3.8.0???

[bam_bam]

Anyone heard any updates on the 3.8.02 problems? We just had it crash the spindle into the table by just hitting the spacebar. We have had the slow downs but had found that just hitting the space bar and then restarting every thing worked OK. But then this, 20hrs. of work gone and about 450.00 in purple heart shot to poop. The thing is it was runnung the same program that had been running on our machine for 3 years. We make this cut just about every day! The machine has the v207 card and has been running great untill this update. I guess we will call Monday and find out how to revert back to the old software?:confused:

[jerry_stanek]

You can go back to your old version I just uninstall the sb3.8.02 and reinstall 3,6.xx update the firmware and you are back in business.

[Kiwiken]

I upgraded too but found it would just stop in the middle of files,
. no error codes or anything. the spindle would stop as well. It would stop on exactly the same line when I would rerun the file. just reinstalled the old and all runs good again. I do like the new one...just wished it would work for me

[Simops]

If you do a recent search you will find more negative responses to the new control software then positive. Until that sediment reverses or someone can convince me otherwise, I'm sticking to the stable Ver3.6.44!

[dlcw]

I think Shopbot has a long way to go before releasing 3.8. It is not ready for a shop where people use the CNC to make a living. To unreliable.

I will stick with 3.6 for quite awhile since I can't afford down time debugging and trying to figure out why something that is supposed to be production ready software is not working.

[wberminio]

I've been using SB 3.8 for a few weeks with no issues so far.
We'll what happens.

[rb99]

How can there be so many varying positive and negative experiences?

[adrianm]

I think a lot depends on how you use it.

In my experience if you run files created purely with PartWork/Aspire and you manage to avoid certain combinations of speed settings (I run a metric PP with all my speeds in IPS so they're rarely whole numbers) it all works perfectly ok.

I never pause files, change the speed on the fly or anything like that. In fact I could pretty easily use the Easy interface and nothing else if it wasn't for a couple of my jig routines.

There are definitely are some nasties in there but I can see how a lot of people never see them hence the conflicting reports.

[coryatjohn]

How can there be so many varying positive and negative experiences?

If you ever developed a computer program for Windows, you wouldn't need to ask that. Windows has so many variations that it's nearly impossible to not have bugs and crashes. Add into that the different hardware and bios configurations for attached devices (like the SB) and it will drive you insane.

One particularly thorny issue are cables. A USB cable can be the cause of a huge number of problems. It would seem like this is an unlikely source of errors but it is a major cause. I would recommend to anyone having spurious errors to change their USB cable. With the ShopBot, that's a bit difficult but it can solve a huge number of reoccurring crashes.

ShopBot should make the USB cable user maintainable so it can simply be changed.

[bill]

I think it's just there are so many different systems and configurations. Two local friends and myself are all running 3.6.44 and we have differences including the hick-ups/blurps etc. We are sticking w/3.6.44 so we don't spend the time trying to decipher if it was our fault or a new version issue....
......probably our fault.:)

Along with that .... if we have a issue with the new 3.8.02, report it as a "problem" and it turns out to be another opps on our part, then all of those guys working hard on the new version would have to take time out to come all the way down here to Florida to beat the **** outta the three of us! So we'll stay with the time saving thing.

[Bob Eustace]

Thinking this through, surely the answer is for Shopbot to build a bullet proof computer into the control box. In one fool sweep you then eliminate the horrible variables thrown up by Windows and ELIMINATE the USB cable possible source of error introduction. Just plonk your USB stick into a port on the box and away you go. It seems to be that all the heavy industrial CNC machines do it this way. Laguna is sort of going that way by plugging into the pendant BUT they still have that hooked up with a cable. Food for thought perhaps and I reckon it must be do-able because I know we would pay more for a no comms problem solution.

[steve_g]

I've said it before and will say it again... I threw away massive machinery because the proprietary controller was no longer supported by the manufacture. In the world of heavy iron machinery, 25 years old is young!!! I'm willing to put up with occasional glitches that can usually be tracked down to users not taking the time to be sure everything is up to snuff (I'm talking to myself here). Now think of this from the manufacturers point of view... The discrete components used 20... even 5 years ago are no longer manufactured. To support a proprietary controller would mean redesigning every controller ever made every few years to be made with current components.

Thank you ShopBot for making our tools PC controlled... a format likely to be around awhile.

SG

[Simops]

Mmmmm......maybe we need to make Shopbot 'Apple' compatible.....:eek::o

[bam_bam]

Our big question is should you remove it from the downloads when problems have been found. Then put up a link how to revert back since their was a firmware update, and not all would know how to get back to the older version and get their machine back to production.:) I understand beta testing and when it goes well doing a release version, but when the release ends up with bugs should we not pull it down so no one does major damage to their machine? Or at least untill the major bugs are fixed. I went back to 3.6.38? and all seems to be OK, I was just looking for the 3d help that 3.8.02 has to offer.:)

[bill]

For all of those like me.........
Have faith.

Started with the big iron CNCs that would only accepted the paper/mylar TTY tape up through the $1M+ systems of mid 2000’s. These were all full “turnkey” systems that still kept me more than busy with troubleshooting and repair.

Purchased my SB in late 2007, soon thereafter becoming scared and weak in the knees wondering what in God’s name have I gotten my self into. My ShopBot is NOT “turnkey”, it’s NEWER than most and the SB crew are making improvements all the time. I pondered SB’s need to write the software to support all of their iterations. Then it really hit me, SB software has to run on a variety of Windows’ PCs!! XP, XP Pro, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and let’s not forget good ol’ Windows Updates! The light at the end of the tunnel was indeed the oncoming freight train!

It’s now 2013 and I believe I could have not made a better choice. There are other brands in my area, higher/lower dollar and I’ll stick with ShopBot in bang for the buck! There are bugs to be fixed along with improvements to be made that I’m confident will be addressed as quickly as possible.

Have faith.:)

[Brady Watson]

For all of those like me.........
Have faith....:)

Yes...have faith. Keep in mind a few things. 3.8.x is a completely new 'clean sheet' design of SB3. Like any new piece of software, there is bound to be a few teething problems to contend with that were missed during the beta testing phase.

There are a few issues, mainly with pre-2007 tools that use USB to Serial conversion on an older computer. The issue is mainly with the USB drivers not loading or not loading correctly. The other main issue is when the computer used to drive the tool has insufficient memory or processor speed to properly run 3.8.x efficiently. The indications of this is that the tool suddenly runs part files slowly - this is 3.8 trying to keep good communication between the PC and the control box because the computer processor is sub-par or the computer is not running adequate USB hardware (like no 2.0 USB port etc).

I just spoke to SB and they informed me that there will be a maintenance release in the next few days to address these issues. In the meantime, if you are having problems, PLEASE do us ALL a favor and email ShopBot Support ( support@shopbottools.com) , and describe the issues you are having. Please include your computer specs, OS, USB hardware and what model tool you are running (including drive system type and what motors you are running) - as this would go far to nip these little problems in the bud.

Finally, if you are running a pre-2007 tool, consider upgrading your processor to v209. It is a direct USB connection, with no USB hub etc to contend with and offers some additional capabilities. I just got mine on Friday...:D

-B

[bob_reda]

Just a note, I have a 1996 prt that I converted to the RBK controller and 7.2 motors. I have been running the SB#.8 for a few weeks with little problem. If there was a problem, it is usually me. I am running windows xp and will not change this, since this is the best windows I have run. Of no concern to this issue, I just replaced the rails with shopbot harderned rails and its running great.

Bob

[frank134]

you know they did not make you up date. Like me I took the update. so I kill two cheap sheet of ply to practice on. After three day I was ready to trun back. Then I found the error. they were mine. I still have a fews quirks but I will work them out and that will help me better understand my bot. A PRSalpha. Like i said no one made me upgrade I could of waited.

[kern]

My Buddy is a hobby machine and is used a couple times a month. Last weekend, son, Todd and I updated my computer, Aspire, and the SB to the latest versions. We then went to do a lake relief map 12" x 24". It ran 1000 lines or so and stopped. We shut everything down, went back to Aspire and recalculated all tool paths. Started thing up and everything ran correctly. What a joy.

[adrianm]

Shouldn't have needed to recalculate the toolpaths in Aspire unless you changed a setting. You could have re-ran the orginal SBP file.

[Brady Watson]

It's true...No need to recalc toolpaths.

Please list your SB computer specs. Right-click on MyComputer and choose properties. Then, PrintScreen and open up MSPaint (Start, Run, MSPaint) and Edit,Paste. Then post it up so we can help you see what is going on.

ALSO...contact ShopBot support and tell them what is going on so that they know about it. Believe it or not, YOU can help to get this resolved for yourself AND others at the same time.

-B

[Max Girouard]

I've been running the new control software since it was released. I have not run into a single problem using it with my Windows 7 machine. When I had the previous version installed, I kept loosing com and my machine would shut down the software for no reason loosing position entirely. Also when I used to let it sit idle for a few hours, then go and call up the keypad, it would freeze then shut down the software. Since the install, I've run into ZERO problems. I've run couple hour long 3D files and have paused and restarted several times without issues. For whatever reason, the new software is running excellent on our machine.

[ron_moorehead]

I have to go along with Brady on this, I see a lot of post with people having problems and other ShopBotter's helping out, but a lot of times you never hear what the fix was. Would be nice and I am guilty of this, if you would post also what fixed your problem, it may help others in the long run. Thanks.

[pkirby]

I was always under the impression that Windows XP was the most reliable for running the Bot, but does this new version of Shopbot Control mean it would be better to run Windows 7 ?

[steve_g]

"3.8.x is a completely new 'clean sheet' design of SB3".

Paul... I was encouraged when I read the quote above... Win 7 has proven (to me) to be bullet proof and I would hope that a new "clean sheet version" would be optimized for a newer software. It only makes sense... after all the newest and sharpest programmers will only say "Hay dude what's hex pee... they didn't tell me about that in school!"

SG

[Brady Watson]

XP Pro was the defacto 'best' operating system and recommended mainly because a lot of customers had computers with Win98 (not even SE), that abomination Milleminumanum, Win2k and Vista. Out of this bunch, XP is clearly the most reliable and stable.

Times change & the probability of you being able to buy an XP Pro computer for your new 2013 are pretty slim. I've set up a ton of these machines...Win7 is every bit as good as XP and then some. I've set up a few recently with Win8 with no issues...so the XP thing was for older machines and times gone by.

I run my main machine on XP Pro and will most likely be switching it over to Win7 Pro when I upgrade the computer hardware to make the most from the v209 control card I just got.

-B

[jerry_stanek]

I have been running the Beta versions since they came were posted and have had some problems but the newest 3.8.2 is what I am running now with no problems. I run it on an XP pro system and love the increase in speed.

[bam_bam]

I talked to Frank again at shopbot yesterday for the 2nd time and he informed me that an update should be out in the next couple days. They think it is the program reverting to ramping in the middle of the program. I hope this fix will fix the problem we had, where it crashed by using the spacebar to stop it. I updated this software for the first time in several years, I guess we should have left it alone in had ran great for over 4 years. I guess we have learned our lesson if it aint broke dont fix it. I was just mainly interested in the new ramping in the 3d since this is what we mainly doo.

[Brady Watson]

Here's the unofficial, official word:

3.8.4 (maintenance update)
--------------------------
-Two primary issues addressed in this release:
= A "slow down" in motion that happens when running a file, once started it continues (tends to occur with slower processors)
= A period of "erratic motion" that is followed by communications disruptions and continuation problems (also primarily with slower processors)
**both problems found their way into the initial release version but did not show up in final screening; now repaired
-All control cards should now support a hot swap; retained location when controller USB plugged into another computer (assuming not turned off)
-Fixed bug when an axis is swapped within a file
-Added additional diagonistic LED signal on Control Card; will cycle on and off @~8seconds when not connected to PC but functioning normally
-[VD,,,0] and [VD,,,1] can now be used at start of a file to force file to run in INCHES or MM. Also works for G20 and G21 (the G-code verison)
-------------------

It should be live in a few days after some more testing. Hang in there peeps :D

-B

[coryatjohn]

I don't know if the problem I had today is related to 3.8 or my ignorance of the way the system operates...

Today I tried to "square" my table to a precise measurement of 96.5"x48.5". The edges were inside of my prox switches but I didn't think that would be a problem.

When doing an air cut (spindle off), the Z axis kept losing its place. I zeroed with the plate and it failed with a "Zeroing error." I was zeroing inside the prox switch and had that message during the process. I moved the spindle to 3x3 and it zeroed correctly.

When I ran the file, the Z axis got out of whack several times and one time, it dove into the table to the end of the Z travel. Luckily, there was nothing under it and it just dove into the air. If it had been over the table, I don't know what would have given first, probably the bit.

After restarting the computer and SB a couple of times, the file ran but the Z axis was way off and I was left with about .25" of material.

I removed the bolts for the prox switches and ran the file. Everything worked perfectly.

Questions:

Can programs be run beyond the prox switches? Another words, between the prox switch bolts and the stop blocks?

Could the problems with the Z axis losing position, including a sudden plunge to the end of Z travel be a problem with 3.8?

[Brady Watson]

John,
I'm not sure about your 2nd question, but you can disable your prox switches under the VN command. They will work fine for a C3, but be ignored any other time.

-B

[coryatjohn]

Brady,

I thought there might be something like that. I guess I should actually read the documentation for the control program. Read? What's that?

[Brady Watson]

No problem, John. I'd say you were doing just fine! There's a LOT of information to cover when getting familiar with your machine.

-B

[coryatjohn]

Brady,

Do you know if there is an issue with using the ShopBot when the prox switches have been activated (LED on prox switch out)?

I couldn't zero the Z axis under that condition and Z axis control became unreliable. I am curious if this is a bug or a feature.

[Brady Watson]

John,
You should most certainly be off of the prox switches when you run C2. This is probably a carry-over feature from ATC machines that use a Z axis prox. It would be rare for most to be on a prox while doing a C2 because you would be over the bed somewhere - so the chances that someone else would encounter this are pretty slim. I would make sure I was off all sensors before running one of those types of commands.

Also, make sure your Z can get down as low as you need it to by verifying with the keyboard command. They don't go as low as you'd think, and you could be bottoming out the driver for a spit second, causing some weird things to happen with the Z value.

-B

[orgtech]

Mine stopped today after 3 1/2 hours right in the middle of a 3D cut. This is the first time this happened to me. Windows 7 and latest control update. I guess recovery is not possible. Any suggestions?