Hi,
With QCAD/CAM, any gcode output I generate for the plasma cutter has a N code prefixed to it. As a result, Firecontrol software (from Langmuir Systems), doesn't recognize it and suggests its for Mach3. Attached is the error. How do I get plain G code output so I can try to upload to Firecontrol?
Thanks.
Incompatible G code
Moderator: andrew
Forum rules
Always indicate your operating system and QCAD version.
Indicate the post processor used.
Attach drawing files and screenshots.
Post one question per topic.
Always indicate your operating system and QCAD version.
Indicate the post processor used.
Attach drawing files and screenshots.
Post one question per topic.
Re: Incompatible G code
You can try "LaserGRBL (offset) [mm]" which has no line numbers.
Re: Incompatible G code
Hi Andrew,
Ok, so that worked and I have clean G code. However, in the CAM tool paths, there is no provision anymore for Z heights (ie: I need to be able to set safe Z height, initial pierce height and cut height). How does that work for plasma cutting? Do the 'power, feed rate, plunge rate' have any equivalents? Looks like we need a post processor for Firecontrol to make this work.
Cheers,
Ok, so that worked and I have clean G code. However, in the CAM tool paths, there is no provision anymore for Z heights (ie: I need to be able to set safe Z height, initial pierce height and cut height). How does that work for plasma cutting? Do the 'power, feed rate, plunge rate' have any equivalents? Looks like we need a post processor for Firecontrol to make this work.
Cheers,
Re: Incompatible G code
I've attached a first Firecontrol post processor with Z-movement (three files to be saved into the postprocessors directory of your QCAD/CAM installation, overwrite LaserBase.js).
Note: this will very likely need further refinement. Do look at the files and make adjustments as needed to header, footer, etc.
Note: this will very likely need further refinement. Do look at the files and make adjustments as needed to header, footer, etc.
- Attachments
-
- LaserBase.js
- (3.13 KiB) Downloaded 370 times
-
- Firecontrol.js
- (1.18 KiB) Downloaded 364 times
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- FirecontrolMM.js
- (631 Bytes) Downloaded 349 times
Re: Incompatible G code
Wow, that’s fantastic. I’ll install it today. Thank you!
Re: Incompatible G code
Hi Andrew,
So I've played around with this and gave up. I'm back now giving it another shot to see if we can make the CAM portion of the software usable even in a minimalist state. Here is the main issue:
-When I select firecontrol (offest) [mm], and then add a 'CAM profile toolpath', the fileds do not relate to plasma cutting. This makes if confusing and difficult to setup to do anything. Maybe we'll just start there.
There are a growing number of people who have the Langmuir plasma table that are looking for an alternative CAM to SheetCAM. This would be an ideal solution if you can make it work.
Cheers,
So I've played around with this and gave up. I'm back now giving it another shot to see if we can make the CAM portion of the software usable even in a minimalist state. Here is the main issue:
-When I select firecontrol (offest) [mm], and then add a 'CAM profile toolpath', the fileds do not relate to plasma cutting. This makes if confusing and difficult to setup to do anything. Maybe we'll just start there.
There are a growing number of people who have the Langmuir plasma table that are looking for an alternative CAM to SheetCAM. This would be an ideal solution if you can make it work.
Cheers,
Re: Incompatible G code
I'm happy to help if you can point me in the right direction. What do you mean by "fields"? The input mask? Which values are you referring to, what are they now and what should they be?
Sorry, but I have no experience with plasma cutting. I do have a laser cutting machine here though.