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MachPro Widgets, Dashboard, Commands, and Function Buttons

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Dashboards

The MachPro controls have three dashboard to customize the interface to meet your needs.

The operator panel has function buttons that can be assigned operations.

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There are two dashboards where you can place widgets. One dashboard is on the far right of the control and is available from all tabs.

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Right click on the unused dashboard space at the bottom, or on the spaces between and around the existing widgets to configure the dashboard. 

The third dashboard available to customize is on the service page.

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Dashboards can be configured by right-clicking on them to access their menu. The user can choose how many and which widgets to show on the dashboard, as well as their layout. There is a wide variety of widgets to select from, and some widgets have additional options by right-clicking them for  the 'Configure Widget' menu.

Widgets are single-task tools designed to be easy to understand and use. 

There is a special type of widget - the Function Buttons - which provide customizable tools for advanced users. 

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Widgets

Widgets are small components that can be added to the dashboards to show data like the last probe position or to add buttons for controlling a chip conveyor.  To see the list of available widgets right-click on the edge of a dashboard and click Configure Dashboard.

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  • This dashboard has two rows. The first row has the function buttons. Functions are documented further down this document.
  • You can adjust the number of rows and columns you want on each dashboard.
  • The second row is unconfigured. When you click the pull-down list is displayed with all available widgets.

Many widgets have additional options to configure the way they look or which variables are shown in the widget.  So see a list of options right-click inside the widget and select from the menu. The menu is context sensitive and some widgets have additional options, but these three options are always available. 

Right click directly on an entry.q9qimage.png

Use compact display or specify height of the rows. The default is 22.

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Compact vs normal display

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Select Get Info about the entry you right clicked

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If "Set Variable Format String" is an option, right-click on the row you want to change and select "Set Variable Format String." Then enter a string format with the following syntax: %.Xf (where the X represents how many decimal places. For example, if you only want 1 decimal place, enter %.1f. This will display a value 170.2353 as 170.2. You have to re-enter the value on the screen for it to display with the new format. Search for external documentation on operator (c-style string formatting) syntax for a complete list of options. 

Many of the widgets allow you to add lists to be displayed: parameters, signals, variables, etc. If your options are displayed in a list, then you have several ways to select multiple values.

  • You can add an individual item by selecting it, clicking the Add button at the bottom, and then the Close button. 
  • You can add a contiguous series of items. Select the first item, hold down the shift key on the keyboard and select the last item in the series. Click the Add button. 
  • You can repeat this action for other series of item, and click Add after each series is selected.
  • You can add separate item. Select the first item. Hold down the control key on the keyboard and select each individual item that you want to add to the widget. Click the Add button.
  • When you have finished adding all of the items, click the close button. 

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Set Widget Label allows you to rename that item to match usage on this system. Your system will be productive more quickly if you carry over the existing machine labeling to this MachMotion control interface. 

Insert a new line code (\n) to break the button label into two lines. Do not add spaces before or after the \n. 

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All available widgets

All Inputs and All Outputs (Digital)

These are two separate widgets, one for digital inputs and one for digital outputs. They have the same function. They are useful for troubleshooting during installation, and it will display all the inputs or outputs (including ones not enabled or used) in a scroll-able window. Alternately, to just see particular I/O information, use these widgets: 

  • Analog Input and Output Signals (next entry down)
  • Enabled Inputs and Outputs are at the hardware level
  • Signals are at the software level and are mapped to particular hardware inputs and outputs
  • I/O is a select-able list of both physical I/O and other system information. 

If you add a description to an input in the Controls Inputs tab, that description will be used here.

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Note the scrollbar on the right side. All inputs are visible when you scroll. 

If you right click and select Run Test Sequence, you will see this popup. There are a large number of inputs and running the sequence 10 times will take some time. 

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Analog Input and Output Signals

These are two separate widgets and each allows you to add specific analog input and output signals to your dashboard. 

To add Analog signals, right click in the widget and select Add Variables. 

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Right click in the widget or directly on one of the signals.

 

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  • You can add additional variables.
  • You can also remove all variables, or only the variable that you right clicked on. 
  • You can get more detailed information about the particular variable you right clicked on. 

Approach Distances

All axes will use this value when doing a probe move for both edges and corners. It is the maximum distance the probe will move while searching for material. If the probe is not activated before this distance is consumed, then an error will occur and the operation will be stopped.

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The Approach Distances widget is incorporated in the Fixtures Tab, and is best used there.

Axis Compensation

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This is used on grinders to adjust for the grind wheel size changing during dressing or grind cycles. Grinder controls will have these functions configured in their profile, and you will not normally need to add this widget. Refer to the appropriate manual for your type of grinder, and search for compensation.

Calculator

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This is a simple calculator that is useful if you often need one while working on the control. There are no special features to configure here. If you need a calculator with more advanced features, the Windows calculator is available. 

Current Fixture Offsets

This displays the current offset of each axis from the machine zero location on that axis. It is the same as the opening the Fixtures Offsets table on the Fixtures tab. This is a display widget. If you want to change these values, open the Fixture Offsets table on the fixtures tab.

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Cylindrical Grinder Part Offsets

This is used for Cylindrical grinders. The part offset table (Part Correction Offset) which, when multiple features are being ground on the part, can be used in conjunction with an "E" variable in the program to allow adjustments to each feature individually. 

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DRO Measure

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This provides a digital "tape measure" that can measure axis movement, and be reset at will. It does not change any operating values or parameters.

Dual Table

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This widget is used on routers with two tables. Setup and use is documented in the 2000 Series Dual Table article. 

Enabled Inputs and Outputs

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These widgets will show only the inputs or outputs that been enabled. Right clicking on the display will bring up a menu. If you click on a particular input or output, you can get information about that entry. 

Feedback

 

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This provides an on-screen indicator when any of the axes are moving. You select the axes that you want to monitor.

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Right click on the border space around the buttons and select Configure Widget to access the display options. 

 

The Grid Configuration, at the top, determines how many rows and columns of axis indicators you will have. 

File Travel Limits

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This displays the extents of movement you will have on each axis for the file that is loaded. Using this along with the yellow soft limit display on the tool path will help you identify fixture problems before you run a file. 

G30 Coordinates

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This is similar to the G28 command. G28 ends at machine zero while G30 allows you to specify different end coordinates than machine zero. 

G54 - G59 fixture Offsets

 

This widget displays the current values of your offsets in individual windows for each offset. You may add a widget for each set of offsets that you want to monitor. If you want to change these values, open the Fixture Offsets table on the fixtures tab. If you only need a single widget that dynamically updates to show the current offsets, use the Current Fixture Offsets (above). The Fixtures Tab on the control also provides easy access to the most used fixture features. 

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G92/G50 Offsets

G92 fixture offset shift 

G52 fixture offset shift

Most operators will use G54–G59 fixture offsets or GOTO positions instead of G92 and G50/G52, which were used before fixture offsets existed. Try these features first. You may also use the Head Shift Offset and Work Shift Offset widgets to make adjustments directly on the screen - without any G-Code changes. The Fixtures Tab on the control also provides easy access to the most used fixture features. 

There are cases where G92 and G52 are very useful, and for that you need to refer to the full documentation links above. 

The widget will display any offsets created with G92 or G52 in your G-Code.

 

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You may also change the labels of the offsets to match your naming convention.

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Head Shift and Work Shift Offsets

Head Shift and Work Shift offsets are very similar.

  • Head shift is used for permanent offsets related to multiple heads - such as a router with a standard spindle, and a drill bank, or an engraving laser. You need to shift your your cut path to use the other tool while maintaining the same fixture coordinates. 
  • Work shifts are used for temporary changes. Your stock may have a defect and you need to shift your fixture coordinates by 0.005 inches for this piece. This widget provides an easy way to make those kind of temporary adjustments quickly, without changing your existing fixture offsets. When you are done with this piece you can reset the work offsets to 0.0000 and use unmodified fixture offsets. 

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The values entered in the on-screen widget update the fixture table for the head or work shift, but they do not change your current fixture offsets (G54, G55, etc). You change the head shift values in the widget, or directly in the Fixture Offsets Table. 

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The head and work shift values will reset to zero when you restart the software. If you want to set permanent values for the shifts, you can change that option in the MachMotion Plugin. Your options are:

  • Reset to Zero
  • Restore the last value you entered
  • Restore a permanent value

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Head and work shift values will not change the standard G54-G59 work offsets, but they do stack on top of those values. You can also have both head shift and work shift values in effect at the same time. The head and work shift values will apply to your current work offsets. 

I/O

This is used for diagnostics during system setup, and shows the electrical status of the input and output ports on the main control panel, and diagnostic information about multiple other aspects of the system. See Signals below. 

These examples show how the I/O indicators change when the Goto and MDI features are used. 

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There are sub-menus under each category, and they are shown below.

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IVIS

This is the interface for a software tool used on some grinders. If your system uses IVIS, we will configure this widget for you. 

Job File

This widget is used in custom profiles. Please contact MachMotion for configuration. 

Jogging

This widget provides both on-screen and keyboard jogging. There are different on-screen axis button configurations to match your system.

 

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Lite is used to select the axis on computers that have physical + and - jog buttons on the panel.

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  • CONT is continuous movement as long as you press the relevant axis button. 
  • STEP moves the axis by one increment with each press of the axis button. 
  • KYB uses keyboard mappings to control different aspects of the jogging function. Select the functions you want to use in the Jogger Configuration window, then map the key combinations in the Keyboard Inputs plugin. 
  • INC cycles through the jogging distance increments: 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0

The Jogger Configuration option to link to the physical jogger, allows you to keep the feedrate value synced with other physical pendants. 

This is the feedrate slider 

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Opening the Keyboard Plugin to map keys

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Last Commanded Coordinates

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This reports the last position that each axis has been commanded, either by the G-Code file or by MDI. 

G0 X1 Y1 Z1
G0 X2 Y2

These G-Codes above resulted in this display. If an axis is not commanded for multiple blocks of code, it will retain the last commanded coordinate. 

Mach Parameters

These are the values stored in profile\parameters.ini and are best accessed in the MachMotion Plugin. Pull down the Configure menu | Plugins -> MachMotion parameters. Normally you will not need to monitor or change these values. This widget is primarily used for system customization. 

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Right-click in the widget to bring up the menu. This menu is specific to #5130 because I right-clicked that entry. 

Machine Coordinates

These are the distances from the machine zero on each axis. You can toggle the DRO to show View Machine, and you can use this widget to display machine values at all times. See also Part Coordinates.

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Notepad

This is a simple notepad that retains the text even when the control is fully power cycled. Right-clicking will display the options.

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Original Offsets

Please refer to, and use, the Current Fixture Offset widget

Pound Variables

The system variables, or pound variables (# variables) are documented in the Macro B Reference Guide in the System Variables section. They are shared memory between G-Code files, and M-Codes and plugins. 

From the Macro B section 3.6 System Variables

 

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Setting the widget values

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Part Counters

This widget is incorporated into the standard interface, on the GCode tab, and it is best used there.

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Part Counters (internal documentation)

Probe Machine Coordinates and Part Coordinates

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Registers

Registers are documented in 4 Registers as part of the core Mach documentation. This widget allows you to display particular registers and their values. You can also browse the entire tree from the main menu. Pull down Diagnostic | Regfile

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Scheduler

This widget is used to customize system operation when a customer's work flow requires it. If you need this functionality, please contact MachMotion support and request a quote for custom configuration. 

 

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Opening the Scheduler will open a new window with the Schedule Editor. The Load button will open a file browser to select the job files you want to schedule. Once the jobs are listed, you can reorder them, and change the quantity of times to run a particular job. 

Signals

Also see I/O and the mapping documentation for your motion controller. The signals are mapped to particular input and output ports. In this example, the underlying I/O ports are connected, and the signals have been mapped to report I/O status to the system. 

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Subspindle Control

This widget is used to set the speed and start the spindle. 

Configuration details and examples are located in these bookstack articles:

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Tool Wear Offsets

Please enter your tool wear offsets in the Tool Table, or using G10: Fixture and Tool Offset Setting. Refer to the Cutter Compensation portion of the Mach4 G-Code and M-Code Reference for the concepts in cutter compensation. 

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Software Function Buttons

One particular widget is the 'Function Buttons' widget. It is configurable in a similar way to the overall dashboard, but instead of selecting widgets, the user can select Commands to run on press and release. The user can also set the labels and colors of the button to suit them.

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Run MDI and LUA commands

Aside from running Commands, function buttons can be used  to run MDI or LUA commands. This is accessible through the right-click menu. Those menu options will only be available if the button does not have a Command set for it already.

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For example, to run this command, enter it exactly as you would type it in a normal MDI window

M6 T1
M3 S1000

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Button press, release, toggle

Usually we only configure the button press, but we can also configure the button release function. Functions that toggle have a similar effect to the press and release functions. 

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Software Function Button Commands and Descriptions

 
CommandDescription
Block Delete ToggleWhen enabled, skips G-code lines beginning with a forward slash (/) during program execution.
Clear Scheduler 0Clears the pending file queue in the Scheduler for instance 0 on a multi‑instance system.
Clear Tool Change StateResets any in‑progress tool change state back to idle, clearing interlocks or prompts.
Close CNC SoftwareCloses and exits the MachMotion CNC software environment safely.
Close GCodeCloses the currently loaded G‑code file without quitting the control software.
Compile ScriptsRecompiles .mcs scripts after Mach core configuration changes, ensuring updated logic is active.
Convert Screen To Multi InstanceConverts the current screen/profile to support multiple Mach instances on one PC.
Cut RecoveryResumes a program after interruption, re‑establishing position and conditions for safe continuation.
Cutter Compensation Type A ToggleToggles cutter compensation Type A mode as defined in cutter comp documentation.
Cutter Compensation Type B ToggleToggles cutter compensation Type B mode as defined in cutter comp documentation.
Cutter Compensation Type C ToggleToggles cutter compensation Type C mode as defined in cutter comp documentation.
Cycle StartStarts execution of the loaded program; same function as the panel Cycle Start.
Cycle Start 0Starts execution of the loaded program for instance 0 in a multi‑instance setup.
Cycle StopStops the running program or commanded motion; same as the panel Cycle Stop.
Cycle Stop 0Stops the running program or motion on instance 0 only.
DeReference AllClears referenced (homed) status for all axes on the active instance.
DeReference All InstancesClears referenced (homed) status for all axes across all instances.
DeReference XClears referenced (homed) status for the X axis.
DeReference YClears referenced (homed) status for the Y axis.
DeReference ZClears referenced (homed) status for the Z axis.
DisableDisables machine motion drives/interlocks system‑wide; machine cannot move.
Dry Run To LineProcesses G‑code without coolants to a selected line, helpful for verification.
Dry Run ToggleToggles dry‑run mode to process code without spindle, mist, or flood outputs.
Edit GCodeOpens the loaded G‑code in the editor for quick changes.
Edit Offsets OffLocks offsets to prevent editing in the offsets page.
Edit Offsets OnUnlocks offsets, allowing editing of fixture and tool offsets.
Edit Offsets ToggleToggles between locked and unlocked offset editing states.
Edit Scheduler 0Opens the Scheduler editor for instance 0 in a multi‑instance system.
EnableEnables machine motion, allowing jogging and program execution.
Enable ResetEnables and arms the Reset system to clear faults and rewind modals.
Enable Reset 0Arms the Reset system only for instance 0.
Enable Scheduler 0Enables the Scheduler service for instance 0 so queued jobs can run.
Enable ToggleToggles machine enable/disable state.
Enable X Axis ToggleToggles enable state of the X axis servo/drive.
Enable Y Axis ToggleToggles enable state of the Y axis servo/drive.
Enable Z Axis ToggleToggles enable state of the Z axis servo/drive.
Feed HoldPauses program motion and enters hold; can resume with Cycle Start.
Feed Hold 0Pauses motion for instance 0 only; resume with Cycle Start 0.
Feed Hold RetractRetracts along a safe vector while entering feed hold to clear the part.
Feed Hold Retract 0Retracts and holds on instance 0 only.
Feedrate Override DecrementDecreases commanded feedrate override in preset steps.
Feedrate Override IncrementIncreases commanded feedrate override in preset steps.
Feedrate Override ResetResets feedrate override to 100% (nominal programmed feed).
File ResumeResumes execution of a previously paused or interrupted file.
Find Tool ChangesScans the loaded G‑code and highlights M6 tool change locations.
Flood ToggleTurns flood coolant on or off.
GCAdapter Adapt FolderProcesses all files in a folder with the G‑code Adapter per configured rules.
GCAdapter Adapt Folder Showing ToolpathsAdapts a folder and displays resulting toolpaths for review.
GCAdapter Adapt GCodeRuns G‑code Adapter on the current file to apply post/cleanup rules.
GCAdapter SettingsOpens the G‑code Adapter settings dialog for configuration.
GCode CNTL 1 MST ToggleToggles M/S/T lock behavior for GCode Control 1 (mist, spindle, tool).
GCode File Repeat OffDisables automatic repeating of the loaded G‑code file.
GCode File Repeat OnEnables automatic repeating of the loaded G‑code file.
GCode File Repeat ToggleToggles the file repeat setting for the loaded program.
GCode Shortcut1Executes user‑assigned shortcut action 1 for G‑code operations.
GCode Shortcut2Executes user‑assigned shortcut action 2 for G‑code operations.
GCode Shortcut3Executes user‑assigned shortcut action 3 for G‑code operations.
Goto Machine ZeroMoves to machine coordinate zero (G53 origin) using a safe move.
Goto Part ZeroMoves to current work offset origin (e.g., G54 X0 Y0 Z0) safely.
Goto Positions SelectionMoves to a position selected from predefined positions list.
Goto Tool ChangeMoves to the defined tool change position for manual or automatic changes.
Home AllHomes all axes on the active instance.
Home All 0Homes all axes on instance 0.
Home All Dereferenced AxesHomes only axes currently not referenced (not homed).
Home All Selected InstanceHomes all axes on the currently selected instance in multi‑instance systems.
Home XHomes the X axis using its home switch routine.
Home YHomes the Y axis using its home switch routine.
Home ZHomes the Z axis using its home switch routine.
Inhibit Jogging When Not Homed TogglePrevents jogging until the machine has been homed; safety interlock.
Inhibit X Jogging ToggleEnables or disables jogging on the X axis.
Inhibit Y Jogging ToggleEnables or disables jogging on the Y axis.
Inhibit Z Jogging ToggleEnables or disables jogging on the Z axis.
InterruptTriggers an immediate program interrupt for safe attention or intervention.
Jog Tool Magazine To Next PocketJog the tool magazine to the next pocket position.
Jog Tool Magazine To Next Pocket 2Jog tool magazine 2 to its next pocket position.
Jog Tool Magazine To Next Pocket 3Jog tool magazine 3 to its next pocket position.
Jog Tool Magazine To Next Pocket 4Jog tool magazine 4 to its next pocket position.
Jog Tool Magazine To Previous PocketJog the tool magazine to the previous pocket position.
Jog Tool Magazine To Previous Pocket 2Jog tool magazine 2 to its previous pocket position.
Jog Tool Magazine To Previous Pocket 3Jog tool magazine 3 to its previous pocket position.
Jog Tool Magazine To Previous Pocket 4Jog tool magazine 4 to its previous pocket position.
Laser Pointer ToggleTurns the laser pointer alignment aid on or off.
Limit Override ToggleTemporarily overrides software limits; use with caution.
Load GCodeOpens a file dialog to load a G‑code program into memory.
Manual Mode ToggleSwitches between automatic run and manual (MDI/jog) control modes.
Mist ToggleTurns mist coolant on or off.
MST Lock ToggleToggles lock that prevents Macro, Spindle, and Tool actions.
Next PocketAdvance the currently selected tool magazine to the next pocket.
Next ToolSelects the next tool number in the tool table or changer sequence.
OP Zone App QR CodeDisplays the Operation Zone app QR code for quick access on mobile devices.
Open Commands DialogOpens a dialog to issue predefined command macros or actions.
Open GCode NestingOpens the G‑code nesting utility to arrange multiple parts.
Open Global Message ConfigOpens configuration for global on‑screen messages and alerts.
Open Machine CalibrationOpens the machine calibration hub.
Open Machine Calibration Automatic ConfigOpens automatic calibration configuration for probes, setters, or routines.
Open Machine Calibration Manual ConfigOpens manual calibration configuration workflows.
Open Machine Calibration Screw MappingOpens leadscrew mapping/backlash compensation calibration.
Open MachMotion ConfigOpens the MachMotion plugin configuration utility.
Open MachMotion Modbus ConfigOpens Modbus configuration for I/O and device mapping.
Open MDIOpens the MDI input to execute single lines of G‑code.
Open Setup WizardLaunches the guided setup wizard for machine configuration.
Optional Stop OffTurns off M1 optional stop handling within programs.
Optional Stop OnTurns on M1 optional stop handling within programs.
Optional Stop ToggleToggles the M1 optional stop behavior.
Park ToolParks the current tool at a defined safe location.
Part CountersOpens part counter utilities to view and reset production counts.
Plate AlignmentOpens plate alignment routine to square and set workpiece orientation.
PLC Sequence DiagnosticsOpens PLC diagnostics to monitor and test sequence logic.
Power OffShuts down control power with normal delays and interlocks.
Power Off ImmediateImmediately shuts down control power, bypassing delays; emergency use.
Previous PocketMove the tool magazine to the previous pocket.
Previous ToolSelects the previous tool number in the tool table or changer sequence.
Recent GCodeOpens a list of recently run G‑code files for quick selection.
Refresh Enabled ButtonsRefreshes button enable/disable states based on current machine conditions.
Regen ToolPathRegenerates the toolpath display after edits or reloads.
Register ToolsOpens tool pocket registration to map tool numbers to tool pockets
Remote SupportStarts a remote support session with MachMotion.
ResetRewinds the G‑code and resets modal states; clears certain faults.
Reset 0Performs reset/reload actions for instance 0 only.
Reset GCode CNTL 1 MSTResets M/S/T lock state for GCode Control 1 to defaults.
RewindRewinds the current program to its beginning.
Rewind 0Rewinds the current program to the beginning for instance 0.
Run Lua ScriptRuns a selected Lua script within the control environment.
Save Fixture OffsetsSaves current fixture/work offsets to persistent storage.
Screen Profiling For 60 SecondsRuns performance profiling for 60 seconds and records results.
Screen Profiling ToggleStarts or stops screen performance profiling.
Search GCodeOpens search to find text or line numbers within the loaded G‑code.
Selected Spindle 1Selects spindle 1 as the active spindle for commands.
Selected Spindle 2Selects spindle 2 as the active spindle for commands.
Selected Spindle 3Selects spindle 3 as the active spindle for commands.
Selected Spindle 4Selects spindle 4 as the active spindle for commands.
Set GCode CNTL 1 MSTApplies M/S/T lock mode for GCode Control 1 per settings.
Set Selected Instance 0Sets instance 0 as the active target instance.
Single Block OffDisables single‑block mode; program runs continuously.
Single Block OnEnables single‑block mode to execute one block per Cycle Start.
Single Block ToggleToggles single‑block mode on or off.
Skip Spindle Warm UpSkips the spindle warm‑up routine if scheduled.
Soft Limits OffDisables software travel limits for all axes.
Soft Limits OnEnables software travel limits for all axes.
Soft Limits ToggleToggles software travel limits on or off.
Spindle Brake OffReleases the spindle brake.
Spindle Brake OnApplies the spindle brake.
Spindle Brake ToggleToggles spindle brake between on and off states.
Spindle ForwardStarts spindle rotating forward (M3 equivalent).
Spindle Forward ToggleToggles spindle forward state.
Spindle OrientOrients spindle to a programmed angle for tool change or probing.
Spindle Orient ToggleToggles spindle orient function on or off.
Spindle Override DecrementDecreases spindle speed override in preset steps.
Spindle Override IncrementIncreases spindle speed override in preset steps.
Spindle Override ResetResets spindle speed override to 100%.
Spindle Range 00Selects spindle gear/range 00.
Spindle Range 01Selects spindle gear/range 01.
Spindle Range 02Selects spindle gear/range 02.
Spindle Range 03Selects spindle gear/range 03.
Spindle Range 04Selects spindle gear/range 04.
Spindle Range 05Selects spindle gear/range 05.
Spindle Range 06Selects spindle gear/range 06.
Spindle Range 07Selects spindle gear/range 07.
Spindle Range 08Selects spindle gear/range 08.
Spindle Range 09Selects spindle gear/range 09.
Spindle Range 10Selects spindle gear/range 10.
Spindle Range 11Selects spindle gear/range 11.
Spindle Range 12Selects spindle gear/range 12.
Spindle Range 13Selects spindle gear/range 13.
Spindle Range 14Selects spindle gear/range 14.
Spindle Range 15Selects spindle gear/range 15.
Spindle Range 16Selects spindle gear/range 16.
Spindle Range 17Selects spindle gear/range 17.
Spindle Range 18Selects spindle gear/range 18.
Spindle Range 19Selects spindle gear/range 19.
Spindle ReverseStarts spindle rotating in reverse (M4 equivalent).
Spindle Reverse ToggleToggles spindle reverse state.
Spindle Speed Variation ToggleToggles speed variation function for spindle conditioning or testing.
Spindle StopStops the spindle (M5 equivalent).
Start Spindle Warm UpStarts the spindle warm‑up cycle with programmed steps.
Step Into SubsEnables stepping into subroutines during single‑block debugging.
Step Into Subs ToggleToggles step‑into‑subroutine behavior.
Step Over SubsSteps over subroutines, executing them without entering during debug.
SupportOpens MachMotion support resources or contact launcher.
Teach Laser Pointer OffsetsCaptures laser pointer offset to spindle for alignment/positioning.
Teach WorkShift X OffsetSets current X as workshift offset for the active fixture.
Teach WorkShift Y OffsetSets current Y as workshift offset for the active fixture.
Teach WorkShift Z OffsetSets current Z as workshift offset for the active fixture.
Toggle Coordinates ViewToggles displayed coordinates between machine and part views.
Tool Group TableOpens the tool group table for managing grouped tools.
Tool Path LargeSwitches toolpath panel to large view layout.
Tool Path SmallSwitches toolpath panel to small view layout.
Tool Path View BottomSets toolpath camera to bottom view.
Tool Path View ISOSets toolpath camera to isometric view.
Tool Path View LeftSets toolpath camera to left view.
Tool Path View RightSets toolpath camera to right view.
Tool Path View TopSets toolpath camera to top view.
Transform: ArrayCreates an array using the G-code part. Provides basic nesting function.
Transform: Mirror XMirrors toolpath across X axis.
Transform: Mirror YMirrors toolpath across Y axis.
Transform: Rotate 180Rotates toolpath 180 degrees about the origin.
Transform: Rotate 90 CCWRotates toolpath 90 degrees counter‑clockwise.
Transform: Rotate 90 CWRotates toolpath 90 degrees clockwise.
UPS Power OffCommands UPS‑coordinated shutdown of control power.
Zero AllZeros all displayed work coordinates for X, Y, and Z.
Zero All Edit Offsets On/OffZeros all axes and toggles offset editing lock accordingly.
Zero XZeros X in the active work coordinate system.
Zero X Edit Offsets On/OffZeros X and toggles offset editing lock accordingly.
Zero YZeros Y in the active work coordinate system.
Zero Y Edit Offsets On/OffZeros Y and toggles offset editing lock accordingly.
Zero ZZeros Z in the active work coordinate system.
Zero Z Edit Offsets On/OffZeros Z and toggles offset editing lock accordingly.

Commands

The system has many packaged functions called commands. These commands can perform a variety of actions, such as turning on the spindle or zeroing an axis. All commands have an action associated with them. Some actions also have a feedback associated with them, such as the 'Spindle Forward' command where the feedback is whether the spindle is currently running forward or not.

Commands and User Commands can be assigned to function buttons on the control, in order to customize the experience.

User Commands

Additionally custom commands, called User Commands, can be configured in the 'Screen Configuration' dialog. This is accessible through the 'Screen Config' button on the Service/Maintenance tab.

dZWcreate_user_command.png

To make a new User Command, press the 'Add' button. Each User Command should have a unique name. To edit a User Command, select its name from the list. A searchable list of actions for the command is available in the first box. This selects the general type of action to be done. The second box, labeled 'Options', is also part of the action and must be selected.

The 'Feedback Source' and 'Feedback Target' sections are optional. They are relevant if the User Command will be assigned to a function button. Some User Commands won't have a logical feedback source. A reasonable example is for a command that turns soft limits on and off: the feedback would be if soft limits is on or off. The feedback target offers a way to do a simple forwarding of the user command state if desired.

edit_user_command.png

One option for user commands are User Scripts. These are lua functions that will be executed as the command, to get the feedback state, or to forward to the target. This is a way to create completely custom functionality. They should always be done in the UserGUIModule.UserStartUpScript function. The following is an example of how to create these lua function in the UserGUIModule.

function UserGUIModule.UserStartUpScript()
  local action_func = function()
          local state = w.GetSignalState(mc.OSIG_OUTPUT0)
          w.SetSignalState(mc.OSIG_OUTPUT0, not state)
      end
  w.CreateUserCommandActionOption("Toggle Output #0", action_func)

  local feedback_func = function()
          return w.GetSignalState(mc.OSIG_OUTPUT0)
      end
  w.CreateUserCommandFeedbackOption("Output #0", feedback_func)
  
  return true, true, w.FunctionCompleted()
end

Hardware Function Buttons

The MachPro operator panels and wireless pendants have a number of function buttons on them, labelled F1, F2, etc. These buttons initially do nothing, but can have commands or user commands mapped to them. This is done through the MachMotion operator panel configuration.

Each function button on the operator panels and pendants can have a command mapped to their press action and release action. First select the function button to be configured, and then select which press and release functions are desired. Selecting the blank entry will clear the command from the button.

Upon saving and exiting configuration, these commands will be mapped to the function buttons.

assign_user_command.png

Function buttons on the MachPro operator panels have an LED light in the corner. This light will reflect the feedback state of the mapped command. If a command is mapped to the press and to the release function of the button, the LED will reflect the feedback of the press command.

On the screen, there are five function buttons underneath the axis DROs. Instructions on how to configure those buttons, as well as how to add more function buttons to the screen, are in the Dashboard section.

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