"Z Pocket Clamp (Step 6)" Is the tool pick up height. If you have HSK style tooling you will probably find that the tool is picked up more easily if you set the clamp position to be a little lower than the pocket position, you'll want the spindle to be pushing down on the tool slightly (about 0.02" or so) as the drawbar clamps, this makes your tool changes more reliable by cutting done on drawbar faults mid tool change.

All these entries will autofill the configuration tab which in turn get exported upon save to a CSV which the tool change program uses.

This shows you all the raw tool changer positions, this is where you can modify data for custom applications before saving.

After entering any positions, you must save the document, and the CSV conversion macro must run. You will see this dialog if it is successful in updating the settings:

All positions are exported to a . CSV file at that point. If the macro does not run when you save the file, the changed positions will not have any effect. 

MachPro Settings configuration for winerack tool changers

To operate the tool changer it must be enabled in the MachPro settings. 

Pull down Configure -> Control and select the Settings tab

Click the Predefined Filters button for Tool Change. 

The first group of settings should match this. The number of pockets will vary from machine to machine. 

Next you must decide if you want the tool changer to be outside softlimits in the active axis, if yes set "Disable softlimits" to Yes.

This means that the X softlimits should stop the machine before the spindle reaches the carousel, this protects against crashes if an improper program is loaded. it can cause a little more headache if you get an error mid toolchange. it also means that the X end position in the spreadsheet should be set to end the tool change back within the softlimit envelope. the yellow line below shows about where the X softlimit should be in this case.

The next step is the signal mapping for Drawbar, airpurge, etc. there are available settings for 4 spindles. we are going to just use spindle 1 and tool changer 1 for standard single spindle machines.

the general idea is to map what you have and leave everything else blank, use Mach input and output signals, not direct I/O points. this forces everything through mach's logging which improves future troubleshooting

On a Carousel tool changer you will probably have I/O for the drawbar, carousel and maybe a dust shroud.

Here are the drawbar settings as an example.

Drawbar clamp output should be mapped to the solenoid that closes the drawbar (most machines rely on a spring stack to lock the tool, this is rarely used)

Drawbar clamped input should be mapped to the input that senses when the drawbar is retracted, usually this is "closed without tool" 

Drawbar input settle time is really handy for timing, settle times are used to delay the next action in the tool change sequence, usually the output fires, then we wait for the associated input to come high, then we advance to the next thing. either the next output or a motion command. if no input is mapped the sequence will advance immediately after firing the output. 

it goes like this. Output1->Input1->settle timer->Motion->Output2->input2->settle timer   and so on.

Settle timers are nice if you want to wait a bit after the input goes high before advancing, or if you have no input available you can use it to wait long enough for the pneumatic action to take place before doing the next thing.

Drawbar unclamp Output should be mapped to the solenoid that opens the drawbar to release the tool virtually every machine will have this.

drawbar unclamp input should be mapped to the input that tells us that the drawbar is open and the tool can drop free. 

Most Carousel machines will be using these sections.

If you have a carousel that moves on an air cylinder then use the section below, in yellow are the commonly used settings.

The tool release input should be mapped to a tool release button if you have one this will allow you open the drawbar manually to take tools in and out without using the tool changer. if you don't have a button then usually the F1 key on the pendant is a good option.

Pro Tip: all tool changes happen at Rapid so before testing your first tool change lower your rapid override so you have more reaction time in case something is configured incorrectly. 

Auto Tool Changer Manual Override

Auto Tool Changer Manual Override is used when you have a tool that doesn't fit in the tool changer magazine and needs to be manually loaded and unloaded from the spindle.

Enable User Fields in the Tool Table

1. Edit Configure -> Settings
2. FIlter for Tool Changer and then set the Tool Changer Method to Auto  

   

3. Open the tool table
4. Under the View menu, select User Fields and the Tool Changer Override column will be displayed.

This column will only be enabled if the Tool Changer Method is set to Auto

Your options are to leave it blank, or select None (no override) or select Manual  for tools that you will be manually loading into the spindle.

Operation

When executing a Tool Changer Override the Tool Change sequence is a bit of a hybrid between a Auto Tool Change and a Manual Tool Change sequence.

If the Spindle is loaded with a Tool from the Tool Magazine it will drop off that tool into the magazine and then move to the Manual Tool Change location and wait for the operator to manually load the tool into the spindle.  The operator will need to open and close the draw bar using the Tool Release Button.

When the Tool needs to be manually loaded this is the dialog that will appear.

If the Spindle is loaded with a Tool that is configured for Manual this dialog will appear.  The operator will need to open and close the draw bar using the Tool Release Button to remove the tool from the spindle.

When the Tool needs to be manually Unloaded this is the dialog that will appear.

When the Tool needs to be manually Unloaded and then the new tool manually loaded this is the dialog that will appear.

Configure the Location for Manual Tool Changes

Configure a "GoTo Position" for the location you want the machine to move to when the operator loads and unloads the tool into the spindle.

Follow this link for more information on how to setup GoTo Positions.

Make sure the check box named "Use as Tool Change position (P1)" is checked.

Configure the Highest allowed Tool Number

Go to Configure>Control>Tools

Change the "Max Tools" value to whatever your highest tool number.

Add New Tool Range

It is possible to Override a tool that is mapped to a Tool Pocket, but this would waste that Tool Pocket because the machine will never try to use it.

The advised way of using this feature would be to modify the ToolInfo.lua and setup an additional group/range of tools that are not assigned to Tool Pockets.

Open the following file in Notepad ++ "C:\Mach4\Profiles\"Your Profile Name"\ToolTables\ToolInfo.Lua"

Default Configuration:

----- Tool Configuration Info ----- 
-- Global Variables --
-- Production needs to configure these variables before shipping
TOOL_NAMES = {
	{["Name"] = "Spindle Empty", ["Start"] = 0, ["End"] = 0, ["UseToolPocket"] = 1},
	{["Name"] = "Spindle (1)", ["Start"] = 1, ["End"] = 99, ["UseToolPocket"] = 1},
	{["Name"] = "Spindle (2)", ["Start"] = 100, ["End"] = 100, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Spindle (3)", ["Start"] = 999, ["End"] = 999, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Spindle (4)", ["Start"] = 999, ["End"] = 999, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Saw (1)", ["Start"] = 999, ["End"] = 999, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Saw (2)", ["Start"] = 999, ["End"] = 999, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Drill Bank (1)", ["Start"] = 999, ["End"] = 999, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Drill Bank (2)", ["Start"] = 999, ["End"] = 999, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Laser", ["Start"] = 250, ["End"] = 250, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0}
}

New row added with a range of Tool numbers starting from Tool #100 to Tool #199 with the option "UseToolPocket" set to 0.

----- Tool Configuration Info ----- 
-- Global Variables --
-- Production needs to configure these variables before shipping
TOOL_NAMES = {
	{["Name"] = "Spindle Empty", ["Start"] = 0, ["End"] = 0, ["UseToolPocket"] = 1},
	{["Name"] = "Spindle (1)", ["Start"] = 1, ["End"] = 99, ["UseToolPocket"] = 1},
    {["Name"] = "Spindle (1) Manual", ["Start"] = 100, ["End"] = 199, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Spindle (2)", ["Start"] = 100, ["End"] = 100, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Spindle (3)", ["Start"] = 999, ["End"] = 999, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Spindle (4)", ["Start"] = 999, ["End"] = 999, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Saw (1)", ["Start"] = 999, ["End"] = 999, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Saw (2)", ["Start"] = 999, ["End"] = 999, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Drill Bank (1)", ["Start"] = 999, ["End"] = 999, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Drill Bank (2)", ["Start"] = 999, ["End"] = 999, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},
	{["Name"] = "Laser", ["Start"] = 250, ["End"] = 250, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0}
}

This is the line that was added:

{["Name"] = "Spindle (1) Manual", ["Start"] = 100, ["End"] = 199, ["UseToolPocket"] = 0},

Now you should be configured to allow Tool calls using M6 T100 - M6 T199 for manual Tool Changes.

Global Monitoring System (GMS)

Configure the Global Monitoring System

Global Monitoring is used to setup user alerts or messages as well as to control I/O functionality based on certain conditions. The system allows the machine to watch for specified conditions, and take action when those conditions are met.

To set up the Global Monitoring System go to Configuration -> Plugins -> Global Monitoring System.

Working with configured monitors

The monitoring system provides five main functions for managing monitors: Create, Delete, Duplicate, Import, and Export. 1. Create a Monitor Press the green plus (+) button. A new, unnamed alarm monitor is added to the list. The new monitor is automatically selected for editing. 2. Delete a Monitor Select the monitor you want to remove. Press the red X button. The selected monitor is deleted from the list. The system automatically selects the next monitor in the list. 3. Duplicate a Monitor Select the monitor to be duplicated. Press the two-paper icon button. A new monitor is created with all settings copied from the selected one. The duplicate appears in the list, ready for editing. 4. Import Monitors Press the downward arrow button. Select the INI file containing the monitors to import. Imported monitors are added to the list. If a monitor with the same name already exists, the system asks whether to overwrite it. 5. Export Monitors Press the upward arrow button. Choose which monitors to export. Specify a file location to save them. The selected monitors are saved to an INI file for backup or transfer. Active Monitor The monitor selected in the leftmost list is the one currently active for editing. All changes apply to the monitor highlighted in this list.

Configure Monitor Class

The monitoring system can initiate four classes of actions: Alarm, Warning, Notice, and Process.
Each class defines how the system responds to detected conditions.

1. Alarm

• Used for emergency conditions.

• Can take immediate safety actions, such as:

  • Disabling the machine.

  • Stopping all motion.

• Requires operator intervention before restarting.

2. Warning

• Used for non-critical issues that still require attention.

• Can perform various automated actions.

• Prevents Cycle Start while active.

• Alerts the operator through a visible or audible signal.

3. Notice

• Used for informational messages only.

• Takes no automatic actions.

• Displays a message to the operator for awareness.

4. Process

• Used for background control actions.

• Has the same potential actions as a Warning,
  but does not alert the operator and does not block Cycle Start.

Tip: Use Alarm for safety-critical faults, Warning for operational issues, Notice for information, and Process for silent automation tasks.

Configure Monitor Actions

After selecting the Action Class, you can define the specific action the monitor performs when it becomes active.

Primary and Secondary Actions

• Each monitor has one primary action.

• Some actions allow a secondary action.

  • Example:

    • A Warning with Action: Escalate to Alarm can trigger a chosen Alarm action after a delay.

Action Timing

• The Action Timing field defines the delay (in milliseconds) between the first and second actions.

• Example:
  If Action Timing = 5000, the secondary action runs 5 seconds after the primary action.

Repeating Actions

• You can configure the monitor to repeat actions while it remains active.

• When enabled:

  1. The monitor executes the first action.

  2. Waits for the defined Action Timing period.

  3. Executes the second action (if configured).

  4. Repeats this cycle until the monitor condition is no longer active.

Tip: Use repeating actions for persistent conditions that require continuous alerts or repeated control signals.

Custom Monitor Actions

If the standard actions do not meet your needs, you can create custom actions for the Warning and Process classes. Enabling Custom Actions In the Action List, select Custom. Click the Customize button next to the action field. This button is only active when Custom is selected. A Custom Action Editor window will open. Building a Custom Action List In the Custom Action Editor, you can define a sequence of actions that occur when the monitor activates. Steps: Select an Action Type – Choose what kind of task the monitor will perform. Fill in Action Details – Provide required parameters or settings. Press Add Action – Adds the defined action to the custom action list. Managing the Action List Reorder actions: Select an item and use the up or down arrow buttons to change its order. Remove an action: Select it and press the red X button. The monitor will execute the actions in the listed order each time it is activated.

An item can be double-clicked on to be edited, and then you should press Update Action to save your changes.

Items will be resolved sequentially in the order they appear in the list, with no pauses in between items.

Monitor Details

Most monitors display an alert when their conditions are triggered. All alert information and related settings are managed in the Details section of the monitor configuration. Alert Information The Details section controls what information appears in the alert message when the monitor activates. You can edit titles, messages, and other displayed text from this section. Password Protection You can password-protect a monitor from the Details section. When enabled: The password is required to edit the monitor. The password is also required to clear the monitor after activation. Register Output The monitor can write its current status to a register. The register includes: Enabled/Disabled state. Idle/Active state. Use this to track monitor states through external systems or scripts. Script Execution If the selected action is Execute Script, configure the script in this section. Specify the script file name with the .mcs extension. Example: MonitorAlert.mcs Disabling a Monitor You can disable the entire monitor without deleting it. A disabled monitor will: Not check its conditions. Not perform any actions. Re-enable it later to restore normal operation.

Set Monitor Conditions

A monitor will do its configured action based on the conditions that are set for it. To edit these conditions, you will need to select the Edit Conditions button. The following window will be displayed.

Monitor conditions define when a monitor becomes active.
They are organized into sets and items, which together form the logical rules that trigger a monitor.

---

Structure Overview

• Sets: Groups that define the logical relationship between their items or subsets.

• Items: Individual conditions within a set.

• Subsets: Nested sets that allow complex logical combinations.

---

Set Types

Each set can be one of three logic types:

Tip: Most monitors only require a single AND set.

---

Adding Sets

1. Select the parent set where the new set should belong.

2. Choose the set type (AND, OR, or NOT) from the list.

3. Press Add Set.

This creates a new logic group inside the parent set.

---

Adding Items (Conditions)

1. Select an item type from the dropdown menu.

2. Fill in the condition details.

3. Press Add Condition to include it in the selected set.

Example: Machine Enabled Condition

To add a condition that requires the machine to be enabled:

1. Choose Condition Type: Signal.

2. Select Output Signals.

3. Choose Machine Enabled.

4. Press Add Condition.

---

Editing Sets and Conditions

• Edit a set:
  Double-click the set in the left-hand list, change the set type, then press Update.

• Edit a condition:
  Double-click the condition, modify the details, then press Update.

---

Saving Changes

• Press OK to save all modifications.

• Press Cancel to discard any unsaved changes.

Save All Changes

Pressing Save will save changes to all monitors and exit config. Pressing Cancel will discard all changes and exit config.

Common GMS Templates

See the attached ini files to download and import standard GMS functions. 

SpindleWarmupBackup.ini 

If you run a file when the spindle is not warmed up, it will warm up the spindle and then go ahead and run the file. As a safety feature, you can prevent a file from starting until spindle warmup is completed to avoid this issue. 

Diagnostics Window

The Global Monitoring System icon is on most screens, and will indicate if there is currently an alarm or warning active. If there are no alarms or warnings active, then the icon will be a green checkmark. If there is an alarm or warning active, it will flash a red and yellow error triangle. Clicking on the icon will open the diagnostics window.

     

The diagnostics window will show all configured monitors and their data. The condition tree will show the state of each condition by highlighting true conditions in green. A red condition means that the condition is incorrectly configured and cannot be checked.

Alarms and warnings must be cleared to operate the machine. Pressing Reset on the operator panel will clear alarms. They can also be cleared in the diagnostics be clicking Clear All. Resetting a monitor will transition the monitor back to the idle state and reset the timers on all conditions. If the conditions on a monitor are still true, then the monitor will activate again immediately.

A monitor can be temporarily disabled here. The monitor will continue to check it's conditions and change states, but will not take any actions when it transitions out of the idle state. The monitor will re-enable itself when it transitions back to idle state or when the operator enables it again.

View and Modify MachPro Settings

Pull down Configure -> Control and select the settings tab at the far right.

Now you can view and edit any of the Settings.  Use the Predefined Filters or enter your own search terms in the Filter box. 

The Settings tab options are listed below. Many of the settings are defined per axis or motor. If the settings are the same for all instances, then they will only be described one time.

Level 1 Category	Level 2 Category	Description	Constraints	Default Value	Units
Absolute Encoders	Enabled	Absolute Encoders HiCON Enabled		No
	Motor	Absolute Encoder Enabled Motor		No
		Encoder Counts Per Rev Motor		16384
		Origin Offset Counts Motor		0
Preferences	Backup	Backup Location		C:\\MachMotion Backup
		Automatically Backup Files		Yes
		Automatic Backup Interval	min:0, max:365	10	Days
		Retain Backup Count	min:0, max:1000	10
		Automatically Backup Application		Yes
		Automatic Application Backup Interval	min:0, max:730	10	Days
		Retain Application Backup Count	min:0, max:1000	5
Preferences	Screen	Blended Velocity Averaging	min:0, max:20	5
		Hide the Title Bar in Mach4GUI		No
		Retain Mach Override Values On Shutdown		No
Preferences	Software	Block Delete Levels Enabled	Level 0, Levels 0-9	Level 0
		Enable OEM Gcode Subs		No
Preferences	Dialogs	Enable Confirmation Dialogs	Yes/No	Yes
		Warning Message Timeout	min:0, max:1000	3	Seconds
Preferences	GCAdapter	Enable GCAdapter		No
Preferences	End Of Program	End Of Program Output (M30)
		End Of Program Output Time On (> 0)		0	Seconds
		GCode File Repeat Enabled		No
Preferences	File Resume	File Resume Mode	Advanced, Simplifed	Advanced
		File Resume XY Reposition Feedrate		250
		File Resume Z Reposition Feedrate		100
Preferences	GCode	Path To GCode Shortcut 1
		Path To GCode Shortcut 2
		Path To GCode Shortcut 3
Preferences	Debugging	Enable Debugging		No
		Start Logging On Screen Load		No
		Save Session Log		No
		Control LoadAllModules Behavior		0
Preferences	Limit Switch	Limit Switch Alarm Enabled		Yes
Preferences	Tool Path	ToolPath File Limits Mode	Part Coordinates, Machine Coordinates	Part Coordinates
		Auto Regen ToolPath		No
		ToolPath Zoom Limit Max	min:1, max:100000	1000
		ToolPath Zoom Limit Min	min:0, max:1	0
		ToolPath Show Machine Boundaries		Yes
Preferences	Limit Override	Disable Limit Override when limits cleared		Yes
Preferences	Watchdog	Start Delay	min:0, max:300	120	Seconds
		Error Threshold	min:0, max:60000	10000	Milliseconds
		Start Delay (Low Priority)	min:0, max:300	180	Seconds
		Error Threshold (Low Priority)	min:0, max:60000	30000	Milliseconds
		Watchdog Interval	min:500, max:60000	500	Milliseconds
ArcPro	Anti-Dive	Anti-Dive Feedrate (FR)	min:0, max:100	%	50
	Anti-Dive	Anti-Dive Tip Voltage Operating Range	min:0, max:100	%	50
	Anti-Dive	Anti-Dive Tip Voltage Recovery Range	min:0, max:100	%	50
Softlimits	Startup	Auto Enable SoftLimits	No, Homing, Startup	Homing
Measuring and Offsets	Measuring and Offsets	Edge Finder Diameter	min:0, max:100000	0	Units
		Auto Enable Tool Length Offset		Yes
		Enable Tool Length Verify		No
		Tool Length Verify Mode	Verify Length, Verify Difference	Verify Length
Measuring and Offsets	Auto Tool Setter	Tool Setter Approach Speed	min:0, max:100000	100	Units/Min
		Tool Setter Touch-Off Speed	min:0, max:100000	10	Units/Min
		Tool Setter Back-Off Distance	min:0, max:100000	0.1	Units
		Tool Setter Clearance Height	min:0, max:100000	1	Units
		Tool Setter Touch-Off Cycles	One Touch, Average Three Touches	One Touch
		Tool Setter Disable SoftLimits		No
		Tool Setter Align Tool Edge To Setter		No
		Tool Setter Align Tool Edge Offset	Tool Radius, Tool Setter Offset	Tool Radius
		Tool Setter Align (X or Y) Axis To Setter	X Positive, X Negative, Y Positive, Y Negative	X Positive
		Tool Setter Enable Output Selection
		Tool Setter Error Input Selection
		Tool Setter Probe Position Source	Minimum Soft Limit, Tool Setter Probe Position	Minimum Soft Limit
		Tool Setter Probe Position		0	Units
Measuring and Offsets	Probing	Probe Enable Output Selection
		Probe Error Input Selection
Measuring and Offsets	Measuring and Offsets (Screen V1)	Tool Setter Type (V1 Screen)	Manual, Auto	Manual
Measuring and Offsets	Tool Specific Soft Limits	Tool Specific Soft Limits Enabled		No
Shape Cutting	Cut Recovery	Cut Recovery Re-Position Axis Selection	0-5	Axis IDs
Shape Cutting	General	Enabled Rip Cut Directions	4, 8		8
	General	Enabled Jogging Directions	4, 8		8
	General	Show Machine Boundaries			No
	General	Jog Follow Mode			No
	General	On Path Tolerance	min:0.0, max:99999.0	Inch/MM	0.001
	General	Breakaway Input			IO$HiCON$P11 Input 2
Shape Cutting	Machine Options	Plasma Style	Not Used, Servo Height Control, Roller Head
	Machine Options	Oxy Fuel Type	Not Used, Servo Height Control, Manual Height Control
	Machine Options	Marker Type	Not Used, Plate Marker
	Machine Options	Drill Type	Not Used, Automatic Drill, Servo Drill
Shape Cutting	Plasma	THC Disable Output			IO$HiCON$P11 Output 6
	Plasma	Plasma Flame Off Output			IO$HiCON$P11 Output 7
	Plasma	Plasma Error Input			IO$HiCON$P11 Input 1
	Plasma	Vent Output
	Plasma	Lost Arc Tolerance	min:0.1, max:1000.0		0.5
Shape Cutting	Plasma Roller Head	Plasma Roller Head Down Time Delay	min:0.0, max:10000.0	ms	1000
	Plasma Roller Head	Plasma Roller Head Torch Output			IO$HiCON$P11 Output 3
	Plasma Roller Head	Plasma Roller Head Down Output			IO$HiCON$P11 Output 4
	Plasma Roller Head	Plasma Roller Head Arc OK Input			IO$HiCON$P11 Input 3
Shape Cutting	Oxy Fuel	Oxy Fuel Allow Movement On Pierce			No
	Oxy Fuel	Oxy Fuel Heads	1,2,3,4		4
	Oxy Fuel	Auto Ignition		ms/unit	No
	Oxy Fuel	Auto Ignition Time	min:0.0, max:10000.0		500
	Oxy Fuel	Oxy MilliSeconds Per Unit	min:0.0, max:10000.0	ms/unit	100
	Oxy Fuel	Oxy Enable 1 Output			OutputSignal$1060
	Oxy Fuel	Oxy 1 Up Output			OutputSignal$1061
	Oxy Fuel	Oxy 1 Down Output			OutputSignal$1062
	Oxy Fuel	Ignition Relay Output	`		OutputSignal$1066
	Oxy Fuel	Oxy Ignition Output			OutputSignal$1067
	Oxy Fuel	Cutting Gas Output			OutputSignal$1068
	Oxy Fuel	Preheat Oxy Output			OutputSignal$1069
	Oxy Fuel	Cutting Oxy 1 Output			OutputSignal$1070
Shape Cutting	Plate Marker	Plate Marker Output			IO$HiCON$P11 Output 0
Shape Cutting	Drill	Drill Use Coolant			Yes
	Drill	Drill Up Output			IO$HiCON$P11 Output 1
	Drill	Drill Down Output			IO$HiCON$P11 Output 2
	Drill	Drill Up Input
	Drill	Drill Foot Down Output
Shape Cutting	Laser	Laser Output
Machine	Startup	Auto Load Last Gcode		No
		Enable and Home Startup Dialog		Yes
Machine	Enable	Hardware Enable Time Out	min:100, max:30000	5000	Milliseconds
		Hardware Enable
		Drive Enable
		Drive Enable Delay	min:0, max:2000	500	Milliseconds
		Automatically Configure Enable Parameters		Yes
		Turn Off Enable Signals Upon Disable	No, "Drive Enable", "Drive & Hardware Enable"	Drive & Hardware Enable
Machine	Soft Limits	Cycle Start Soft Limit Recovery		No
Machine	Stop	Ignore Auxillary Buttons On Stop	min:1, max:6		Auxiliary Button #
		Ignore Outputs On Stop	min:1, max:63		Output Signal #
Machine	Disable	Ignore Outputs On Disable	min:1, max:63		Output Signal #
		Ignore Outputs On Emergency Stop	min:1, max:63		Output Signal #
Machine	Jogging	Inhibit Jogging When Not Homed		No
Jogging	Axes	A/U Axis Rotary	min:0,max:1	0
		B/V Axis Rotary	min:0,max:1	0
		C/W Axis Rotary	min:0,max:1	0
		OB(1) Axis Rotary	min:0,max:1	0
		OB(2) Axis Rotary	min:0,max:1	0
		OB(3) Axis Rotary	min:0,max:1	0
		OB(4) Axis Rotary	min:0,max:1	0
		OB(5) Axis Rotary	min:0,max:1	0
		OB(6) Axis Rotary	min:0,max:1	0
Jogging	Jogging	Incremental Jog Acceleration	min:1, max:100	10	%
		Max Incremental Jog Velocity %	min:1, max:100	100	%
		Continuous Jog Acceleration	min:1, max:100	100	%
		External Jog Acceleration	min:1, max:100	100	%
		External Jog Rate	min:1, max:100	100	%
		External Jog Increment	min:.0001,max:100,precision:4	0.001	units
		Jog Increment X1 for Rotary Axes	min:0,max:1000	0.01	units
		Jog Increment X10 for Rotary Axes	min:0,max:1000	0.1	units
		Jog Increment X100 for Rotary Axes	min:0,max:1000	1	units
		Jog Increment X1000 for Rotary Axes	min:0,max:1000	10	units
		Jog Increment X10000 for Rotary Axes	min:0,max:1000	100	units
Jogging	MPG	MPG Max Jog Velocity %	min:1, max:100	100
		MPG Counts per Detent	min:1, max:100	4
		MPG Jog Increment X1 Acceleration	min:1, max:100	1
		MPG Jog Increment X10 Acceleration	min:1, max:100	5
		MPG Jog Increment X100 Acceleration	min:1, max:100	50
Rotary Feedrate Mode	Axes	A Axis Rotary Feedrate Mode	Slave of XYZ, Constant Surface Speed	Slave of XYZ
		B Axis Rotary Feedrate Mode	Slave of XYZ, Constant Surface Speed	Slave of XYZ
		C Axis Rotary Feedrate Mode	Slave of XYZ, Constant Surface Speed	Slave of XYZ
Azure Label	Enabled	Azure Label Software Enabled		No
	Label	Default Label ID for Azure Label		0
	URL	URL for AzureAPI		http://localhost:42103/api/v1
Barcode	Scanner	Barcode Scanner Enabled		No
	Scanner	Barcode Scanner Com Port	COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4, COM5, COM6, COM7, COM8, COM9, COM10, COM11, COM12, COM13, COM14, COM15, COM16	COM1
		Barcode Scanner Mode	Load GCode Files, Generic Reader	Load GCode Files
		Barcode Scanner Use Selected Instance		Yes
Barcode	GCode	Barcode Scanner Load GCode Directory (When blank uses GCode Folder)
Modes	Constant Velocity	Whether or not to use CV/VB		Yes
		Path Error Tolerance	min:0, precision:5	0.0001
		Axes to include in CV/VB calculations (combinations of X Y and Z)	X; Y, X; Y; Z, , X; Z, X, Y, Z, Y; Z,	X;Y	Axis Letter
Modes	Interrupt	Interrupt Enabled		Yes
		Interrupt Retract Machine Position (G53)	min:0	0	Inch/MM
		Interrupt Fast Reposition Feedrate	min:0	25	Inch/MM
		Interrupt Slow Reposition Feedrate	min:0	0.25	Inch/MM
		Interrupt Backup Lines	min:0, max:500	2	Lines
		Interrupt Activate Pound Number	min:200, max:999	600
		Interrupt Clearance Position Pound Number	min:200, max:999	601
Modes	Manual Mode	Manual Mode Enabled		No
		Manual Mode Axis To Disable	min:1, max:63	63
Modes	Retract	Retract Enabled		No
		Retract GoTo Positions Enabled		No
		Retract Activate Pound Number	min:0, max:999	0
		Retract Entry GCode String
		Retract Subroutine Number	min:1, max:99999	8002
Tool Changer	Settings	Tool Change Method	Ignore, Manual, Auto	Manual
		Tool Change Memory Source	PLC, Mach	PLC
		Tool Changer Type	Fixed Memory ATC, Random Memory ATC	Fixed Memory ATC
		Tool Changer Style	Carousel ATC, Multiple Carousels 1 Spindle, Multiple Magazines And Spindles Unique Pocket Numbers, Multiple Magazines And Spindles Identical Pocket Numbers, Wine Rack ATC	Carousel ATC
		Tool Changer Machine Brand Specific Operations	None, KOMO	None
		Tool Changer Machine Model Specific Operations	None, KOMO Pneumatic Tool Changer	None
		Tool Changer Single Instance		Yes
		Persistent Tool Changes (Always Run ToolChange)		No
		Max Number Of Tool Pockets	min:1, max:254	16
		Current Tool Pocket Register
		Selected Spindle Number		1
		Default Spindle Number		1
		Range Of Tool Pockets For Tool Magazine 1		1-100
		Range Of Tool Pockets For Tool Magazine 2		0
		Range Of Tool Pockets For Tool Magazine 3		0
		Range Of Tool Pockets For Tool Magazine 4		0
		On Tool Change End Move X & Y To Start		No
		Leave Spindle Running During Tool Change		No
		Show Debug Message Box Each Step of the Tool Change		No
		Check For Tool Length Of Zero And Alert Operator		No
		Air Pressure Input (Signal high when warning active)
		Tool Detected In Pocket Interlock		No
Tool Changer	Modify Z Offsets	Enable Modify Z Offsets During Tool Change		No
		Modify Z Offsets Default Selection	On, Off	Off
Tool Changer	Mach ATC	Enable Tool In Spindle GMS Monitoring		Yes
		Sensor Timeout	min:1, max:100000	20000	Milliseconds
		Disable SoftLimits		No
Tool Changer	Spindle Slide	Spindle Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
Tool Changer	Spindle Slide 1	Spindle Up Output
		Spindle Down Output
		Spindle Up Input
		Spindle Down Input
Tool Changer 1	Spindle Drawbar 1	Draw-Bar Clamped Input
	Spindle Drawbar 1	Draw-Bar Clamp Output
	Spindle Drawbar 1	Draw-Bar UnClamped Input
	Spindle Drawbar 1	Draw-Bar UnClamp Output
	Spindle Drawbar 1	Draw Bar Input Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
Tool Changer 1	Spindle 1	Wait For Spindle To Stop Input		InputSignal$182
	Spindle 1	Tool In Spindle Input
	Spindle 1	Tool Locked Input
	Spindle 1	Tool In Pocket Input
	Spindle 1	Tool Release Button Input	InSig,OutSig
	Spindle 1	Tool Release Button Indicator Output
	Spindle 1	Spindle Move To Tool Change Zone Input
	Spindle 1	Spindle Move To Tool Change Zone Output
	Spindle 1	Spindle Move To Tool Change Zone Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
	Spindle 1	Spindle Move To Cutting Zone Input
	Spindle 1	Spindle Move To Cutting Output
	Spindle 1	Spindle Move To Cutting Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
	Spindle 1	Air Purge Output
Tool Changer 1	Carousel 1	Carousel Rotation Strategy	Shortest Path, Fixed Direction	Shortest Path
	Carousel 1	Carousel Engaged Interlock		No
	Carousel 1	Carousel Jog To Next Pocket Input
	Carousel 1	Carousel Jog To Previous Pocket Input
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move Up To Park Input
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move Up To Park Output
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move Up To Park Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move Down To Tool Pocket Input
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move Down To Tool Pocket Output
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move Down To Park Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move Away To Parked Input
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move Away To Parked Output
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move Away To Parked Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move To Engaged Input
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move To Engaged Output
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move To Engaged Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move To Tool Clearance On Input
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move To Tool Clearance On Output
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move To Tool Clearance On Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move To Tool Clearance Off Input
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move To Tool Clearance Off Output
	Carousel 1	Carousel Move To Tool Clearance Off Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
Tool Changer 1	Dust Cover 1	Dust Cover Up-Open Output
	Dust Cover 1	Dust Cover Up-Open Input
	Dust Cover 1	Dust Cover Up-Open Input Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
	Dust Cover 1	Dust Cover Down-Close Output
	Dust Cover 1	Dust Cover Down-Close Input
	Dust Cover 1	Dust Cover Down-Close Input Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
Tool Changer	PLC ATC	Z Axis Interference Zone Enabled		Yes
	PLC ATC	Z Axis Interference Zone	min:0, max:99999	0
Delta MS300	Parameters	01-00 Max Operation Frequency	min:1, max:2000	60	Hz
		01-01 Base Output Frequency	min:1, max:2000	60	Hz
		01-02 Max Output Voltage	min:1, max:510	220	Volts
		01-07 Min. Output Frequency	min:0, max:2000	0.25	Hz
		01-08 Min. Output Voltage	min:0, max:510	0	Volts
		01-12 Accel. Time	min:0, max:600	4	Seconds
		01-13 Decel. Time	min:0, max:600	3	Seconds
		05-00 Motor Parameter Auto Tuning	min:0, max:13	0
		05-01 Full-Load Current Of Induction Motor		6.7	Amps
		05-02 Rated Power Of Induction Motor		1.5	KW
		05-04 Pole Number Of Induction Motor	min:2, max:20	4	Poles
		06-01 Over-Voltage Stall Prevention	min:0, max:900	0	Volts
		07-00 Software Brake Level	min:0, max:900	390	Volts
Delta MS300	General	Modbus Control Enabled		No
		Modbus Device Name		Delta-MS300_0
		Modbus Device Monitor Name		Delta-MS300-MON_0
		Use RPM Feedback		Yes
		Control Source	Mach, Auxiliary	Mach
		Control Source Command Type	RPM, Percentage	RPM
		Auxiliary Control Max RPM		1000
Safety	Door Switch	Door Switch Interlock Enabled		No
		Door Switch Interlock Lock Output
		Door Switch Interlock Closed Input
		Door Switch Interlock Output Delay	min:1, max:100000	1000	Milliseconds
Dual Table	Auto Start	Dual Table Auto Start Next Program		No
		Dual Table Auto Start Next Program Flag Enabled		No
Dual Table	Park Position	Dual Table Axis Park Position		0	in/mm
Dual Table	Dual Table	Dual Table Enabled		No
Dual Table	Axis Selection	Dual Table Master Axis ID	min:0, max:5	1	Axis ID
		Dual Table Slave Axis ID	min:0, max:11	4	Axis ID
Dual Table	Motor Selection	Dual Table Master Motor ID	min:0, max:32	1	Motor ID
		Dual Table Slave Motor ID	min:0, max:32	4	Motor ID
Dual Table	Motor Swapping	Dual Table Motor Swapping Enabled		Yes
Dual Table	Regen Tool Path	Dual Table Regen Tool Path When Switching Tables		Yes
Dual Table	Safe Start	Dual Table MDI Safe Start Line Before Switching Tables		G00 G53 Z-1.0
Dual Table	Safe Start Table	Dual Table MDI Safe Start Line For Table 1		G54
		Dual Table MDI Safe Start Line For Table 2		G55
		Dual Table MDI Safe Start Line For Table 3		G54
Overrides	Feedrate	Feedrate Override Max Percent	min:0, max:300	300	Percent
		Feedrate Override Min Percent	min:0, max:300	0	Percent
		Feedrate Override Increment: 10%+	min:0	10	Percent
		Feedrate Override Increment: 0%-10%	min:0	2	Percent
Overrides	Spindle	Spindle Override Max Percent	min:0, max:300	300	Percent
		Spindle Override Min Percent	min:0, max:300	0	Percent
		Spindle Override Increment: 10%+	min:0	10	Percent
		Spindle Override Increment: 0%-10%	min:0	2	Percent
Outputs	CycleStop	Turn Flood off during Cycle Stop	Yes/No	Yes
		Turn Mist off during Cycle Stop	Yes/No	Yes
		Turn Spindle off during Cycle Stop	Yes/No	Yes
Outputs	M00	Turn Flood off during M00	Yes/No	Yes
		Turn Mist off during M00	Yes/No	Yes
		Turn Spindle off during M00	Yes/No	Yes
Outputs	M30	Turn Flood off during M30	Yes/No	Yes
		Turn Mist off during M30	Yes/No	Yes
		Turn Spindle off during M30	Yes/No	Yes
Outputs	Pallet Clamp	M10 Pallet Clamp Output
		M11 Pallet UnClamp Output
Gang Spindle	Spindle	Command RPM Register
		Feedback RPM Register
		Feedback Load Register
		Spindle At Speed Input
		Spindle At Zero Input
		Spindle Engaged Input
		Spindle Forward Output
		Spindle Reverse Output
Gang Spindle	Composite Spindle Control	Gang Spindle Enabled		No
		Control Source	Mach, Auxiliary	Mach
		Control Source Auxiliary Max RPM		0	RPM
		Control Source Command Type	RPM, Percentage	RPM
		Composite RPM Feedback Target	Mach, Auxiliary	Mach
		Composite method for RPM Feedback	Average, Max, Min	Average
		Composite method for Load Feedback	Average, Max, Min	Max
Height Controllers	Machine Options	Height Controller Device Name	Not Used, SoftHC, RollerHead, ArcPro,NeuronTHC		Not Used
Height Controllers	Cutting Parameters	Anti Dive Feedrate		units	0
	Cutting Parameters	Adjust Delay		seconds	0
	Cutting Parameters	Adjust Speed			0
	Cutting Parameters	Amperage		amps	0
	Cutting Parameters	Cut Height		units	0
	Cutting Parameters	Cut Height Max Limit		units	0.5
	Cutting Parameters	Cut Height Min Limit		units	-0.5
	Cutting Parameters	Deadband Voltage		voltage	1.5
	Cutting Parameters	Ignition Height		units	0
	Cutting Parameters	Pierce Delay		seconds	0
	Cutting Parameters	Pierce Height		units	0
	Cutting Parameters	Retract Height		units	0
	Cutting Parameters	Target Voltage		voltage	0
	Cutting Parameters	Timeout		ms	60000
	Cutting Parameters	Live Voltage Feedback Multiplier		voltage	1
	Cutting Parameters	Live Voltage Feedback Scaled		voltage	0
	Cutting Parameters	Material ID			MS001
	Cutting Parameters	Material Name			Mild Steel
	Cutting Parameters	Material Thickness			18 Gage
	Cutting Parameters	Cut Speed		units/min	75
	Cutting Parameters	Kerf Width			0.025
Height Controllers	Initial Height Sensing (IHS)	IHS Probe Input	InSig,OutSig
	Initial Height Sensing (IHS)	IHS Probe Offset	0	units	0
	Initial Height Sensing (IHS)	IHS Skip Distance		units	1
	Initial Height Sensing (IHS)	IHS Speed		units/min	20
Height Controllers	Plasma IO	Torch Output	InSig,OutSig
	Plasma IO	ArcOK Input	InSig,OutSig
Offsets	Head Shift Offsets	Head Shift Offsets Mode	Initialize to Zero, Restore Last Value, Restore Permanent Value		Initialize to Zero
		Head Shift Offset X		in/mm	0
		Head Shift Offset Y		in/mm	0
		Head Shift Offset Z		in/mm	0
		Head Shift Offset A		in/mm	0
		Head Shift Offset B		in/mm	0
		Head Shift Offset C		in/mm	0
Offsets	Work Shift Offsets	Work Shift Offsets Mode	Initialize to Zero, Restore Last Value, Restore Permanent Value		Initialize to Zero
		Work Shift Offset X		in/mm	0
		Work Shift Offset Y		in/mm	0
		Work Shift Offset Z		in/mm	0
		Work Shift Offset A		in/mm	0
		Work Shift Offset B		in/mm	0
		Work Shift Offset C		in/mm	0
HiCON Analog Output	Analog Output Spindle	Enable HiCON analog output spindle control		No
		Register for getting commanded spindle speed	Reg
		Signal to indicate spindle should go forward
		Signal to indicate spindle should go reverse
		Output to enable analog spindle
Hitachi-P1	Parameters	Hb102 Motor Rated KWs		1.5	KW
		HB103 Number Of Motor Poles	2P,4P,6P,8P,10P,12P	4P	Poles
		HB104 Motor Base Frequency	min:1, max:2000	60	Hz
		HB105 Motor Max Output Frequency	min:1, max:2000	60	Hz
		HB106 Motor Max Output Voltage	min:1, max:510	220	Volts
		HB108 Motor Rated Current		5	Amps
		HB130 Motor Min Output Frequency	min:0.1, max:1000	0.5	Hz
		AC120 Motor Accel. Time	min:0, max:600	4	Seconds
		AC120 Motor Decel. Time	min:0, max:600	3	Seconds
Hitachi-P1	General	Modbus Control Enabled		No
		Modbus Device Name		Hitachi-P1_0
		Modbus Device Monitor Name		Hitachi-P1-MON_0
		Use RPM Feedback		Yes
		Control Source	Mach, Auxiliary	Mach
		Control Source Command Type	RPM, Percentage	RPM
		Auxiliary Control Max RPM		1000
Homing	Home All	Home All Button Options	Home Selected Instance, Home All Instances	Home All Instances
Homing	Safety Check	Safety Homing InterLock		Yes
		Ignore Axes Homing Safety Check (0,3-5)			Axis IDs
Jet	General	Jets Enabled	min:1, max:8	1
	General	Jet Pressure Delay		1	ms
	General	Jet Pre-Off Delay		1	ms
	General	Jet Off Delay		1	ms
	General	Jet Abrasive Line Delay		1	ms
	General	Jet Abrasive Purge Line Delay		1	ms
	General	Jet Pierce Delay		1	sec
	General	Jet High Pressure Delay		1	ms
Jet	Pump	Jet Leave Pump On During Stop		Yes
	Pump	Jet Pump Output
	Pump	Jet Pump Momentary On Output
	Pump	Jet Pump Momentary Off Output
	Pump	Jet Pump Is On Input
	Pump	Jet Pump Alarm Input
	Pump	Jet Pump Auto On With Pressure		Yes
	Pump	Jet Pump On Delay		500	ms
	Pump	Jet Pump Off On End Of Program		Yes
Jet	Jet Outputs	Jet High Pressure Output #1
	Jet Outputs	Jet Pressure Output #1
	Jet Outputs	Jet Abrasive Output #1
Jet	Abrasive	Jet Abrasive Axis Enabled #1		No
	Abrasive	Jet Abrasive Axis ID #1	min:6, max:11	11
	Abrasive	Jet Abrasive Axis Rate	min:0, max:100	50	pct
	Abrasive	Jet Abrasive Axis Direction	FWD,REV	FWD
	Abrasive	Jet Z Axis Override Axis ID	min:6, max:11	6
Jet Slide	General	Jets Slide Motors Enabled		No
Jet Slide	Pendant Jogging	Jet Map To Pendant X15-41-01 Jogging		No
Jet Slide	Jog Selected Slide Inputs	Jet Jog Selected Slide Motor Up Input
	Jog Selected Slide Inputs	Jet Jog Selected Slide Motor Down Input
Jet Slide	Jog Up Input	Jet Jog Slide Motor Up Input #1
Jet Slide	Jog Down Input	Jet Jog Slide Motor Down Input #1
Jet Slide	Selected Slide Input	Jet Selected Slide Motor Input #1
Jet Slide	Slide Limit Up	Jet Slide Motor Limit Up Input #1
Jet Slide	Slide Limit Down	Jet Slide Motor Limit Down Input #1
Jet Slide	Enable Output	Jet Slide Motor Enable Output #1
Jet Slide	Up Output	Jet Slide Motor Up Output #1
Jet Slide	Down Output	Jet Slide Motor Down Output #1
Laser Pointer	Offset Type	Laser Pointer Offset Type	Head Shift Offsets, Work Shift Offsets		Head Shift Offsets
Laser Pointer	Laser Offset	Laser Pointer Offset X		in/mm	0
		Laser Pointer Offset Y		in/mm	0
Laser Pointer	Output	Laser Pointer Output
Externals	Light Stack	Light Stack Enabled		No
		Red Light Output (Alarm or Disabled)
		Green Light Output (Idle or Running)
		Amber Light Output (Warning)
		White Light Output (M30)
		Blink Green on Idle		Yes
		Blink Red Light on Alarm		Yes
		Blink Amber Light on Warning		Yes
Lube System	Parameters	Lube System Enabled		No
		Lube System Type	Timed, Event	Timed
		Lube Action Trigger	Any Time, Machine Enabled, Spindle Running, Not Idle	Any Time
		Run Lube Cycle On Startup		No
		Lube Output
		Lube Pressure Input
		Lube Time On	min:0, max:99999	8	Seconds
		Lube Time Off	min:0, max:99999	5	Minutes
		Lube Use PLC Sequence?		No
		Lube PLC Sequence #		0	0-63
		Wait for Lube PLC Sequence to Complete?		No
Motion Inhibit	Motion Inhibit	Motion Inhibit Interlock Enabled		No
		Motion Inhibit Interlock Input	DEVICES
Reciprocating Axis	Axis	Reciprocating stop axis with pound number (var = 1)	min:0, max:999		0
		Distance for axis to stop during cycle stop	min:0.0001	in/mm	0.001
		Distance for axis to be in position	min:0.0000	in/mm	0.0005
		Default time (ms) for axis to dwell after arriving at position A	min:0.0000	ms	0
		Default time (ms) for axis to dwell after arriving at position B	min:0.0000	ms	0
		Default feedrate for axis to travel to position A	min:0.0000	units/min	10
		Default feedrate for axis to travel to position B	min:0.0000	units/min	10
Safety Relay	Safety Relay	Safety Relay Reset Output
		Safety Relay OK Input
		Safety Relay Reset Time	min:0	10000	Milliseconds
		Safety Relay Allow Reset In Emergency Stop		Yes
		Perform Safety Relay Reset Before Control Reset		Yes
Safety Relay	UPS	UPS Battery Mode Input
Spindle	Brake	Spindle Mechanical Brake Enabled	Yes, No	No
		Spindle Brake Slow Down RPM		50	RPM
		Spindle Brake Output	OutSig, InSig
Spindle	Gear Shifter	Spindle Gear Shifter Type	Manual, Auto	Manual
		Spindle Gear Shifter Register
		Spindle Gear Shifter Speed Macro		No
		Spindle Gear Shifter Speed	min:0	70	RPM
		Spindle Gear Shifter Rock		No
		Spindle Gear Shifter Rock Time	min:1, max:100000	3	seconds
Spindle	Load	Spindle Load Meter Enabled		No
		Spindle Load Meter Register
		Spindle Load Input Scale Max	min:0, max:100000	100
		Spindle Load Input Scale Min	min:0, max:100000	0
		Spindle Load Meter Averaging	min:1, max:100000	10	samples
Spindle	Orient	Spindle Orient Type	Manual, Auto	Manual
		Spindle Orient Style	PLC, Macro	PLC
		Spindle Orient Speed	min:1	70	RPM
		Spindle Orient SpindleOrientAngle		0	Angle
		Spindle Orient Control Mode	Spindle On, Spindle Stop, Spindle Stop Wait, Spindle Stop Start	Spindle Stop Start
		Spindle Orient Macro Output	OutSig, InSig
		Spindle Orient Macro Input	OutSig, InSig
		Spindle Orient Macro Sensor Timeout	min:1, max:100000	20000	Milliseconds
		Spindle Orient Current State		0
Spindle	Warm Up	Spindle Warm-Up Enabled		No
		Spindle Warm-Up Inter-Lock With Cycle Start		No
		Spindle Warm-Up Acknowledge Warm-Up Complete		Yes
		Spindle Warm-Up MDI GCode Before Warm-Up		(Spindle Warm-Up)
		Spindle Warm-Up Max RPM	min:1, max:100000	8000	RPM
		Spindle Warm-Up Min RPM	min:1, max:100000	100	RPM
		Spindle Warm-Up Steps	min:1, max:100	10	Steps
		Spindle Warm-Up Time Per Step	min:0, max:100000	10	Minutes
		Spindle Warm-Up Off Time Trigger	min:0, max:100000	10	Minutes
		Spindle Warm-Up Idle Speed	min:0, max:100000	10	RPM
Spindle	M5	Spindle Stop M5 Options	Command Stop And Wait For Decel, Command Stop and Continue Immediately	Command Stop And Wait For Decel
		Spindle Type	VFD	VFD
Spindle	Subspindle	Sub Spindle Type	VFD	VFD
		Sub Spindle Orient Type	Manual, Auto	Manual
		Sub Spindle Orient Speed		70	RPM
		Sub Spindle Orient Control Mode	Spindle On, Spindle Stop, Spindle Stop Wait, Spindle Stop Start	Spindle Stop Start
		Sub Spindle Load Meter Enabled		No
		Sub Spindle Load Meter Register
		Sub Spindle Load Input Scale Max		100
		Sub Spindle Load Input Scale Min		0
		Sub Spindle Load Meter Averaging	min:1, max:100000	10	samples
		Sub Spindle Enabled		No
		Sub Spindle Accel Time		0	seconds
		Sub Spindle Decel Time		0	seconds
		Sub Spindle Scale Analog		No
		Sub Spindle Analog Output Register
		Sub Spindle CW Output
		Sub Spindle CCW Output
		Sub Spindle Max RPM		0	RPM
		Sub Spindle Commanded RPM		0	RPM
		Sub Spindle At Speed Input
		Sub Spindle At Zero Input
Tool Changer KOMO	KOMO Spindle	Spindle Move To Cutting Output
		Spindle Move To Cutting Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Spindle Move To Tool Change Zone Output
		Spindle Move To Tool Change Zone Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Spindle Move To Tool Pocket Output
		Spindle Move To Tool Clearance Output
		Spindle Move To Tool Clearance Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Spindle At Cutting Zone Input
		Spindle At Tool Pocket Input
		Spindle Move To Tool Change Zone Input
Tool Changer	Spindle	Wait For Spindle To Stop Input		InputSignal$182
		Tool In Spindle Input
		Tool Locked Input
		Tool In Pocket Input
		Tool Release Button Input	InSig, OutSig
		Tool Release Button Indicator Output
		Spindle Move To Tool Change Zone Input
		Spindle Move To Tool Change Zone Output
		Spindle Move To Tool Change Zone Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Spindle Move To Cutting Zone Input
		Spindle Move To Cutting Output
		Spindle Move To Cutting Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Air Purge Output
Tool Changer	Carousel	Carousel Rotation Strategy	Shortest Path, Fixed Direction	Shortest Path
		Carousel Engaged Interlock		No
		Carousel Jog To Next Pocket Input
		Carousel Jog To Previous Pocket Input
		Carousel Move Up To Park Input
		Carousel Move Up To Park Output
		Carousel Move Up To Park Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Carousel Move Down To Tool Pocket Input
		Carousel Move Down To Tool Pocket Output
		Carousel Move Down To Park Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Carousel Move Away To Parked Input
		Carousel Move Away To Parked Output
		Carousel Move Away To Parked Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Carousel Move To Engaged Input
		Carousel Move To Engaged Output
		Carousel Move To Engaged Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Carousel Move To Tool Clearance On Input
		Carousel Move To Tool Clearance On Output
		Carousel Move To Tool Clearance On Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Carousel Move To Tool Clearance Off Input
		Carousel Move To Tool Clearance Off Output
		Carousel Move To Tool Clearance Off Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
Tool Changer	Spindle Drawbar	Draw-Bar Clamped Input
		Draw-Bar Clamp Output
		Draw-Bar UnClamped Input
		Draw-Bar UnClamp Output
		Draw Bar Input Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
Tool Changer	Dust Cover	Dust Cover Up-Open Output
		Dust Cover Up-Open Input
		Dust Cover Up-Open Input Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Dust Cover Down-Close Output
		Dust Cover Down-Close Input
		Dust Cover Down-Close Input Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
Drill Bank	I/O	Drill Bank 1 Motor On Output
		Drill Bank 1 Engaged Output
		Drill Bank 1 Engaged Input
		Drill Bank 1 Engaged Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Drill Bank 1 Parked Output
		Drill Bank 1 Parked Input
		Drill Bank 1 Parked Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 01 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 02 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 03 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 04 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 05 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 06 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 07 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 08 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 09 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 10 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 11 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 12 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 13 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 14 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 15 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 16 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 17 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 18 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 19 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 20 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 21 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 22 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 23 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 24 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drills Up Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 01 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 02 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 03 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 04 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 05 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 06 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 07 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 08 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 09 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 10 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 11 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 12 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 13 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 14 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 15 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 16 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 17 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 18 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 19 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 20 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 21 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 22 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 23 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 24 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drills Down Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Drill Bank 1 All Drills Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 All Drills Up Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
Drill Bank	Settings	Drill Bank 1 Range Of Tool Numbers For Drill Bank		0	1-999 Tool #
		Drill Bank Number of Drill Banks Enabled	min:0, max:4	0	0-2
		Drill Bank Tool Zero Action	Park Drill Bank And Restore Tool Number, Send Drills Up	Park Drill Bank And Restore Tool Number
		Drill Bank Binary Tool Call Tool Activation	Lowest Tool Number, Highest Tool Number	Highest Tool Number
		Drill Bank Motor Control Method	On When Drill Activates, On With M3-M4	On When Drill Activates
Drill Bank 1	I/O	Drill Bank 1 Motor On Output
		Drill Bank 1 Engaged Output
		Drill Bank 1 Engaged Input
		Drill Bank 1 Engaged Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Drill Bank 1 Parked Output
		Drill Bank 1 Parked Input
		Drill Bank 1 Parked Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 01 Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drills Up Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Drill Bank 1 Drill 01 Down Output
		Drill Bank 1 Drills Down Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
		Drill Bank 1 All Drills Up Output
		Drill Bank 1 All Drills Up Settle Time	min:0, max:100000	0	Milliseconds
Tool Life Management	Tool Life Management	Tool Life Management Enabled		No
Work Light	Output	Work Light Output
Yaskawa V1000	Parameters	E1-04 Max Output Frequency	min:1, max:2000	60	Hz
		E1-05 Max Output Voltage	min:1, max:510	220	Volts
		E1-06 Base Frequency	min:1, max:2000	60	Hz
		E1-09 Min. Output Frequency	min:0, max:2000	0.25	Hz
		E2-01 Motor Rated Current		5	Amps
		E2-03 Motor No Load Current		1	Amps
		E2-04 Number Of Motor Poles	min:2, max:20	4	Poles
		E2-11 Motor Rated Output		1.5	KW
		C1-01 Accel. Time	min:0, max:600	4	Seconds
		C1-02 Decel. Time	min:0, max:600	3	Seconds
		L3-04 Deceleration Selection	min:0, max:7	0
Yaskawa V1000	General	Modbus Control Enabled		No
		Modbus Device Name		Yaskawa-V1000_0
		Modbus Device Monitor Name		Yaskawa-V1000-MON_0
		Use RPM Feedback		Yes
		Control Source	Mach, Auxiliary	Mach
		Control Source Command Type	RPM, Percentage	RPM
		Output Command Type	Frequency, Percentage	Frequency
		Auxiliary Control Max RPM		1000
		Drive Capacity	Small, Large	Small

GCAdapter

1. Introduction

Overview

The GCAdapter is a highly customizable post that works inside of Mach 4 that changes GCode to Mach compatible GCode. This manual will describe how to use the GCAdapter. 

File Locations

GCAdapter.lua

In the Mach4 directory, GCAdapter.lua is located in the Modules folder

"\Mach4_Directory\Modules\GCAdapter.lua"

GCAdapter_Common_Post.lua, GCAdapter_Machine_Post.lua, GCAdapter_User_Post.lua

In the Mach4 directory, the Post files are located in the Post\GCAdapter folder

Example Post file location:

"\Mach4_Directory\Post\GCAdapter\GCAdapter_Common_Post.lua"

GCAdapterConfig.lua

The config file is created when a file is loaded for the first time or the "Adapt GCode Settings" Mach command is called for the first time. It is located in the Mach4 directory, in the Profiles folder, in the specific profile of the machine folder, and then in the GCAdapterSettings folder.

Example GCAdapterConfig.lua location:

"\Mach4_Directory\Profiles\Mill\GCodeAdapterSettings\GCAdapterConfig.lua"

Word Parlance

block - whole single line of GCode  EX: "G01 X12 Y32 Z1"

word - a GCode instruction EX: "G01", "M06", "X12"

code - the letter part of a word EX: "G","X","M"

value - the number part of a word EX: "23","01"

Order of Modifications

1. CommonPreParse Functions
2. MachinePreParse Functions
3. UserPreParse Functions
4. Table Modifiers
5. InsertAt Function
6. CommonMod Functions
7. MachineMod Functions
8. UserMod Functions

Post Setup

To setup the User Post file, all you need to do is alter POST_NAME. Change "Machine" in 'GCAdapter_Machine_Post' to the specific machines type.

Example: 'GCAdapter_Fanuc_Post'

local POST_NAME = 'GCAdapter_Machine_Post'

package.loaded[POST_NAME] = nil
local is_ok,ParentPostTable = pcall(require,POST_NAME)
if not is_ok then
	print(string.format("Failed to load %s post\n%s",POST_NAME,ParentPostTable))
end

ParentPostTable.__index = ParentPostTable
local UserPost = setmetatable({},ParentPostTable)

local POST_NAME = 'GCAdapter_Machine_Post'

Block Adapting 

If the first line of a gcode file is:

(PROTECT)

The GCAdapter will not adapt that gcode file. It must only contain (PROTECT). Nothing more and nothing less.

2. Setup & Configuration

Copy Machine and User .lua post files into the following directory: Mach4\Post\GCAdapter folder .

To use the GC Adapter, you must first enable the MachMotion parameter. Set Convert Files to Yes.

Then go to the Service screen, click on CMDS, and then GC Adapter Settings. Press Run Command. 

GCAdapter Settings

Opens a settings menu which allows the user to change the settings of the GCAdapter

• Select User Post Processor:

• • • Opens a drop down menu to select the Post file for the Adapter to use
    • Pulls available posts from the PostFiles folder in the Mach directory
    • If not using a default post processor, select the User Post processor. 

Other Advanced Settings:

• Default File Extensions:

  • These extensions are what GCAdapter is allowed to convert
  • Only files with these extensions will show when looking for a file to load
  • If All Files(*) is present, all files are allowed to be converted
    
  • If adding a new extension, make sure to follow the format of other extensions or add from Post

• Default Output Directory:

  • Click Browse to look through folders
  • The selected folder is where converted files will be output

• Max Length of File:

  • The number here is the max number of lines a file is allowed to have
  • Make sure there are no commas in the number
  • Be careful allowing files much larger than 260,000

• Number of digits after decimal point:

  • Changes the number of decimal places in certain GCode words
  • The number after the decimal point is how many digits will be in the decimals place of certain GCode words
  • When changing make sure to leave decimal point and only change the number

• Show modifications:

  • If YES, when converting, will write modifications made by GCAdapter to the top of the converted file
  • If NO, won't write modifications to the top of converted file

Other Options under CMDS

GCAdapter Adapt GCode

Opens a file dialog allowing the user to select a GCode file to run through GCAdapter. Loads GCode into Mach when done.

"Load" from the GCode screen automatically calls this command

GCAdapter Adapt Folder

Opens a dialogue to select a folder and then converts all GCode files in that folder. If the selected folder has other folders in it, will step into the folders to convert files in them as well. 

GCAdapter Adapt Folder Showing Toolpaths

Same as Adapt Folder but will wait a few seconds after loading GCode into Mach to allow the user to view the tool path.

3. Block Functions

These functions either modify or compare a block of GCode.

TableToString()

• Returns a formatted string that can be printed to see the data of block
  

Comparator Functions

These functions are used to find specific data in a block. has, without, lessThan, greaterThan, withinRange return either true or false. getBlockBefore, getBlockAfter, getBlockAt return the corresponding block.

has( passed_word, close_to, thresh )

• Looks for passed_word in block, returning true if found or false if not found
• passed_word can be either full word, "X32", or just a code "G"
• close_to is an optional parameter and if passed looks within range of thresh
• If thresh isn't passed, set to default value 10E-6
• Examples:
  • block:has("G53")
  • block:has("G")
  • block:has("M06" , "true" , .0006)

without( passed_word )

• Looks for passed_word in block, returning false if found or true if not found
• passed_word can be either full word, "Y21", or just a code "F"'
• Examples:
  • block:without("T2")
  • block:without("Z")

lessThan( passed_word )

• Looks for a matching word with values less than passed_word in block
• Return true if a matching word is found, otherwise returns false
• passed_word must be a full word
• Examples: 
  • block:lessThan("T100")
  • block:lessThan("M7")

greaterThan( passed_word )

• Looks for a matching word with values greater than passed_word in block
• Return true if a matching word is found, otherwise returns false
• passed_word must be a full word
• Examples:
  • block:greaterThan("G01")
  • block:greaterThan("X10")

withinRange( code, low_val, high_val )

• Looks for a word that starts with code and is between low_val and high_val
• Returns true if a matching word is found otherwise returns false
• code is a code, low_val and high_val are values
• Examples:
  • block:withinRange("T",1,99)
  • block:withinRange("X",-23,23)

getBlockBefore()

• returns the block on the line above the current block
  • Example: block:getBlockBefore()

getBlockAfter()

• returns the block on the line below the current block
  • Example: block:getBlockAfter()

getBlockAt( line_number )

• returns the block at line_number
  • Example: block:getBlockAt(23)

Modifier Functions

ModWord( self, old_word, new_word )

• Replaces old_word with new_word in current block
• self refers to block calling ModWord. Passed implicitly when called
• old_word and new_word can be either a word or a code (They must be the same)
• If they are a code, be careful because depending on where you call ModWord, it will replace all instances of that code
• Examples:

  • block:ModWord("M02","M30")

  • block:ModWord("G43.4","G43")
  • block:ModWord("R","P")

DeleteWord( self, target, codes )

• Deletes target along with codes (if provided) from current block
• self refers to block calling DeleteWord. Passed implicitly when called
• target is a word and codes is a list of parameters belonging to target that should be deleted with it
• Examples:
  • block:DeleteWord("G53.1")
  • block:DeleteWord("G5.1",{"Q","R"})

AddWord( self, new_word )

• Adds new_word onto the end of the current block
• self refers to block calling AddWord. Passed implicitly when called
• new_word needs to be a word
• Examples:
  • block:AddWord("G83")
  • block:AddWord("M06")

CommentWord( self, target )

• Comments out target in the current block
• self refers to block calling CommentWord. Passed implicitly when called
• target is a word
• Examples: 
  • block:CommentWord("M29")
  • block:CommentWord("G53")

InsertBlockBefore( new_block )

• Inserts new_block on the line above the current block
• new_block is a block of GCode
• Examples:
  • block:InsertBlockBefore("G00 X2 Y6.77 Z0")
  • block:InsertBlockBefore("M6 T05")

InsertBlockAfter( new_block )

• Inserts new_block on the line after the current block
• new_block is a block of GCode
• Examples:
  • block:InsertBlockAfter("G00 X2 Y6.77 Z0")
  • block:InsertBlockAfter("M6 T05")

InsertBlockAtLine( new_block, new_index )

• Inserts new_block at new_index (Pushes previous block at index down)
• new_block is a block of GCode and new_index is the line number of where to insert
• Examples:
  • block:InsertBlockAtLine("G83 P12 Q32", 32)
  • block:InsertBlockAtLine("M6 T25",46)

DeleteBlock( self, str )

• Deletes entire block that has an exact match with str and match isn't a comment
• self refers to block calling DeleteBlock. Passed implicitly when called
• str is a string that will be looked for in the block
• Examples:
  • block:DeleteBlock("G83 R54")
  • block:DeleteBlock("L_Parkz")

DeleteCurrentBlock()

• Deletes the current block
• Example:
  • block:DeleteCurrentBlock()

DeleteBlockAt( del_index )

• Deletes block at del_index
• del_index is the line number of  the block to be deleted
• Example:
  • block:DeleteBlockAt(3)

CommentBlock( self, str )

• Comments entire block that has an exact match with str and match isn't a comment
• self refers to block calling CommentBlock. Passed implicitly when called
• str is a string that will be looked for in the block
• Examples:
  • block:CommentBlock("G02 X12")
  • block:CommentBlock("M04")

CommentCurrentBlock()

• Comments out the current block
• Example:
  • block:CommentCurrentBlock()

JoinBlock( loc )

• Takes block from either before, after or at an index, adds words in block to end of current block then deletes block at loc
• loc is either a string ("BEFORE" or "AFTER"), or a number corresponding to the line number of the block to pull from
• Example:
  • block:JoinBlock("BEFORE")
  • block:JoinBlock("AFTER")
  • block:JoinBlock(54)

4. Post

The Post consists of 3 different post files but the user only needs to interact with the final user specific Post

Modifier Tables

These tables will automatically call the modifier functions and are a helpful way to make simple modifications to GCode files. These modifiers are ran on every block of GCode in the file. When adding to the tables, copy and paste the examples and replace what you want to easily keep the correct format.

Examples:

-------------------UserPost Varaiables----------------------
--Table of words to be replaced.
--If given just a code will replace all instances of that code
--{"ModWord","OldWord","NewWord"},
UserPost.WordsToReplace = 
{
	--EX: {"ModWord","G17","G18"},
	--EX: {"ModWord","G","H"},
}

--Table of words to be deleted. If given parameters along with word will delete then as well
--{"DeleteWord","WordToDelete"}
--{"DeleteWord","WordToDelete",{"Param1","Param2","Param3"}}
UserPost.WordsToDelete = 
{
	--EX: {"DeleteWord","G80"},
	--EX: {"DeleteWord","G99",{"X","Y","Z"}},
}

--Table of words to be commented out
--They are added to the end of line with a valid comment
--{"CommentWord","WordToComment"}
UserPost.WordsToComment = 
{
	--EX: {"CommentWord","G81"},
	{"CommentWord","M29"}

}

--Looks for an exact string match in block and if found deletes whole block
--{"DeleteBlock","StringToFind"}
UserPost.BlocksToDelete = 
{
	--EX: {"DeleteBlock","X12 Y14"},
	
}

WordsToReplace

Uses ModWord to modify all matching words in the file

WordsToDelete

Uses DeleteWord to delete all matching words in the file

WordsToComment

Uses CommentWord to comment out all matching words in the file

BlocksToDelete

Uses DeleteBlock to delete all matching blocks in the file

BlockToComment

Uses CommentBlock to comment out all matching blocks in the file

CommentsToChange

Add invalid comments here to be converted to valid comments

DefaultExtensions

Add extensions here to add them to the extensions that are allowed to be converted. Copy and replace the examples to make sure the format is correct.

CommentEverythingBefore

Add a string here to comment out all blocks at and above a block that has a matching string

Modifier Functions

These functions are so the user can add their own custom functions. The user should write the function definition underneath                  "--Write custom functions here"(They can be written anywhere but keeping them here will help with organization). Then write function calls inside either PreParseFunctions or ModFunctions.

-------------------UserPost Modifier Function Calls--------------

--Custom functions to run before parsing
function UserPost.UserPreParseFunctions( file_list, index )
	--ExampleFunctionCall(file_list,index)
	
end

--Call custom functions here
function UserPost.UserModFunctions( block )
	--Don't remove this function
	UserPost:InsertAtLocations(block)
	
end
------------------UserPost Insert Functions--------------------
--Inserts before or after a tool change("M6")
function UserPost.AtToolChange( block )
	--block:InsertBlockBefore("G00 X2")
	--block:InsertBlockAfter("G01 X5 Y23 Z12")
	
end
--Inserts before or after a spindle change("M3","M4","M5")
function UserPost.AtSpindleChange( block )
	--block:InsertBlockBefore("G00 X2")
	--block:InsertBlockAfter("G01 X5 Y23 Z12")
	
end
--Inserts before or after file start(Be careful inserting before)
function UserPost.AtStartOfFile( block )
	--block:InsertBlockBefore("G00 X2")
	--block:InsertBlockAfter("G01 X5 Y23 Z12")
	
end
--Inserts before or after M30,at end of file(Be careful inserting after M30)
function UserPost.AtM30( block )
	--block:InsertBlockBefore("G00 X2")
	--block:InsertBlockAfter("G01 X5 Y23 Z12")
	
end
----------------------UserPost Functions ----------------------
--Write custom functions here

PreParseFunctions

• Any functions here are ran before the GCAdapter parses the GCode blocks. So functions here are done on the raw string
• The best kind of functions to add here are string matching functions and modifications that need to be done before the blocks are parsed
• Functions called here will need file_list and index passed to them

--Custom functions to run before parsing
function UserPost.UserPreParseFunctions( file_list, index )
	--ExampleFunctionCall(file_list,index)
	
end

ModFunctions

• Functions here are ran after the GCAdapter has parsed the blocks. So any functions here are done on parsed blocks 
• The best kind of functions to add here are functions that the user will want to use the block functions in for easier block manipulation
• Any functions called here will need block passed to them
• It also comes with a prebuilt function that  inserts blocks at specific, common places. For more details look at Insert Functions

--Call custom functions here
function UserPost.UserModFunctions( block )
	--Don't remove this function
	UserPost:InsertAtLocations(block)
	

end

Insert Functions

• These functions are easy ways to insert blocks at specific locations
  • AtToolChange will insert blocks before or after a M6 call
  • AtSpindleChange will insert blocks before or after a M3,M4 or a M5 call
  • AtStartOfFile will insert blocks before or after the start of the file
    • If before, the inserted block will go on line 1.
    • If after, the inserted block will go after block on line 1
    • Be careful what you insert before start of file.
  • At M30 will insert blocks before or after a M30 call
    • Be careful what you insert after M30

------------------UserPost Insert Functions--------------------
--Inserts before or after a tool change("M6")
function UserPost.AtToolChange( block )
	--block:InsertBlockBefore("G00 X2")
	--block:InsertBlockAfter("G01 X5 Y23 Z12")
	
end
--Inserts before or after a spindle change("M3","M4","M5")
function UserPost.AtSpindleChange( block )
	--block:InsertBlockBefore("G00 X2")
	--block:InsertBlockAfter("G01 X5 Y23 Z12")
	
end
--Inserts before or after file start(Be careful inserting before)
function UserPost.AtStartOfFile( block )
	--block:InsertBlockBefore("G00 X2")
	--block:InsertBlockAfter("G01 X5 Y23 Z12")
	
end
--Inserts before or after M30,at end of file(Be careful inserting after M30)
function UserPost.AtM30( block )
	--block:InsertBlockBefore("G00 X2")
	--block:InsertBlockAfter("G01 X5 Y23 Z12")
	
end

5. Developer Information

How It Works

The GCAdapter has 4 main operations and they happen in this order

1. Reading in file
   • Stores each line of file in a table, fixes invalid comments and runs any modifiers that happen before parsing
2. Parsing lines in file to blocks
   
   • Separates words and comments in lines. Storing them in a block
3. Running post modifiers on blocks
   • Modifies blocks based on modifiers in Post files
4. Outputting modified blocks
   • Formats blocks and outputs them to the output file 

---

http://www.mach-labs.com

MachLabs Documentation

support@mach-labs.com

MachLabs Terms and Conditions

The MachLabs Team
14518 County Road 7240, Newburg, MO 65550
support@mach-labs.com

Cut Recovery

You can configure the axes to move. 

---

http://www.mach-labs.com

MachLabs Documentation

support@mach-labs.com

MachLabs Terms and Conditions

The MachLabs Team
14518 County Road 7240, Newburg, MO 65550
support@mach-labs.com