Dave, Thank you. Another question, are the download files: "v8addons_full.exe" and "html_install_v8.exe" identical?

When using the CIMCO editor, it sometimes gives a warning message after opening an ".nc" file. Warning message: The file "example.nc" contained ASCII 0 characters, they have been replaced by a '#' character. Do you wish to remove these from the file? Warning: Any '#' in the original file will also be removed. ASCII 0 character is (nul), correct? The G-code looks fine, I don't understand what the editor is doing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Question? Is there a "readme.txt" or something similar, explaining exactly what the add-ons are? I am curious about the set-up sheets.

Is the same post variable being shared by the comment field in the operation's parameter window with the "manual entry" function? I believe it is 'scomm'. If so, is there a way to keep these two separate? The post I am trying to modify is an MPFAN derivative. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, I agree with RAJ, I have been looking around for a tombstone style example but have not found one yet. Any help or advice would be helpful. (V8, level 1, 2D or 3D wireframe, no solids) [This message has been edited by nickz (edited 02-13-2001).]

What other enhancements are there with V8.1? Any improvements to the tool library?

Is anyone by chance using any other software for their tools, or know of any tool crib (tool management software) that will interface with Mastercam? Or are most MC users relying completely on Mastercam's tool library? This is something that has been haunting me for the past 3 years, since V6. The reason I ask this is that I would like to control an inventory of tools and a library all in one, instead of 3 different systems. [This message has been edited by nickz (edited 01-30-2001).]

ok, need a chance to catch up. I completely understand that it needs to be drawn the same way it is going to be fixtured, but I need to understand one very important item. It should be drawn as 2D?, 3D wireframe?, solids? What level of MC-Mill are you using? This has become very confusing. If anyone has a sample file for this situation, I would greatly appreciate the help. [This message has been edited by nickz (edited 01-24-2001).]

The geometry is 2D, and I can't rotate the part. For example, I have 2 different bores. Both will share X0, but different Y locations. I put them on different view levels so I can distinguish between the two, (usually there are a few dozen), create a drilling operation and input the degrees in a misc. real (mr9, post is modified to accept this). It's pretty much a flat drawing.

My question involves a "A" or "B" axis on vertical and horizontal machining centers. We are using Mastercam V8 (level 1). What is the most efficient way of programming the rotary axis. Presently we are creating the geometry at different view levels, utilizing a misc. real for degrees, and creating an operation for every single location. Is there a easier method? Is a higher level needed to make this easier?

Dave/Chris, Yes, the 158. question is disabled. I tried the "wear" selection and that does work, (thought I tried that ) Thanks again guys.

Using Mill V8, (level 1). We can't seem to get output of cutter comp when using the pocket feature with the "Finish" option selected. We tried with 5 different .pst files and still nothing. Is this a bug or something that is just not available at this level??

Yes, that is correct. This is the case when I need a "G54.1P1" for example, my Fanuc controllers. The workofs is coming from the T/C Plane window, which sets my "P" value. The way the shop is using the YASNAC controller is a little different. All it requires is a G54P#550. I select mi1 = 4 thru 9 to output G54 thru G59. It confused me at first, now I understand. I still can't find any information in the manual. I hope there is an updated manual available soon. Thank you Mark.

Can't seem to find this in the Sept-97 post manual. This is a reserved word? I see it being used but not defined in the .pst file that I am currently working with (MPYASNAK.PST). Does anyone know if this word is connected to (mi1) in some way?

1) I am only transferring the .pst file from CD to hard drive. What I meant is the transferring of the .pst file that goes on before it gets burned on CD by "CNC". 2) And yes I also see the squares in the .nc files when they are transferred back via RS232. 3) The comment "spaces must be padded here" is located in the MPYASNAK.PST file, fresh off the CD, V8. Along with small black squares. [This message has been edited by nickz (edited 01-11-2001).]

Thank you Dave, I will probably start working on another post (MPYASNAK.PST) and will hand edit for now, when using old "default" post. I will also get in touch with both the reseller and CNC Software for lots of help.

Does anyone know what the small black squares are for in a .pst file? Are they just coming in because the file has been transfered so many times? Also, what does the comment "spaces must be padded here" exactly mean?

Yes I am using the Misc Value (mi1) to change the wcs, don't know of any other way to do so. We are using Mill-V8, level 1. The post is MPYAS80M.PST, right off the V8 CD, with some minor mods that are not related to wcs. The controller is a Yasnac i80.

ok, this is strange! I am working between two fixture offsets G54 & G55. Facing one part at G54 and going over to face another at G55, (different heights). The output I get is missing the G54 machining code and goes over to G55 which has the code. example: N10M06T29( FACEMILL, 4.0" 45D FINISH) M01 S2500M03 T12 G00G90G54P#550 X31.64Y145. G43H29Z10.M08 G00G90G55P#550 (FACE TO 47.00MM THICK) Y145.Z5. G01Z.5F900. Y-145. G00Z10. Y145. Z5. G01Z0. Y-145. G00Z10. <---- should be end of the G54 side Y140. Z8. G01Z4.083 Y-140. G00Z10. Y140. Z6.083 G01Z2.167 Y-140. G00Z10. Y140. Z4.167 G01Z.25 Y-140. G00Z10. Y140. Z2.25 G01Z0. Y-140. G00Z10. M09 It seemed to combine both operations into one??? Can't force variables; pccdia or tloffno with an *, then the diameter offset number outputs on every single G1,G2, and G3 line. [This message has been edited by nickz (edited 01-10-2001).] [This message has been edited by nickz (edited 01-10-2001).]

What is the diameter of the threaded hole versus the threadmill cutter diameter? General rule-of-thumb is that the cutter diameter should not be less than .200" smaller than the hole size. Your enter/exit arc may be also too large for this, not having enough room to pick up a linear X or Y move. I am running V8 threadmilling with no problems (yet).

Yes, you are correct sir. The pdrill_2 postblock is for additional points and I blocked out the dwell and the output does not repeat, its only in the canned cycle line, which is taken care of by the pdrill postblock. Thank you once again. N310M6T31(SAE- 6, PORT C-BORE) M01 S1000M3 T32 G00G90G54.1P1 X-64.417Y24.728 G43H31Z25.M8 G98G82Z-24.8R2.5P2000F250. X-68.958Y2.408 X-65.985Y-20.174 X-55.822Y-40.557 X54.863Y-1.437 X67.365Y14.934 X49.116Y24.488 X52.468Y44.812 G80 M9 [This message has been edited by nickz (edited 12-06-2000).]

I searched the forum for any related items first and haven't found anything. Question is: How do I remove the repeating dwell words from each XY location, the P address is only needed once within the canned cycle line and that will take care of all the XY's until G80. I looked through the post file(mpfan.pst) for a quick fix....don't see it yet. If anyone is familiar with this situation (looks simple, but I'm stumped) please advise. Thanks. example code of what's happening. N310M6T31(SAE- 6, PORT C-BORE) M01 S1000M3 T32 G00G90G54.1P1 X-64.417Y24.728 G43H31Z25.M8 G98G82Z-24.8R2.5P2000F250. X-68.958Y2.408P2000 X-65.985Y-20.174P2000 X-55.822Y-40.557P2000 X54.863Y-1.437P2000 X67.365Y14.934P2000 X49.116Y24.488P2000 X52.468Y44.812P2000 G80 M9

A "solids" icon appearing in my operations manager (small blue cylinder with an 'S') tells me that there is solid geometry in this operation, correct? I am running V8, level 1 (2D), is this another bug? This is happening on two separate operations. I am trying to contour starting at an open-ended arc. [This message has been edited by nickz (edited 12-01-2000).]

Is there a way to have the color palette sequence in V8 the same as it was in V7? The reason I ask is that when I bring in a V7 file, (eventually saving it as a V8 file) the colors I used in V7 are different. Some of the geometry becomes very dark and difficult to see. I would have to go through all the levels used and search/analyze for geometry. Any suggestions?

Anyone familiar with this control, please help. I am running the C-axis face contour and we are having a difficult time with cutter comp. We are using a 1/4" endmill/live 'z' interpolating a slot. The slot is undersize and the operator would like to use cutter comp to bring it within tolerance.