File Size

[gary_k]

I have a PRSalpha, spindle, artcam pro, and my computer has 4GB Ram and the speed test show 84.4. My problem is with large tool path files, for example a file size of 5.70 MB with 260,000 lines, when I start the program, the spindle moves to the right location and plunges down to the right Z depth and sits there approximately 7 seconds while the file downloads, I think? I get a green bar showing on the bottom of the ShopBot Console. Would it be possible that I could get the file to download first before the spindle begins to moves? I am not sure if it is ok to let the cutter sit in the wood for 7 seconds before it starts to move – I am thinking probably not.
Thanks

[steve_g]

Gary

Are you up running your file from a jump drive or a network location?

Steve

[knight_toolworks]

that's normal on 3d files. if the file is really large there can be more pauses to load the files.

[myxpykalix]

I run most if not all my files off a thumbdrive, including large 3d files and i do experience the same issue, but if i recall my bit is not plunged into the material sitting there spinning. If i remember correctly it moves over to its start point, sits there above the material while it loads the file then it goes to work.

Like Steve asks are you running it from a thumbdrive or from someplace other then your Harddrive? If so, then take that same file and drop it on your desktop and try running it from there. If it does the same thing then you at least know it is not a thumbdrive issue. My thought is that it is loading up a portion of the cut file as a bit of a buffer?:confused:

[ssflyer]

I've seen similar on my PRS Alpha, but only when it moves from home to the xy plunge location - in the air, never in the material. I can watch the SB console buffering, then it goes and cuts normally. Some of my files are much larger...

Sitting in the wood is a fire waiting to happen,

[dlcw]

I'm with Ron on this one.

When I run large files the spindle goes to X=0, Y=0 and sits there until the file caches and then it starts cutting. I've never had it go to X=0, Y=0 then plunge and sit in the material while the file caches.

Sounds like a call to Shopbot support.

[adrianm]

What are you producing the files from?

Sounds like there is a non-movement command in the file after the initial plunge which is triggering a new block.

[gary_k]

My computer is dedicated to the bot, and I load all my files that I crate with ArtCam Pro from another computer to a thumbdrive to the desktop. I experimented with several file sizes and it does not matter what size the file is when it moves from home to the xy plunge location, it plunges down to the proper z depth and then it loads the file, it’s just not as noticeable with smaller files

[myxpykalix]

This may or may not be related, but the point being it is an incorrect setting somewhere, as my problem when I do a JH it will move the Z to 0 then start moving, whereas if i do a MH the Z will stay where ever it is and start moving.

And if it is doing the same with all different files in your case that tells me that it must be some setting within the control software, don't you think?

Have you tried creating say the same file in two different programs and running them? If they both react the same way then the common denominator is the control software?:confused:

I don't read much code but you could also take the code from both seperate toolpaths you created, open them up in a text window side by side and see what line differs, if one works and one doesn't or even if they are the same.

[adrianm]

My computer is dedicated to the bot, and I load all my files that I crate with ArtCam Pro from another computer to a thumbdrive to the desktop. I experimented with several file sizes and it does not matter what size the file is when it moves from home to the xy plunge location, it plunges down to the proper z depth and then it loads the file, it’s just not as noticeable with smaller files
Could you post one of the smaller SBP files that show this behaviour?

[gary_k]

Thanks everybody for your input on my problem. I sent a file to shopbot support, the problem was caused by the ArtCam post inserting MS command in the file where it shouldn’t have. I was told to update the post processor which is located in C:\Sbparts\partwizardpost shopbot_inch.con. I then copied and pasted it into C:\program files\artcam2009\postp - problem solved.
I didn’t even realize what the post processor was or where it was located – everything is such a huge learning curve! Now I have a better understanding of how things work. Thanks