CNC machine semaphore application, using expressions (Expr.txt) – Part 2
What is a State Machine and how it is used? If you google State machine, this would be the average result more or less: “A state machine is a behaviour model. It consists of a finite number of states and is therefore also called finite-state machine (FSM). Based on the current state and a given […]
CNC machine semaphore application, using expressions (Expr.txt) – Part 1
For this multi-part tutorial we will create CNC machine semaphore(signal tower lamp). We hope that this tutorial will serve as a good example on how to set application goals and requirements as also on how to define the tools and solutions for achieving them, while using powerful tools and flexibility of PlanetCNC motion control system. […]
Tool change settings in PlanetCNC TNG software
Prior following this tutorial we recommend that you perform tutorials below: How to measure tool offset with fixed tool sensor in PlanetCNC TNG software How to measure work position with movable sensor in PlanetCNC TNG software Tool change settings are located under File/Settings/Program Options/Tool Change: Tool Change settings are divided into three setting […]
Program debugging in PlanetCNC TNG software
Debugging tools in PlanetCNC TNG For purposes of program observation or debugging, user can use PRINT and LOG commands, output window and state tabs for parameter value display. G-code ref manual will also come very handy. Output window To show/hide output panel in PlanetCNC TNG main window, click the middle square symbol in the upper […]
Gcode in PlanetCNC TNG software
PlanetCNC TNG is a motion control software intended for control of CNC machines. As a standard, g-code is used as native programming language. PlanetCNC TNG software processes gcode program and sends series of commands to motion controller. Controller interprets these commands and arranges coordinated machine motion. Gcodes G-code commands can be divided into multiple […]
Customization of PlanetCNC TNG user interface
How to create new profile in PlanetCNC TNG software Adding user toolbar buttons in PlanetCNC TNG software How to create custom tabs in PlanetCNC TNG software
Installing PlanetCNC TNG software on Raspberry Pi 3
You will need: – Raspberry Pi 3 Model B (or B+) – Monitor with HDMI cable – Mouse and Keyboard – Power supply – 8GB SD card (16GB and 32GB should also work, 64GB or more will not work) We used NOOBS version 2.8.2 in this tutorial but it should also work with newer versions. […]
Using ExtOut board with PlanetCNC TNG software
This tutorial will help you configure ExtOut board related settings in PlanetCNC TNG software. ExtOut board settings are located under File/Settings/Input&Output/I2C,TX,Enc,RC. Under Ext section insert value 10000 for Frequency and enable Invert option for SEL1 Pin: Related g-codes: M64 – Output ExtOut Usage: M64 H Q <L> – H = ExtOut SSEL value (1 or 2) – […]
Using MPG pendant with PlanetCNC TNG software
This tutorial will help you configure MPG pendant related settings in PlanetCNC TNG software. MPG settings are located under File/Settings/Control/Jogging -> Handwheel Parameter description: Enable: Enables use of encoder for purposes of jogging when using MPG pendant(used with Mk3 MPG adapter) or standalone encoder. For more info regarding controllers encoder inputs please read Mk3 and Mk3/4 controller […]
Machine jogging with PlanetCNC TNG software
For purposes of machine jogging, user can use on screen jogging keys, PC keyboard keys or external jogging keyboard. On-screen jogging keys: Click the cross button next to jogging speed window: Cloud with jogging keys will appear: Jogging keys can appear permanently on main screen if you set: File/Settings/User Interface/Jog Panel -> enable […]
How to use “Program Edit” feature in PlanetCNC TNG software
Sometimes our NC program does not perform quite as we plan. Many times just a small correction of g-code does the trick and for this we need to edit our NC program. For this purpose you can use built-in “Edit” feature. Edit feature is located under Program menu. When Edit feature is active, window is opened with […]
How to set speed and acceleration values in PlanetCNC TNG software
One of the most important steps when setting up your machine in PlanetCNC TNG software is configuring machines max speed and acceleration values. With speed and acceleration values that are not suitable for one’s machine, user risks lost steps(stepper motor) or increased torque(servo motor), damaged work-pieces, broken machine and most important, lost time. To obtain […]