Interesting observation on this Randy. No promises, but i will research some options to improve it in a future release.

Mike - We shrunk the visual size because it was too big and obscured the visual cue for what you were selecting. The actual selection size / apeture remains the same.

The level drop-down button only "remembers" the numbers you typed in manually. You do not have to open the level manager to use a new level, you can just type in the level you want to "create" or make active. The level manager only has to be used for adding a descriptor or manipulating more than one level at a time.

If you haven't done so already please e-mail your part to [email protected] ASAP. We need tosee what's going on with it.

The system DPI also affect this. In Windows 2000 the DPI is tied to your Windows system fonts, large fonts = 120 DP1. We are working on something now that should cure it in the near future. In XP you can run large fonts and keep the DPI at 96 rather than 120. Right-click on your Windows Desktop, go to Properties, and pick the Advanced button to see what i mean.

Don't forget to use the Version 9 to X function Mapping PDF file if you get stumped. It's in the Start > All Programs > Mastercam X > Documentation menu. It may not have everything listed but it's a good first place to look.

Machine Definitions have an option to load a Toolbar State. If you load an MD with a TB state at startup its TB State will override the option in Customize.

Undo of Solids is not available in X, it is scheduled for X2.

In X Level 2 supports Multi-Surface Pocketing with zig-zag and one-way motion and Finish Parallel.

Chaining will sometimes act funny if there is duplicate geometry underneath or if endpoints are not contiguous. This can be either by being a little short or overlapping.

The intent of the alternating colors of gray to white was to make it easier to read the rows and follow them across. I'm sorry it isn't working for you. At this point i don't have an alternative option.

All of the bitmap images are built into the code itself. You have freedom on how you want to arrange and organize them, far greater than previous versions, but you can't substitute yours for ours. I don't think i have ever seen a Windows style interface that allowed this, but my eyes haven't been filled with seeing yet either.

All updates have been shipped to your resellers. Each reseller has flexibility in how they distribute them to you. Some have slapped a stamp on the box and shipped them, (even without the update codes DOH!) Others could be hand delivering them if that's their choice. They all are trying to get them to you in the method they think is best.

Or... you could try going to the Control Panel and opening the Mastercam X option. Check the Dialog Postions option in the Reset group and then Apply and Cancel to close. I think this will reset the dialog position in the Registry for you.

If you haven't done so already please e-mail the file to [email protected] along with your system information. OS, Ram, graphics card, etc. so we can look into it. It's a good thing Peter is here to keep it light...

If you have pre-selection turned on the system always responds to a click on the screen as if you are going to select something. This always happens when no function is currently active. I worked with SW a little and they do the same thing... sort of... I have an idea on what will make this work better, i'll have to check with the Software Developers to see what's possible.

John is correct. Draft is being renamed to Design LT and is scheduled to be ready for duplication/production in mid-September. Availability for shipping will follow shortly afterwards.

You will start X and you will be able to run the options that are available on your Sim. If you only have Mill you will start in Design mode and then can switch to Mill from a menu. If you have Mill and Lathe you can switch between them at will. No matter what machine type you are working with Design is always available. Of course if you only work in one product you can modify the shortcut or a config option to always start in Mill, Lathe, or Router.

Gcode - I worked with them to assign our macros to the programable keys using their macros, it works good. Their new drivers will have Mastercam X options to load.

The Mastercam X Transition Guide details the procedures existing Mastercam users should follow to migrate their settings, libraries, parts, and posts to Mastercam X. You can use the Migration Worksheets in this book as a checklist for moving to Mastercam X. It is delivered in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format and also as a printed book with each Mastercam X system. Click here http://www.mastercam.com/x/MastercamX_Transition_Guide.pdf to download this PDF file. You must install the Adobe Reader (version 4.0 or higher) to view the PDF format documentation that accompanies Mastercam X. To download the Adobe Acrobat Reader, go to the Adobe Web site, www.adobe.com, and choose the Get Adobe Reader button on the left side of the page. Note: The PDF version of the Transition Guide includes a new section 3.1.6, "Inch and metric machine definitions," that does not appear in the printed version.

On the way...

Here is some additional information that may be helpful in understanding more about Mastercam X before you actually receive it. The Mastercam Version 9 to Mastercam X function Map PDF file can be used as a map to help your transition from Mastercam Version 9 to Mastercam X. The diagrams explain how the functions in Mastercam X have been laid out and show where the same functions were located in the Version 9 menus. It also points out where multiple functions have been consolidated into easier options in Mastercam X. Click here www.mastercam.com/x/V92XFunctions.pdf to download this PDF file. To download the Reader, go to the Adobe Web site, www.adobe.com, and choose the Get Adobe Reader button on the left side of the page.

Solids in Mastercam X is not associative with the Layout function.

Chris - Art is scheduled for release in X this fall with the MR1 release. It is being used in some internal Alpha testing now.

Pete always says that the making of software is a lot like the making of laws and sausages. You don't want to know how it's done... It could give you gas.