Hi Charley I note that the last comment was 5 years ago so I don't know if this site is still active or not. I have never used UGS but it is on my to do list (if I live long enough) and am just about to use some arduino stuff in another project. After that I want to use my 1610 to play around a bit. I just wanted to thank you for a very clear and excellent presentation. I was born before WW2 so living long enough wasn't actually a joke. Thank you Woodie
help I made a good 3 axis cnc mill/router, it has a mach3 usb interface, i can manually jog it with mach3 software. what free design/drawing program can i use and then convert to gcode for mach3 to run the machine? only want 2.5 axis to cut simple parts cutting or up and not cutting. example a 5cmx5cm square with rounded corners with a 3mm hole in each corner. would ugs be able to send to the mach3 usb interface to opperate the machine?
Hello Charley - I really enjoyed your video. I have a question I hope you can answer.I will usually use Fusion 360 for CAD and then CAM. I will then use UGS on my X-carve to cut things out. Recently I have been putting two tool paths in instead of just one. My question is: How do you know when to change out the first bit for the second tool path or second bit ? Do you have a video on how that works when using UGS on the Vcarve ?Thanks,Ryan
I don't believe that UGS supports mid project bit changes. When I use multiple bits I just create a separate file for each tool path. After I change bits, I just re-zero the z axis and then load the next file and continue on. You just have to be careful that you do not upset the alignment of the x and y axis when changing the bit. If you do, then re-zero all three axis with the touch plate and you will be good to go.
Charley,Thanks for your reply. When you change to the second bit and second file are you bringing your second bit back to where you started your first bit, but zero the Z ?Thanks,Ryan
I am running into problems with running g code and having all the images line up with the way they are on the display. For example there is one image I exported g code from VCARVE. There is a circle with a cross in the center. My post processor is G code (mm).txt and I open that up in Universal g code sender. Zero out my machine set my z height. And run the code. It does a great job on the circle. But as soon as the machine moves to outline the center cross. It moves the Y axis up three inches and cuts the cross in the wrong place. . . Any idea on how to fix this reoccurring issue? Thank you!
I would need to look at your actual VCarve Design on your computer. I can set up a peer to peer session where I can see your computer and help you figure it out that way if you like. If you want to give that a try email me at charleyntexas@gmail.com and we can make arrangements.
Great video Charley. Quick question. I keep getting an error code that grbl isn’t loaded. I have a carve king 2. I’m thinking it’s a controller problem. I’m sending it back to millrite to have them test it. Do you think it could be anything other than that?
If you are using a USB to connect your PC to the controller it could be a bad USB cable. Also, I have often seen that simply unplugging the USB from your PC and plugging back in to a different USB port or even the same port can resolve the issue.
Thanks Charley. I’ve tried all of that. Switching ports, new usb cable, and deleted and reinstalled the Universal G Code program. I’m getting ready to send the controller back to Millright to be checked.
nice clean , and very important video. i have a question can you email me the link for the machine or the wire you used to set up the machine at zero: on min.11:22. and from where can i buy it .
If you are refering to the wire with the banana plug and magnetic connector they are available on my website at triquetra-cnc.com/product/magnetic-ground-connector-wire-banana-plug/
Sorry for the slow reply. The contents of the g-code to zero all three axis at one time is included with the purchase of the Triquetra Touch Plate system. The Triquetra includes access to my Excel Spreadsheet that generates the g-code specific to each Triquetra. It also includes worksheets for stepper calibration, fine tuning zeroing accuracy, and Mach 3 Script. You can find it at www.charlindwoodcraft.com. Thank you for your interest.
It sounds like your stepper motors are reversed. X+ or right arrow key should move your X axis to the right. Y+ or up arrow key should move your Y axis towards the back. If this is not what is happening then do a google search for "GRBL Setting $2". There is a chart that will show the settings that will fix this for you without having to rewire your motors.
Boa noite amigo tenho uma CNC e quero fazer um plobe para zerar os pontos x y e z da minha maquina assim como no seu vídeo mais não consigo achar um vídeo que mim mostre como ligar a fiação na placa CNC Shield V3.0 e nem como colocar os códigos no macros para criar uma rotina para quando eu for zerar minha maquina você pode mim ajudar grato.
I do not understand the language your question is written in. I could use google translate if I knew what language it is but I don't. Please post in English if possible.
Yes as long as it is saved as a text file using ANSI Encoding. The file can have any file extension name you like such at .txt .gcode .mycreation and so on. If you manually edit a file be sure to use something like Windows Notepad and save the changes using ANSI Encoding. You CAN NOT use a word processor such as MS Word.
There are two types of coordinate systems used on cnc machines. The first is known as Machine Coordinates and the second are Work Coordinates. The work coordinate system can have multiple different values but that is another discussion. Machine coordinates are what Soft Limits are based on. When you first power up your machine it does not know where it is located in regards to the Machine coordinate. This information is required to be able to employ Soft Limits, therefore, in order to establish the Machine coordinates you must home your machine. Homing is basically joging your machine in the Z+ (up) directions until it reaches a limit/homing switch. Once th e switch is activated then the Z axis home or Machine Coordinates system is set to Zero. The same happens for the X and Y axis moving to the Left and Forward. It can also be set moving back and to the right. When all three axis have reached their absolute maximum or minimum limits of travel then the machine coordinates are set to zero and it will always know where it is located in relation to machine coordinates X Y Z zero. There two other settings that defines the maximum or minimum machine coordinates that your machine can travel within for each of the three axis. For the X and Y axis it is typically no travel that would result in a machine coordinate position of less than zero or greater than the defined maximum travel in the positive direction of each axis in relation to machine coordinates zero for each axis. This is where Soft Limits come into play. If your g-code attempts to move your machine beyond the defined limits, the soft limit for that axis is activated and prevents a hard mechanical crash. So.... in order to use Soft Limits, you will really need physical limit switches so that you can set your machine coordinate system end points. I personally seldom home my machine which means that I am working without the safety net of soft limits. I do not recommend this for new users, however, with experience, you will learn your machine better and be able to foresee any potential problems and may decide that for some jobs, homing and using soft limits is the best plan for the that job. It's a little like when you leave your home each day to drive to work. You travel down the same stretch of road and almost never look at your speedometer, but when you do you find that you are always driving right at the same speed every time. But when you get on an unfamiliar road you check your speed more often and make more adjustments. That is simply called experience with a side of confidence that must be kept in check from time to time less it bite you in the butt. Limit switches are that check.
I'm not sure you can. If you use my software to create the zeroing files then you won't have a problem. It is the Triquetra Tool Box. It is a Windows Program I wrote as a companion for the Triquetra Tool Box but will work with any touch plate that is the same design. It can be customized for touch plate measurements. If you purchase the Triquetra Touch Plate you will receive the Touch Plate, Triquetra Tool Box and the Wiring with the Magnetic Ground. All are available at www.triquetra-cnc.com. If you would like me to give you a phone call, go to the site and send me a contact form with a phone number. I'll be happy to call you and discuss options for you.
Great explanation for a newbie like me. Good one, Charley.
Thank you Mr.
Charley Thomas, i learned alot from this video, really appreciated, thanks again Sir.
Thank you so much for this video, i can't believe how much i learned in only 20 minutes
Your very welcome. Glad to help out a fellow Cnc"r
Hi Charley I note that the last comment was 5 years ago so I don't know if this site is still active or not. I have never used UGS but it is on my to do list (if I live long enough) and am just about to use some arduino stuff in another project. After that I want to use my 1610 to play around a bit. I just wanted to thank you for a very clear and excellent presentation. I was born before WW2 so living long enough wasn't actually a joke. Thank you Woodie
Fyi i like ur bed setup....and the wood sides....
Awesome in depth tutorial on using UGS!
Could you make a similar tutorial on using Picsender with the X-Carve?
I have thought about that in the past. Sounds like a good Idea. Stay tuned...
Nice clear explanation of g code sender (UGS) - thank Charley!
My pleasure
help I made a good 3 axis cnc mill/router, it has a mach3 usb interface, i can manually jog it with mach3 software. what free design/drawing program can i use and then convert to gcode for mach3 to run the machine? only want 2.5 axis to cut simple parts cutting or up and not cutting. example a 5cmx5cm square with rounded corners with a 3mm hole in each corner. would ugs be able to send to the mach3 usb interface to opperate the machine?
Can you tell me how to get Goode, easel,and Gus programs. I’m new to this cnc machine. I liked your CZcams show keep it up. 😀😀
Hello Charley - I really enjoyed your video. I have a question I hope you can answer.I will usually use Fusion 360 for CAD and then CAM. I will then use UGS on my X-carve to cut things out. Recently I have been putting two tool paths in instead of just one. My question is: How do you know when to change out the first bit for the second tool path or second bit ? Do you have a video on how that works when using UGS on the Vcarve ?Thanks,Ryan
I don't believe that UGS supports mid project bit changes. When I use multiple bits I just create a separate file for each tool path. After I change bits, I just re-zero the z axis and then load the next file and continue on. You just have to be careful that you do not upset the alignment of the x and y axis when changing the bit. If you do, then re-zero all three axis with the touch plate and you will be good to go.
Charley,Thanks for your reply. When you change to the second bit and second file are you bringing your second bit back to where you started your first bit, but zero the Z ?Thanks,Ryan
do you know where I can find some info about how to hook up an arduino with microstep driver for beginers!!? thank you
I'm sorry, I do not.
Thanks that what i figured...i also have a j-carve (junk-carve) lol
I am running into problems with running g code and having all the images line up with the way they are on the display.
For example there is one image I exported g code from VCARVE. There is a circle with a cross in the center.
My post processor is G code (mm).txt and I open that up in Universal g code sender. Zero out my machine set my z height. And run the code. It does a great job on the circle.
But as soon as the machine moves to outline the center cross. It moves the Y axis up three inches and cuts the cross in the wrong place. . .
Any idea on how to fix this reoccurring issue?
Thank you!
I would need to look at your actual VCarve Design on your computer. I can set up a peer to peer session where I can see your computer and help you figure it out that way if you like. If you want to give that a try email me at charleyntexas@gmail.com and we can make arrangements.
I use autodesk featurecam itvsaves as .cam would that be readable in ugs and send to xcarve?
Do u have soft and or hard limits activated on ur j- carve?
Can you use the z probe that came with the xcarve in ugs
Great video Charley. Quick question. I keep getting an error code that grbl isn’t loaded. I have a carve king 2. I’m thinking it’s a controller problem. I’m sending it back to millrite to have them test it. Do you think it could be anything other than that?
If you are using a USB to connect your PC to the controller it could be a bad USB cable. Also, I have often seen that simply unplugging the USB from your PC and plugging back in to a different USB port or even the same port can resolve the issue.
Thanks Charley. I’ve tried all of that. Switching ports, new usb cable, and deleted and reinstalled the Universal G Code program. I’m getting ready to send the controller back to Millright to be checked.
nice clean , and very important video. i have a question can you email me the link for the machine or the wire you used to set up the machine at zero: on min.11:22. and from where can i buy it .
If you are refering to the wire with the banana plug and magnetic connector they are available on my website at triquetra-cnc.com/product/magnetic-ground-connector-wire-banana-plug/
thank you . it is the right one. do you ship to montreal canada
I do and am currently trying to get a cost for shipping........
as soon you get the cost just email me
could you share the contexts of the zeroing txt. thanks!
Sorry for the slow reply. The contents of the g-code to zero all three axis at one time is included with the purchase of the Triquetra Touch Plate system. The Triquetra includes access to my Excel Spreadsheet that generates the g-code specific to each Triquetra. It also includes worksheets for stepper calibration, fine tuning zeroing accuracy, and Mach 3 Script. You can find it at www.charlindwoodcraft.com. Thank you for your interest.
Mr charley i made this project but when i print any text it print as a mirror image. is there any specific setting I need to change in code?
It sounds like your stepper motors are reversed. X+ or right arrow key should move your X axis to the right. Y+ or up arrow key should move your Y axis towards the back. If this is not what is happening then do a google search for "GRBL Setting $2". There is a chart that will show the settings that will fix this for you without having to rewire your motors.
@@CharleyThomas2016 thanks sir. Ya it solved by switching direction of motor via USG. THANKS ALOT
Doesnt machine position matter if you use homing soft limits?
Yes it does. I believe soft limits are based on Machine position and not Work Position.
Orioles weren't ready for them Rangers
cool info. thanks
Your Welcome!!
Boa noite amigo tenho uma CNC e quero fazer um plobe para zerar os pontos x y e z da minha maquina assim como no seu vídeo mais não consigo achar um vídeo que mim mostre como ligar a fiação na placa CNC Shield V3.0 e nem como colocar os códigos no macros para criar uma rotina para quando eu for zerar minha maquina você pode mim ajudar grato.
I do not understand the language your question is written in. I could use google translate if I knew what language it is but I don't. Please post in English if possible.
where did you get that touch plate?
www.triquetra-cnc.com
With ugs can u open any gcode file that was created with any program any extension and the open it and send to xcarve?
Yes as long as it is saved as a text file using ANSI Encoding. The file can have any file extension name you like such at .txt .gcode .mycreation and so on. If you manually edit a file be sure to use something like Windows Notepad and save the changes using ANSI Encoding. You CAN NOT use a word processor such as MS Word.
Sir plz tell us how to use soft limit to stop machine before ends as don't want to use limit switch
There are two types of coordinate systems used on cnc machines. The first is known as Machine Coordinates and the second are Work Coordinates. The work coordinate system can have multiple different values but that is another discussion. Machine coordinates are what Soft Limits are based on. When you first power up your machine it does not know where it is located in regards to the Machine coordinate. This information is required to be able to employ Soft Limits, therefore, in order to establish the Machine coordinates you must home your machine. Homing is basically joging your machine in the Z+ (up) directions until it reaches a limit/homing switch. Once th e switch is activated then the Z axis home or Machine Coordinates system is set to Zero. The same happens for the X and Y axis moving to the Left and Forward. It can also be set moving back and to the right. When all three axis have reached their absolute maximum or minimum limits of travel then the machine coordinates are set to zero and it will always know where it is located in relation to machine coordinates X Y Z zero. There two other settings that defines the maximum or minimum machine coordinates that your machine can travel within for each of the three axis. For the X and Y axis it is typically no travel that would result in a machine coordinate position of less than zero or greater than the defined maximum travel in the positive direction of each axis in relation to machine coordinates zero for each axis. This is where Soft Limits come into play. If your g-code attempts to move your machine beyond the defined limits, the soft limit for that axis is activated and prevents a hard mechanical crash. So.... in order to use Soft Limits, you will really need physical limit switches so that you can set your machine coordinate system end points. I personally seldom home my machine which means that I am working without the safety net of soft limits. I do not recommend this for new users, however, with experience, you will learn your machine better and be able to foresee any potential problems and may decide that for some jobs, homing and using soft limits is the best plan for the that job. It's a little like when you leave your home each day to drive to work. You travel down the same stretch of road and almost never look at your speedometer, but when you do you find that you are always driving right at the same speed every time. But when you get on an unfamiliar road you check your speed more often and make more adjustments. That is simply called experience with a side of confidence that must be kept in check from time to time less it bite you in the butt. Limit switches are that check.
How do u preview ur program when in ugs to make sure it wont crash or is correct?
I'm not sure you can. If you use my software to create the zeroing files then you won't have a problem. It is the Triquetra Tool Box. It is a Windows Program I wrote as a companion for the Triquetra Tool Box but will work with any touch plate that is the same design. It can be customized for touch plate measurements. If you purchase the Triquetra Touch Plate you will receive the Touch Plate, Triquetra Tool Box and the Wiring with the Magnetic Ground. All are available at www.triquetra-cnc.com. If you would like me to give you a phone call, go to the site and send me a contact form with a phone number. I'll be happy to call you and discuss options for you.
How do I even get ugs up on my screen!!!! I had this running months ago and my software is on the machine but can’t find the executable file!
Open the folder where UGS is located and look for a folder called "Bin". Open it and you will find the files to launch UGS .
@@CharleyThomas2016 oh thank you, I had .ugs in programs but ended up finding it in downloads! Talk about pulling me hair out!
Return to zero is not machine zero, but rather work zero.
CarlosCNC App is good for Universal Gcode Sender
Charley, besides your videos being teriffic, do you give one on one lessons for a fee of course.
só brasileiro,
Send me cod please
CarlosCNC App is good for Universal Gcode Sender