Firmware upgrade
Please note that the categories may not correspond to the categories in the setup tab. This is of no consequence.
Word/Phrase | Description |
Controller | Your controller board, e.g. CPU5A or CNC720. |
Rising edge | Low-to-high signal level transition |
Falling edge | High-to-low signal level transition |
Motor driver | Device (not part of the controller) that controls a motor, e.g. stepper motor driver |
Motion segment | Small motion instructions that make up the machine path (e.g. an arc is composed of many small segments) |
Operate view | The first tab of the software, "Operate" |
Active signal level | Signal level (low/high) at which a given component is active e.g. when emergency stop button is pressed in |
Active high; active low | Active high is when signal level becomes high when a component is "active" e.g. button is pressed in. Active low is when signal level becomes low when it is "active". |
Velocity | mm/second or inch/second depending on chosen unit system |
Feed rate; feed | mm/minute or inch/minute depending on chosen unit system |
Dual queue | Feature that enables interpreter commands to be executed while a job is paused |
Maximum stepper motor driver pulse frequency The maximum step frequency that the controller will generate. The frequency has to be supported by the motor drivers.
If your machine motors are not moving, it is likely that this value is set too high. Please check the manufacturer's information of your motor driver for supported values.
Pulse line is normally high, falling edge trigger Determines polarity for step pulses. When this setting is turned off, it is assumed that the motor driver generates a step on rising edges. If the motor driver requires a falling edge instead, please turn this setting on.
PWM frequency Frequency generated on the PWM output for controlling the spindle speed.
The standard value of 5000 is correct for controlling a spindle connected to a variable-frequency drive (VFD)
If your machine is a laser machine, you can change it to the desired value for your laser.
Machine type Type of machine. Adjusts behaviour of the interpreter. Depending on the machine type, a different side panel may be shown in the operate view.
Reset input Reset input, for safety relay.
Safety relay prevents the machine from performing actions when it is not considered safe to do so (e.g. machine door is open, emergency stop button is pushed in). Safety relays are excellent at preventing damage when properly configured, therefore it is recommended to research that subject.
G-Code to be executed on start G-Code to be executed on software start. One line only.
This setting can be used to set the default/safe state of the machine, e.g. set a default feed rate with F100.
Only G-Code can be used. Interpreter commands such as tcaguard on cannot be used here. You can put such commands in (as an example) home_all subroutine instead.
Dual queue Determines if dual queue feature is enabled. Dual queue feature utilizes a second motion queue to be able to provide motion while the main queue already contains data. Meaning that, it enables interpreter commands to be executed (e.g. M3) while a job is paused.
When dual queue is enabled, toggles for hardware actions (e.g. Tool/Spindle on/off button, Flood on/off button) will utilize respective M-Codes (e.g. M3, M8) instead of directly switching respective output on/off. This is usually desirable because it means that these UI elements will respect overriden M-Codes. For that reason, it is recommended to leave this setting enabled.
G4 parameter is in milliseconds Indicates that the P-value used with G4 is to be interpreted as milliseconds. By default, this value is in seconds.
Long file mode threshold [kB] Job file size that when exceeded will trigger "Long file mode".
In "Long file mode", the job file will not be shown in its entirety. This is done to preserve system memory and improve performance.
If there are noticeable performance issues, computer input delays or the machine is not functioning properly when large file jobs are run, it is advised to lower this value.
Super long file mode threshold [kB] Job file size that when exceeded will trigger "Super long file mode".
In "Super long file mode", the job file will not be shown in its entirety. The file will also no longer be loaded into system's memory in it's entirety, which means that complex G-Code constructs (while, if-then-else, macro subroutines) are no longer possible. This is done to preserve system memory and improve performance. Theoretically, files of any size can be executed in this mode.
If there are noticeable performance issues, computer input delays or the machine is not functioning properly when large file jobs are run, it is advised to lower this value.
Macro file name Name of the macro file. The default is macro.cnc.
Diameter programming for lathe machines Enables diameter programming mode for turning machines. In diameter programming mode, all X-axis values are interpreted as a diameter (all movements in the X-axis are divided by 2).
G2/G3 center coordinates are absolute Enables interpretation of G2 and G3 center coordinates as absolute values. If this setting is disabled, the values are interpreted as incremental.
Full circle theta epsilon Factor value for treating arcs as full circles.If the distance between start and end point of a circle is less than this value, the circle is considered to be full.
Do not pause for tool change If enabled, the machine will not stop for tool changes.
It is not recommended to use this setting if you do not have an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC). If you have an ATC and it is set up (change_tool subroutine is working properly with your tool changer), enabling this setting will skip the forced tool change stop.
Tangential knife safe angle threshold The angle between two movements that will trigger a Z-axis lift when exceeded, in order to rotate the knife safely. If the angle is lower, the knife is rotated during motion, without lifting it up.
The tangential knife is switched on through interpreter commands and can be configured by interpreter commands as well. Please consult the manual for more information.
Tangential knife blend angle
When angle between subsequent motion segments is less than this value, the knife is not rotated before the angle but during motion. The motion segments also have to be shorter than the tangential knife blend distance.
For small angles in combination with small motion segments, this is tolerable in practice and will speed up the cutting process a lot. Be aware however that the knife direction is not exactly in the cutting direction and the knife may break if the angle is too large. It is advised to only use this with small angles.
Tangential knife blend distance When subsequent motion segments (or arc length) are shorter than this value, the knife is not rotated before an angle but during motion. The angle between the motion segments also has to be less than the tangential knife blend angle.
Tangential knife lift up distance Specifies the distance to lift up Z when the detected angle is greater than the tangential knife bending angle.
Tangential knife bending angle Defines the direction to which the knife is angled towards for 45° knives.
Tangential knife ZHI value Define the high Z position in work coordinates for 45° knives.
Usually, this is 1-5mm above the material. This setting requires careful calibration. Please consult the manual.
Tangential knife ZLO value Define the low Z value in work coordinates for 45° knives.
This is the deepest point in the cut groove. This setting requires careful calibration. Please consult the manual.
Tangential knife turns to rewind Specifies the number of turns after which the knife will be rotated back.
This prevents issues related to the knife rotating too much in one direction, e.g. with wires.
Job time estimation factor Estimated job time is adjusted by this factor.
Simple zeroing Enables simplified work coordinate zeroing. If enabled, the zero buttons in the operate view, will simply set the work position to zero at the current position. Otherwise, a dialog will be shown in which the position can be set.
By default, the dialog shows a value which is reduced by tool radius of the current tool. This is handy when zeroing from the lower-left corner with the end mill against the material.
Use G10L20 for zeroing If enabled, the active coordinate system (G54 – G59.3) is zeroed instead of the global G92. Otherwise, the global G92 offset is used.
E-Stop input trigger edge Determines if emergency stop (E-Stop) input is used, and the active signal level.
Drive error input trigger edge Determines if drive error input is used, and the active signal level. When drive error input is triggered, the motion stops.
External error associated action Determines if external error input is used and its behavior. External error input can trigger emergency stop or stop the motion smoothly.
With smooth stop, the motion is gradually decreased in order to prevent position loss.
Do not switch GPIO off when E-Stop is triggered If enabled, GPIO will not be switched off when E-Stop is triggered. Default behaviour is that GPIO will be switched off.
Safe velocity value Defines the maximum velocity if the safety input is active or if the machine is not yet homed.
Safe speed percentage Defines the maximum spindle speed if the safety input is active or if the machine is not yet homed.
Maximum distance difference between master and slave axis If distance between master and slave axis is detected to be higher than this value, a warning is shown and the homing sequence is stopped.
Use home input for X axis as home input for all axes Determines that home input for X axis will be used to home all axes.
Enable this if you wire your home switches in series.
Home inputs trigger edge Determines active level of home inputs. Home inputs can be active low (signal level becomes low when home switch is triggered) or active high (signal level becomes high when home switch is triggered).
Force homing sequence to be done before motion Enforces that jogging, running a job, or using MDI is not permitted before the machine is homed.
This feature prevents damage done to your machine. When the machine is not homed, limit guards are not active (because the machine does not know its current position - all axes have to be homed first). It is strongly recommended to keep this setting enabled.
Permit jogging before homing sequence If mandatoryHoming is enabled, this will allow jogging before the machine is homed.
Take appropriate care when jogging the machine before it is homed, as the limit guards are not active yet. It is strongly recommended to keep this setting disabled.
G-Code commands issued via MDI will result in motion regardless of this setting, use caution!
Stop spindle on pause Stop spindle when pause is activated
When dual queue is enabled, this triggers M5 command instead of directly turning the spindle output off.
Disallow starting the spindle during pause If enabled, the spindle cannot be started if the pause input is active.
Disallow jogging during pause If enabled, the jogging cannot be done if the pause input is active.
Disallow usage of user buttons during pause If enabled, usage of user buttons is not possible if the pause input is active
Disallow MDI usage during pause If enabled, usage of MDI is not possible if the pause input is active.
Switch mist output off on pause If enabled, mist output is switched off when job is paused.
When dual queue is enabled, this triggers M9 command instead of directly turning the mist output off.
Switch flood output off on pause If enabled, flood output is switched off when job is paused.
When dual queue is enabled, this triggers M9 command instead of directly turning the flood output off.
Lift Z axis up on pause Determines if Z axis is lifted up when job is paused. Distance is determined by zUpMoveDistanceOnPause
Run M5 on pause Runs M5 command when job is paused
Run M9 on pause Runs M9 command when job is paused
Z axis lift distance Determines the distance that the Z axis moves when job is paused and zUpOnPause is active.
Note that this will not violate limits of the Z axis, provided that limit guard is enabled at the time.
Feed rate when restoring location after pause The feed rate used during move towards the material when restoring location after pause.
Use safety relay Determines if safety relay has to be switched on before the machine can be used.
Safety relay prevents the machine from performing actions when it is not considered safe to do so (e.g. machine door is open, emergency stop button is pushed in). Safety relays are excellent at preventing damage when properly configured, therefore it is recommended to research that subject.
Ready signal output Determines the system ready output. This output is usually used with a safety relay.
Switching safety relay on sequence:
- Switch systemReadyOutPortID output on
- Wait for safetyRelayResetDelayMs amount of time
- Switch safetyRelayResetOutPortID output on
- Wait for safetyRelayPulseLengthMs amount of time
- Wait for safetyRelayResetDelayMs amount of time
- Verify that the relay is switched on
This sequence will fail if E-Stop input is active during it.
Reset signal output Output that is used to reset/switch on the safety relay.
Reset signal delay in ms The delay to wait after interacting with the safety relay
Pulse duration in ms Pulse duration used to switch on the safety relay
Output triggered when in G28 position Defines if and which output will be triggered when the machine is parked in G28 position
Red traffic light Specifies output for red traffic light
Yellow traffic light Specifies output for yellow traffic light
Green traffic light Specifies output for green traffic light
Progress light Specifies PWM output for progress traffic light
Disable flashing Disables traffic light flashing
Store touch points The touch points are stored in a file when this is checked. This can be used for digitizing.
Touch points file path The file name for storing the touch points. The file is opened at the first probe touch and closed when M30 command is encountered, usually at the end of the G-Code program.
Pause on unexpected probe trigger If enabled the job will be paused if probe is triggered
Visible in Operate view Check if the axis should be visible in the Operate view.
Controller axis port Physical output port for the axis e.g. 1 for "AXIS1" port
Steps per unit (mm/inch) Number of steps per millimeter for millimeter mode or number of steps per inch for inch mode. For rotary axes, the unit is steps per degree.
This value defines how many steps the motor needs to perform in order to move its axis by 1 millimeter / 1 inch (depending on chosen unit). Example: Suppose your driver is set to 1600 steps/revolution (1/8 micro-step) and you have coupled the motor directly to a lead screw with 5mm pitch. The number to be filled in here would be 1600 / 5 = 320.
Positive limit Maximum machine position. Must be a higher value than negativeLimit.
Note that when using kinematics, this limit is tied to the mechanical axis, and the kinematics limits are limits of movement on an axis in 3D space.
Negative limit Minimum machine position. Must be a lower value than positiveLimit.
Please note that this limit is the lowest position value that this axis can travel to. If you would like your machine coordinates to be in positive value space, you can set this limit to 0 and set the axis positive limit equal to that axis' travel length.
Total length of the axis is the difference between negative and positive limit, so e.g. negative limit of -300 and positive limit of 200 gives length of 500, or negative limit of -300 and positive limit of -100 gives length of 200.
Maximum velocity Maximum axis velocity, all velocities, whether jogging or G0/G1/G2/G3 are limited to this value.
Maximum acceleration Maximum axis acceleration.
When this value is set equal to the maximum velocity parameter, it will take 1 second to reach the maximum velocity. When this value is maximum velocity parameter * 2, the maximum velocity is reached in 0.5 second.
Homing velocity Velocity value that is used during the home sequence (home_all subroutine). When the velocity is set to 0, the axis is homed manually.
Please note that if an axis is homed manually, home command still has to be issued for that axis once it is in correct/safe position e.g. home c for the C axis. Otherwise, limit guards for the machine will not be active.
Precise/safe homing velocity Velocity value that is used for last move during homing sequence (when moving away from the home switch after triggering it).
Home position Machine position at the moment the home switch activates. This determines how the coordinates correspond to the physical working area of the machine. Usually this position is a corner of the machine's working area.
Backlash compensation Specifies the amount of backlash that the software will compensate for.
It is not recommended to compensate for more than 0.1 millimeters / 0.004 inches. If there is more backlash, please try to reduce it mechanically first.
Low speed jogging % Percentage of maximum velocity to be used during low speed jogging (keyboard arrows).
Medium speed jogging % Percentage of maximum velocity to be used during medium speed jogging (CTRL + keyboard arrows).
High speed jogging % Percentage of maximum velocity to be used during high speed jogging (CTRL + SHIFT + keyboard arrows).
Pitch compensation Determines if pitch compensation is enabled. Pitch compensation compensates for inconsistent linear displacement on an axis.
Pitch compensation file Pitch compensation table file name.
Cross compensation axis Axis to cross compensate against. Cross compensation compensates for inaccuracy on axis, depending on another axis position e.g. when the machine is not square.
Note that cross compensation has to be switched on with interpreter command crosscomp on and can be switched off with crosscomp off
Cross compensation file Cross compensation table file name.
On/off output Output used to switch the spindle on/off. This can be a dedicated tool output or an AUX output.
Direction output Output used to control the direction of the spindle. This can be a dedicated tool direction output or an AUX output.
PWM output Output used to control the speed of the spindle. This can be one of PWM outputs
Note that depending on which board you use, some of PWM outputs can be used as 0-10V outputs (usually PWM1, adjusted with a jumper on the board - please check the board's hardware manual).
Ready input Input which indicates to the controller that the spindle has reached programmed speed.
Note that this input is also used for plasma machines (indicates whether plasma torch is on or off - if the torch turns off during cutting then the cutting movement is stopped)
Ready mode When this setting is enabled, the spindle ready port expects that the spindle ready output on the spindle triggers when the spindle is running (the output on the spindle will be active when the spindle is running and inactive when the spindle is not running). Default behaviour is that the spindle ready output on the spindle indicates that the spindle has reached programmed speed.
Note that you can invert the polarity of the AUX input that you are using if it does not match the output on the spindle.
Alternative direction control output mode When this setting is enabled, the spindle is controlled with the tool output indicating that it should run clockwise, and the tool direction output indicating that it should run counterclockwise. Default behaviour is that the tool output indicates if the spindle should be running, and the tool direction output indicates whether the spindle should spin clockwise or counterclockwise.
Ramp up delay Delay between increasing spindle speed and proceeding with further instructions.
Note that if you had set up a spindle ready port, then the machine will proceed once the ready port triggers. If the port is not triggered during this delay, a warning will be displayed.
Ramp down time Delay between decreasing spindle speed and proceeding with further instructions.
Note that if you had set up a spindle ready port, then the machine will proceed once the ready port triggers. If the port is not triggered during this delay, a warning will be displayed.
Maximum RPM The spindle speed when the PWM output is at 100%. If an instruction for a higher S-value is used, then this maximum value is applied instead.
Minimum RPM The lowest permitted spindle speed. If an instruction for a lower S-value is used, then this minimum value is applied instead. If your spindle has not enough torque at certain speeds, it is advised to use this setting to prevent damage.
RPM sensor Determines if spindle RPM sensor is used. Sync input of the controller is used to read the sensor. The sensor should give 1 pulse/revolution, with minimum pulse width of 0.5ms.
PWM compensation Determines if spindle PWM compensation is enabled. PWM compensation can be used to correct spindle speed in the event that it does not increase linearly as PWM output value increases.
PWM compensation file Spindle PWM compensation table file.
Spindle speed sampling interval Sampling interval, in ms, during which average spindle speed is calculated. This affects displayed current spindle speed in the operate view.
X offset Offset in the X axis in relation to the main spindle. Main spindle cannot have this setting configured.
Y offset Offset in the Y axis in relation to the main spindle. Main spindle cannot have this setting configured.
Z offset Offset in the Z axis in relation to the main spindle. Main spindle cannot have this setting configured.
X offset Probe offset in the X axis in relation to the main spindle.
Y offset Probe offset in the Y axis in relation to the main spindle.
Z offset Probe offset in the Z axis in relation to the main spindle.
On/off output AUX output to switch the probe on/off if needed.
X offset Camera offset in the X axis in relation to the main spindle.
Y offset Camera offset in the Y axis in relation to the main spindle.
Z offset Camera offset in the Z axis in relation to the main spindle.
On/off output AUX output to switch the camera on/off if needed.
Feed override source Feed override % source. It can be selected to use the user interface as the only source (F+ and F- buttons), or in addition to a handwheel. Alternatively, an analog input can be used, for example with a potentiometer (recommended value is 4K7) Feed override source values can be adjusted between 0% and 300%. Note that the machine will not move faster than set maximum velocity.
Analog feed override at maximum voltage Maximum feed override percentage when the analog input registers highest value, if other than default 300%.
Analog feed override at minimum voltage Minimum feed override percentage when the analog input registers lowest value, if other than default 0%.
Adaptive spindle feed power override Enable this setting if analog input is used as feed override source which corresponds to current spindle power consumption (to prevent feed rate being too low during spindle ramp up and when it is not running).
Analog stop on higher threshold To be used with adaptive spindle feed power override, this specifies a threshold value at which pause will trigger (e.g. the spindle power consumption is abnormally high).
To control this function at runtime, the M52 command is extended: M52 P.. Q.. R.. S.. P: 0 -> function is off; 1 -> function is on. Q: 0..300 Sets analogFeedOvAtMinVoltage R: 0..300 Sets analogFeedOvAtMaxVoltage S: 0..1023 Sets this threshold value
Speed override source Speed override % source. It can be selected to use the user interface as the only source (S+ and S- buttons), or in addition to a handwheel. Alternatively, an analog input can be used, for example with a potentiometer (recommended value is 4K7) Speed override will override speed % between 0% and 300%. These min/max values cannot be adjusted.
Note that the spindle will not run faster than set maximum spindle speed, or slower than set minimum spindle speed.
Feed hold input Digital input that when active, will result in feed override being set to 0%. Once the input is released, the feed override value is restored.
This can be particularly useful for electrical discharge machining to detect short circuit of the electrode.
Speed hold input Digital input that when active, will result in speed override being set to 0%. Once the input is released, the speed override value is restored.
Note that feed rate is not affected, the machine will still move. Please ensure that this does not damage the machine.
Analog input value filter Use a moving average value for the feed rate override instead of raw values. This helps if the input is "noisy".
Note: Applies only to feed override, speed override is unaffected.
Handwheel count per revolution Pulse count generated by the handwheel during a full revolution.
This value is often 400.
Handwheel velocity percent Percentage of maximum machine axis velocity to be used as velocity value when performing motion with a handwheel.
Handwheel acceleration percent Percentage of maximum machine axis acceleration to be used as acceleration value when performing motion with a handwheel.
If motion issued by the handwheel is not smooth, it is recommended to lower this value.
Handwheel velocity X1 mode Determines that the handwheel will work in velocity mode, with ×1 position multiplier.
If handwheelX1VelMode, handwheelX10VelMode and handwheelX100VelMode settings are inactive, the handwheel will work in position mode. Please note that in position mode, motion does not stop when the handwheel movement stops, but once the machine reaches position.
Handwheel velocity X10 mode Determines that the handwheel will work in velocity mode, with ×10 position multiplier.
Handwheel velocity X100 mode Determines that the handwheel will work in velocity mode, with ×100 position multiplier.
Axis selection input Input to be used with handwheel for axis selection.
Multiplication factor select analog input Input to be used with handwheel for multiplication selection.
Handwheel type Used handwheel type. Choice between handwheel wired to the controller to the MPG inputs, or wireless handwheel with an USB receiver connected to the computer.
Motion interpolation time Specifies the size (in seconds) of motion segments that are sent to the controller.
For some applications it is desirable to have a lower interpolation time, e.g. if you have a machine with very high acceleration. a lower interpolation time may give smoother acceleration. The minimum interpolation time is 0.001 on CPU 7 series and 0.0025 in CPU5 series.
FIFO queue time Specifies the size (in seconds) of motion stored on the controller
For some applications it is desirable to have lower fifoTime, e.g. plasma THC. It will result in more dynamic THC Z axis control.
Minimal arc segment size Smallest permitted arc segment size in mm. If an arc segment is smaller than this value, the segment is increased.
Too small segments can result in slower machining. Use this setting to speed up machining, at the expense of "worse" arcs.
LAF full speed blending enabled Determines whether the Look Ahead Feed (LAF) blending feature is enabled.
This LAF feature is controlled by G64 R.. command. Please look into the manual for more information on LAF.
LAF full speed blending will prevent the machine from slowing down on certain path segments. Practical values are in the range of 1 to 4 degrees for the lafAngle parameter. Please use this feature with caution (test with very small changes only), as the machine has to be able to achieve this mechanically. The machine will lose steps and potentially damage itself if configuration is not correct.
LAF full speed blending tolerance Tolerance value that specifies how much path corners are permitted to be rounded during LAF moves.
LAF full speed blending angle threshold Threshold angle for LAF full speed blending feature. If the angle is less than this value, machine will not slow down and will not alter that motion segment.
LAF reduced speed path smoothing angle threshold Threshold angle for LAF reduced speed path smoothing feature. If the angle is less than this value, machine will slow down and smoothen that motion segment.
This LAF feature is controlled by G64 R.. S.. D.. command. Please look into the manual for more information on LAF.
LAF reduced speed path smoothing delta Factor that dictates how much corners are smoothed. Higher values will result in larger arcs.
LAF acceleration filter Adjusts constant speed acceleration filter. A value of 1 sets the acceleration to be always constant, but the corners will be rounded to achieve this. Values lower than 1 will result in smaller corners, but slower speed.
This LAF feature is controlled by G64 F.. command. Please look into the manual for more information on LAF.
This may be useful when milling rubber, in order to maintain constant (or near constant) speed. In practice, value of 1 is rarely used as the corners lose too much detail.
LAF arc feed factor Feed factor for LAF feature planned arcs.
A value of 1 has no effect, a value of 0.8 will cause the machine to take arcs at 80% the feed rate.
G0 velocity threshold for G1 Velocity threshold at which LAF will report a G0 command for a command that is originally a G1. This does not have an effect on feed rate.
Visual machine path preview often distinguishes G0 and G1 moves. This setting can be used to produce a better preview of the machine path, in the event that your G-Code does not use G0 for "movement only" motion.
G0 velocity factor Velocity factor for G0 moves.
A value of 1 has no effect, a value of 1.2 would put G0 moves at 120% velocity.
This will override maximum velocity, use caution!
G0 acceleration factor Acceleration factor for G0 moves.
A value of 1 has no effect, a value of 1.2 would put G0 moves at 120% acceleration.
This will override maximum acceleration, use caution!
Slave mode Slave mode option for A axis. This can be also set this axis as 4th axis for 4-axis milling, 4th foam cutter axis or as a second Z axis motor.
Slave mode Slave mode option for B axis.
Slave mode Slave mode option for C axis. This can be also set this axis as tangential knife rotation axis.
Z tool length offset Global tool offset on the Z axis.
Use this offset for machines where the tool chuck does not touch the machine bed when the machine is at its lowest Z position. This value is the tool length of the tool that fits when Z is at its lowest position. This value is important for collision guarding.
Disable Z collision guard This setting disables the Z collision guard.
Z collision guard prevents the tool bit/chuck from hitting the table of your machine. It is strongly recommended to leave this setting disabled (to keep the Z collision guard enabled).
Kinematics DLL Library file that handles custom kinematics. Please refer to the manual for more information.
Positive X axis limit Positive limit of the machine in cartesian system space in X axis coordinates.
Positive Y axis limit Positive limit of the machine in cartesian system space in Y axis coordinates.
Positive Z axis limit Positive limit of the machine in cartesian system space in Z axis coordinates.
Positive A axis limit Positive limit of the machine in A axis coordinates (usually rotation around X axis, but this depends on used custom kinematics).
Positive B axis limit Positive limit of the machine in B axis coordinates (usually rotation around Y axis, but this depends on used custom kinematics).
Positive C axis limit Positive limit of the machine in C axis coordinates (usually rotation around Z axis, but this depends on used custom kinematics).
Negative X axis limit Negative limit of the machine in cartesian system space in X axis coordinates.
Negative Y axis limit Negative limit of the machine in cartesian system space in Y axis coordinates.
Negative Z axis limit Negative limit of the machine in cartesian system space in Z axis coordinates.
Negative A axis limit Negative limit of the machine in A axis coordinates (usually rotation around X axis, but this depends on used custom kinematics).
Negative B axis limit Negative limit of the machine in B axis coordinates (usually rotation around Y axis, but this depends on used custom kinematics).
Negative C axis limit Negative limit of the machine in C axis coordinates (usually rotation around Z axis, but this depends on used custom kinematics).
Maximum X axis velocity Maximum velocity for X axis.
Maximum Y axis velocity Maximum velocity for Y axis.
Maximum Z axis velocity Maximum velocity for Z axis.
Maximum A axis velocity Maximum velocity for n A axis.
Maximum B axis velocity Maximum velocity for B axis.
Maximum C axis velocity Maximum velocity for C axis.
Maximum X axis acceleration Maximum acceleration for X axis.
Maximum Y axis acceleration Maximum acceleration for Y axis.
Maximum Z axis acceleration Maximum acceleration for Z axis.
Maximum A axis acceleration Maximum acceleration for A axis.
Maximum B axis acceleration Maximum acceleration for B axis.
Maximum C axis acceleration Maximum acceleration for C axis.
Negative X TCA limit Negative limit of tool change area in X axis coordinates.
If your machine has a tool change area within its working area, setting a tool change area will prevent the machine from driving into it. The tool change area guard can be activated with command tcaguard on.
Use redraw/recalculate function of the 3D view to see the tool change area on the 3D view after setting it up.
Negative Y TCA limit Negative limit of tool change area in Y axis coordinates.
Negative Z TCA limit Negative limit of tool change area in Z axis coordinates.
Positive X TCA limit Positive limit of tool change area in X axis coordinates.
Positive Y TCA limit Positive limit of tool change area in Y axis coordinates.
Positive Z TCA limit Positive limit of tool change area in Z axis coordinates.
Use external up/down control Determines if a separate device is used for torch height control (THC).
Settings for software THC have no effect if external THC is used.
External up/down velocity Determines the velocity value for THC when external THC is used.
External Z down input Input used to signal to the controller that the torch has to move down.
External Z up input Input used to signal to the controller that the torch has to move up.
Z max Maximum Z coordinate that THC operates within.
Z min Minimum Z coordinate that THC operates within.
Control delay Delay between automatic set point measurement and start of THC.
Corner feed rate threshold Minimal feed rate percentage threshold for the THC to be active.
This setting prevents the torch from diving down on corners. Usually, feed rate decreases on corners and arcs. As feed becomes lower, plasma voltage may increase. This normally causes the THC to move the torch lower in order to maintain set point voltage. This setting will cause the THC to disable if the feed rate falls below it.
Plasma analog input Analog input used to calculate plasma voltage.
ADC multiplication factor Multiplication factor that determines the relationship between the input voltage on plasmaAnalogInputPortID and actual arc voltage. It is used to calculate arc voltage.
The adcMulFactor is calculated by dividing the range through 1000, for example for a difference for range between 60 and 200 is 140, so the adcMulFactor would be 140/1000 = 0.14.
ADC offset Offset value that is added to calculated arc voltage.
The adcOffset value is often the actual arc voltage when the analog input value reads zero. If you already have a correct adcMulFactor value, but the calculated arc voltage is not correct (in a linear fashion), then this value can be used to correct it.
Default set point voltage Default voltage value that the THC will maintain during cutting.
KP Up parameter Determines THC speed when moving upwards.
When this value is too low, the Z axis will follow too slow. When too high, the Z axis will oscillate.
KP Down parameter Determines THC speed when moving downwards.
When this value is too low, the Z axis will follow too slow. When too high, the Z axis will oscillate.
KD parameter Differential K factor for the THC control loop.
Adjusting this value makes the dynamic better, but too high values will make the control loop oscillate. Start with low values and increase in very small steps every attempt in order to find a good KD value for your machine.
Deadband Determines voltage difference that has to be exceeded before controlling torch height.
This setting prevents the machine from continuously going up and down when it is not necessary.
This feature works only without external up/down control.
Spike filter time Moving average sampling time that is used to filter the plasma voltage values.
This setting allows to filter out inconsequential voltage spikes and sudden voltage increases when the machine is moving over an area that already has a cut in it. As an example, if the machine is moving with a feed rate of 3000 (50mm / s) in metric units, and the cutting width is 2 mm, then it would take the machine 0.40 sec to cross a cut. In that case, the filter time should be bigger than 0.04 to be able to filter this spike out.
Too high value for the spike filter time will influence the reaction time of the torch height control negatively. This can lead to damage if used inappropriately.
Hole detect voltage threshold Determines voltage difference between set and current voltage that is used as the threshold value for hole detect feature.
Hole detect feature will prevent the Z axis from moving downwards once the material ends or when machine moves over a hole in the material. The torch is considered to be over a hole in the event that voltage difference is higher than holeDetectVoltage for longer than holeDetectTime.
This feature works only without external up/down control.
Hole detect time threshold Determines time threshold for hole detect feature.
Measured voltage value as set point Determines if measured voltage value is to be used as the set point. Voltage is measured at the beginning of a cutting sequence.
Automatic mode Determines if automatic vacuum section feature is enabled and whether active sections are predetermined during job estimation (all intersecting sections will be on during the job) or if the sections are automatically activated once the machine position reaches a section and then turned off once the machine leaves that section.
Number of sections Amount of separate vacuum sections.
Section <id> pump output Output that is used to switch a pump for a vacuum section on.
Multiple vacuum sections can use one the same pump output.
Relay board outputs can be specified.
Section <id> output Output that is used to switch a vacuum section on (e.g. a valve).
Relay board outputs can be specified.
Section <id> negative X limit Negative limit of vacuum section on the X axis.
Use redraw/recalculate function of the 3D view to see the vacuum sections on the 3D view after setting them up.
Section <id> negative Y limit Negative limit of vacuum section on the Y axis.
Section <id> X size Size of the vacuum section (on the X axis).
Section <id> Y size Size of the vacuum section (on the Y axis).
Delay after enabling motor drivers Delay value after enablind motor drivers before proceeding with further commands.
Some motors/motor drivers are not immediately ready after enabling. In such event, introducting a delay prevents step loss.
Invert drive enable out Inverts signal level of drive enable output.
If motors are on immediately after starting software, but switch off when software tries to switch them on, then it is likely that this setting rectifies that.
Invert tool output Inverts signal level of tool output
Invert tool direction output Inverts signal level of tool direction output
Invert flood output Inverts signal level of flood output
Invert mist output Inverts signal level of mist output
Invert AUX<id> output Inverts signal level of AUX output
Invert PWM<id> output Inverts signal level of PWM output
Invert AUX<id> input Inverts signal level of AUX input
Invert pause input Inverts signal level of pause input
Invert analog <id> input Inverts signal of analog input
Relay board output <n> name Display name of relay board output
Relay board input <n> name Display name of relay board input
Switch <n> type Type of switch attached input. UIO board can work with simple switches, selector switches and handwheels.
Switch <n> group Input group
Switch <n> trigger action Executed UI action when switch is triggered (simple and selector switch only)
Switch <n> release action Executed UI action when switch is released (simple switch only)
Description Description/name of the tool (display only)
Z offset Z offset that is applied when the tool is active.
Often this is the length of the corresponding tool bit.
Z delta Secondary Z offset that is applied when the tool is active.
This value can be used to correct for tool bit wear.
Diameter Diameter of the tool
Orientation Orientation of the tool.
X offset X offset that is applied when the tool is active.
X offset Secondary X offset that is applied when the tool is active.
Language Display language
Icon directory Directory in which icon image files are located.
The directory must be present within the installation directory or its subdirectories (path must be relative).
Logo image file Logo image file. The image is displayed in corner of the operate view.
The file must be present within the installation directory or its subdirectories (path must be relative).
Setup screen password lock Password lock for the setup screen. The setup screen cannot be accessed without a password if the lock is active.
Splash image file Splash image file. Splash is displayed during software loading at start-up.
The file must be present within the installation directory or its subdirectories (path must be relative).
Tab size for job/macro display Size of tab characters (in space characters) as displayed in macro/job file preview window.
Watch job file for changes Determines if current job file should be monitored for changes. If this is enabled and the file changes, a message is shown.
Auto load watched file Determines if current job file should be automatically loaded once it changes.
Please note that if the system's state is not ready at the moment of file change, then the reload is deferred until the system is ready.
Auto run watched file Determines if current job file should be automatically started once it changes.
Please note that if the system's state is not ready at the moment of file change, then the reload is deferred until the system is ready.
Use caution with automatic file run. If the file changes during a job, then it will be automatically started again once the job finished. While this is desired in some situations, it can lead to unintended results.
Auto load file on startup Determines if a job is automatically loaded on startup.
File to load on startup The job file that is automatically loaded on startup if startupAutoLoad is enabled.
Auto run file on startup Determines if startup job file should be automatically started.
Use caution with automatic file run. The file will be automatically run after startup, meaning that the machine will start moving without delay. While this is desired in some situations, it can lead to unintended results.
Invert X jog keys Inverts − and + keys in the jog panel dialog and for keyboard jogging for the X axis.
Invert Y jog keys Inverts − and + keys in the jog panel dialog and for keyboard jogging for the Y axis.
Invert Z jog keys Inverts − and + keys in the jog panel dialog and for keyboard jogging for the Z axis.
Swap X and Y jog keys Swaps X and Y axis jogging buttons in the jog panel dialog and for keyboard jogging.
Disable keyboard jogging Disables keyboard jogging feature.
If you do not use keyboard jogging (or prefer the jog panel dialog), disabling keyboard jogging prevents unintended motion.
Keyboard time out threshold Determines maximum allowed delay at which, if it cannot be determined that a keyboard key is still held in, then all jogging is stopped.
Keyboard time out triggers when the software cannot detect that a key is still pressed.
This prevents the machine from moving too far in the event that the keyboard is experiencing some kind of malfunction or connection issue. If keyboard time out triggers too frequently, this value can be adjusted by a small margin at the time, as the correct value depends on individual computer and keyboard. However, it is recommended to investigate if the issue is with the keyboard first.
Show software terms and conditions on startup Determines if software terms and conditions are displayed on startup. After the document is displayed, this setting is set to disabled.
If the configured software is to be handed off, this setting can be used to force the display of terms and conditions once the new user opens the software.
Show startup view Determines if startup page document is displayed on every startup.
Display helper buttons (zoom, perspective, projection) Determines if 3D machine view helper buttons are displayed next to the view. This setting affects all of the buttons.
Beep on probe trigger Determines if a short sound is played when the probe input is triggered. Requires the computer to have speakers.
Text editor Text editor software to be used when opening text files.
Display G0 dialog instead of G92 dialog on DRO click Determines if G0 dialog is displayed instead of G92 dialog when the DRO (digital read out - axis position in operate view) is clicked. If enabled, the G92 dialog is still available on click if CTRL key is held in.
3D view realtime path max lines Determines maximum amount of drawn lines (path segments) when graphing the actual machine path.
Due to technological constraints, it is recommended to leave this setting value under 5000. If performance of the 3D view is not satisfactory during a job, it is recommended to lower this value.
3D view pen scale factor Scale factor for the pen model that represents the machine tool.
Grid scale factor Factor that determines the distance between lines of grid that represents the machine's working area.
Restore window position from previous session Determines if window position should be saved when the software is closed, and restored when it is opened again.
Display feed rate per second Determines if feed rate should be displayed in units per second instead of units per minute in the operate view.
This setting only affects feed rate display in the operate view. Feed rate values must be still input as units per minute.
4 digits display in mm mode Determines if position display in the operate view has 4 digits after decimal point.
Spindle speed display Determines how second value representing the spindle speed is displayed in the Feed/Speed display in the operate view. Choice between programmed spindle speed, PWM output value and analog input values.
Spindle speed analog value factor Factor by which analog input value is multiplied before it is displayed, if showInProgSpeed is set to an analog input.
Feed rate override step size Determines the difference between new feed rate value and previous feed rate value when F− and F+ buttons are pressed in the operate view.
Show FIFO size Displays current FIFO controller motion queue size in the operate view for troubleshooting purposes.
If FIFO underrun error occurs, watching this value and how it behaves under certain circumstances can help narrow down the problem. FIFO underrun error occurs when the computer can't keep up with sending motion data to the controller.
Display estimated remaining job time instead of total job time Determines if remaining job time is displayed instead of estimated job time for the entire job.
Show M7 key Determines if M7 key (mist) is displayed in the operate view.
Show M8 key Determines if M8 key (flood) is displayed in the operate view.
Show AUX1 key Determines if AUX1 key is displayed in the operate view.
Show home all button Determines if the home all button is displayed in the operate view.
Show 'Spindle' button Determines if the button to turn spindle on/off is displayed in the operate view.
Show 'Traffic' button Determines if the flashing traffic button that switches safety relay on/off is displayed in the operate view.
Show 'Start' button Determines if start (run-pause) button is displayed in the auto menu of operate view.
Show 'Zero' buttons Determines if buttons to set work coordinate zero are displayed in the operate view.
Show 'Zero A' buttons Determines if button to set work coordinate zero for A axis is displayed in the operate view.
Show 'Zero B' buttons Determines if button to set work coordinate zero for B axis is displayed in the operate view.
Show 'Zero C' buttons Determines if button to set work coordinate zero for C axis is displayed in the operate view.
Show 'Plasma Min' button Determines if plasma Z min set button is displayed in the plasma pane of the operate view.
Plasma Z min button sets current Z position as the minimum for the plasma THC.
Show left user button 11 Determines if user button (that calls user_11 macro) is displayed on left pane of operate view.
Show left user button 12 Determines if user button (that calls user_12 macro) is displayed on left pane of operate view.
Show left user button 13 Determines if user button (that calls user_13 macro) is displayed on left pane of operate view.
Show left user button 14 Determines if user button (that calls user_14 macro) is displayed on left pane of operate view.
Show left user button 15 Determines if user button (that calls user_15 macro) is displayed on left pane of operate view.
Show 'Coordinates' tab Determines if the 'Coordinates' tab of the software is available.
Show 'Tools' tab Determines if the 'Tools' tab of the software is available.
Show 'Variables' tab Determines if the 'Variables' tab of the software is available.
Show 'IO' tab Determines if the 'IO' tab of the software is available.
Show 'Service' tab Determines if the 'Service' tab of the software is available.
Show 'Program' tab Determines if the 'Program' tab of the software is available.
Default job directory Initial directory that is displayed when picking a job file to load.
Auto render after loading GCode Determines if job path preview should be triggered automatically.
If the job path preview is not rendered automatically, it has to be manually done with "Redraw" button before starting a job.
Display extended user buttons dialog instead of USER2 menu Determines if the extended user buttons dialog should appear instead of USER2 menu in the operate view. Extended user buttons call user_11 through user_50 macro subroutines.
Enable extended user button <n> Enables display of extended user button <n> in the extended user buttons dialog
Extended user button <n> textname Icon image file of extended user button <n> in the extended user buttons dialog
Extended user button <n> icon path Label text of extended user button <n> in the extended user buttons dialog


