Neurosis, Have you tried using the update folder utility in the file drop down to update a McamX2 part file to X5? I wouldn't do a whole folder's worth maybe try one or two files to see what the results are.

John, Here is a solution for the max spindle speed issue. In the post you're using for the Bridgeport find a postblock called "pspindle" if you started with Gen Fanuc it should look like the one below, I added a line in the postblock that set the max spindle speed at 4200 rpm. pspindle #Spindle speed calculations for RPM speed = abs(ss$) maxss$ = 4200 <<< I added this line of code to set the max spindle speed if speed, [ if speed > maxss$, speed = maxss$ if speed < min_speed, speed = min_speed ] spdir2 = fsg3(spdir$) With this line of code in the postblock it doesn't matter if you program the spindle in the toolpath as 10,000 rpm it will be overridden by the postblock.

Millrunner, If you typically have issues with the files you're getting, the first thing I would do is use delete duplicates, (ACad was famous for having duplicate line & arc entities). Another utility to try would be a C-Hook called "FindOverlap", the combine views is another good tool for problem geom. Make certain that the toolpath geom you want to use is all on the same level in the levels manager (I typically copy the geom to a separate level and modify it so I don't disturb the original). Before trying to use a chain as toolpath geom, I will use analyze chain to find & fix the problem areas. If there are small gaps in your chain that you would like to skip over, open the chaining options and reset the chaining tolerance (the default is 0.0001 if you reset it to 0.005 - 0.010 the chain manger will jump the small gaps).

Tim, Did you select a tool from the Mcam library, or did you right click in the tool field and create a new tool?

Terry, Yes, that is the case when using a nethasp with one license, the first one to check it out gets it. How about my second question, are you working across an internal network?

Do Not copy your config file over from a previous version of Mcam Please refer to John's post, How do I install X5? http://www.emastercam.com/board/index.php?showforum=1 your install will go much smoother

Terry, You didn't say but I assume you're using a NetHasp, (you mentioned you have to check out a solids license). Can I also assume you are opening and working on files across the internal network?

Ok,..

Ah yes, the dreaded Z axis normal gitchagoomey

can you put the file up on the ftp?

sorry, missed this You might want to consider having a custom post setup.

Keith, The stock mill posts are not equipped to output G18/G19 aggregate head format. The preferred method is to start with a router post and modify it to work in mill. The router post has the functionality to work with the aggregate or the other possibility would be to have a custom mill post written. Here is the header info from the router post: # Post Name : Generic Fanuc 4X Router.pst # Product : Router # Machine Name : Generic # Control Name : Fanuc # Description : Generic 4 Axis Router Post Here is how I changed it to work as a mill post: # Post Name : Generic Fanuc 4X Mill.pst # Product : Mill # Machine Name : Generic # Control Name : Fanuc # Description : Generic 4 Axis Mill Post Then I made various edits to the router post to match the format for a Haas

I said you couldn't use rotate for an axis substitution, I didn't say you couldn't translate it. To translate an axis sub you need to know what the length of the arc is between the translations. For example I'm cutting a pocket as a Y axis substitution on a 5" radius. To get the pocket translated to the next location 30* away, I would use translate between points and translate on the Y axis. The distance I'm translating is the length of the arc in the Y axis, in this case 2.617994. Typical I like to do the first axis sub at 12:00 then work from there. Pocket toolpaths need to start as flat geom then be wrapped in the toolpath, contour toolpaths can be wrapped or flat geom.

RJ, Are you doing an axis substitution in the contour toolpath? If so you can't use rotate to repeat the toolpath at the new location.

The toolpath import works the same in McamX5 as it did in McamX4

One of the toolbar states I created in McamX4 was a no toolbars Machine Sim state, I noticed that McamX5 is doing it automagically Good to know that they identified it as a bug

I believe the ultimate answer would be, why run McamV9? It's outdated software, MSoft is sun-setting WinXP, have you tried to find a front clip for a '64 Chrysler New Yorker, ( my fave,...Hey!,,how come I can't open this SWorks 2011 sldprt file in McamV9??? )

I have V9 running on Win7 32bit, the only thing I use it for is updating preV8 files for customers and reference. McamV9 will not load in Win7 64bit. The software was never designed to run in the new OS architecture.

Cool Can't say if I've seen that happen. What happens if you go to toolbar states and reload your custom toolbar?

Wiz, There doesn't seem to be a need to update the files, all I did was copy and drop the folder into the ModuleWorks/MachSim folder in the Shared McamX5 directory. Yes, it would be a good thing to put that into the update documentation. But seeing how McamX5 is the first of the installs to have machine sim as part of the install instead of an add-in that issue may have been overlooked.

Jeff, If you're interested in a converter for Catia files the one from Moldplus is solid. http://www.moldplus.com/catia.htm

Wiz, I just used one of my Machine Simulation folders from McamX4 and dropped it into McamX5 and it worked without updating any of the files.

Wiz, Here's a strange question, how many machines do you have in the machine sim folder in McamX5? There was an issue with McamX4, if I had too many machines in the folder the custom one I wanted wouldn't show up in the list. ( I found that out talking with Ivan at InHouse ) To correct, I created a new folder in the machine sim directory and moved some of the unused machines in there. I'm not certain if McamX5 will respond to that but it's worth a try.

Bob, Yes, there is a bit of work involved tying in the the Zmin/Zmax, even if you copy and paste from MpMaster, there are variables that need to be formatted and initialized, a buffer table that needs to be built, postblocks to be setup,.... it can be a very interesting project if you're looking to learn how the post structure works. If you are looking for it to be as simple as flipping a switch to turn it on then MpMaster is the way to go.

MAG, You've got mail