NEW TNG users: List of essential PlanetCNC TNG tutorials
New to PlanetCNC TNG software? Don’t worry, here you can find list of tutorials that explain how to start using PlanetCNC TNG software as fastest and as effectively as possible. It is very recommended to follow these tutorials in chronological order: 1. PlanetCNC TNG software overview and performance guidelines Short description of PlanetCNC TNG software […]
PlanetCNC TNG – User Manual
PlanetCNC TNG Introduction Overview Installation Main Window Menu bar Toolbars Position panel Speed panel State panel Jogging panel 3D program visualization G-Code panel Utilities panel Manual data input (MDI) Status bar File Menu Close Open Recent files Save G-Code Import G-Code Import DXF Import PLT, HPGL Import SVG Import Gerber Import NC Drill Import CSV […]
Modbus communication with HuanYang VFD and PlanetCNC TNG – Part 2
If connection test was successful, and you can see parameter values displayed in the output window, then we can continue with next step, which is controlling the spindle. In settings under File/Settings/User Interface/Commands/Spindle Command -> enable option Uses M-Code: Type M3/M4 into the MDI window and hit Enter. Inverter should start the spindle at set […]
Modbus communication with HuanYang VFD and PlanetCNC TNG – Part 1
This tutorial will describe the necessary steps for successful control of your HuanYang VFD(model: HY01D523B) using PlanetCNC TNG software. Before we start, I would really recommend reading tutorials related to serial communication, MODBUS and PlanetCNC TNG software. These tutorials explain the tools provided by PlanetCNC and how to use them in order to communicate with […]
Laser cutting New Year’s decoration with PlanetCNC TNG
Holiday season is upon us, and with global warming being more and more aggressive, we cannot rely on much snow during the holidays. This leaves us with no other choice than to make snowflakes ourselves – using paper and CNC laser cutter. Luckily, PlanetCNC TNG software program feature Image Import comes in great help, so […]
Serial communication(MODBUS relay board) with PlanetCNC TNG – Part 4
Last part of this tutorial series will describe how to properly design the expression code for Modbus serial communication. In previous part we made two expression functions. One was responsible for turning relay ON the other one for turning it OFF. Our main concern was just to make it work, to see that relay clicks […]
Serial communication(MODBUS relay board) with PlanetCNC TNG – Part 3
In this part, we will use and configure Expr.txt file so that we will be able to control relay board via serial communication using Modbus protocol. Expression array and serial functions described in first two parts will be used in order to achieve this. Modbus supports communication to and from multiple devices connected to […]
Serial communication(MODBUS relay board) with PlanetCNC TNG – Part 2
We will continue with expression functions used for serial communication. In first part we described array expression functions, which are used to prepare the data for serial communication. Now we will describe serial expression functions that are responsible for actually sending the data. serial_list() - Displays all available COM ports of computer. serial_info(port) - Displays […]
Serial communication(MODBUS relay board) with PlanetCNC TNG – Part 1
This series of tutorials will try to explain and demonstrate how to use PlanetCNC TNG software for the means of serial communication. The final goal would be a successful control of external MODBUS input/output relay board, but, to achieve this, we need to start with the basics. PlanetCNC TNG software possesses all the tools […]
PlanetCNC wireless handwheel button customization
User can customize handwheel button functionality. This can be done by configuring the Handwheel.txt file. User manual for wireless handwheel is available here: Wireless handwheel user manual First, create a blank Handwheel.txt file and place it in your TNG profile root folder. You can create such file with any text editor. How to configure this […]
Configuring Python path in PlanetCNC TNG software
With PlanetCNC TNG software you can use Python scripts. This gives a user a whole lot of new possibilities on how to customize or accommodate his CNC application for really specific requirements. PlanetCNC TNG and Python relation Python(in further text – PY) is a programming language known for its simplicity and large standard library. PlanetCNC […]
CNC machine semaphore application, using expressions (Expr.txt) – Part 4
In the last part of this tutorial series, we will connect the ExtInOut board with our controller and test the functionality of our Expr.txt file, finally! Before we continue, I would recommend that you go trough the user manual of ExtInOut board for more info about the hardware requirements and connections. ExtInOut board user manual […]
Gantry square procedure with PlanetCNC
Many machines use two lead/ball screws or rack and pinion rods per machine axis. In most cases, the Y axis. Rods can be driven with one motor or two. One motor usually drives both rods using a timing belt, which also helps with synchronization. But you can also drive each rod with its separate motor. […]
