Aspire Dual Z Post Processor

[jim_rutske]

Vectric does not support the dual z shopbots with their Aspire 2 software. Has anybody figured out a way to get Aspire to post to a dual Z bot? I love the new Aspire but if I can't get my dual head to work it was worthless. I appreciate any help in this.

[thewoodcrafter]

Are you sure that Aspire doesn't have a post for the second Z???

V-Carve Pro does.

Post on the Vectric forum, they can help and if they don't have a post, they will most likely write one for you. (they did for me before they offered one)

Still the best software support you will find.

[gene]

Jim
Contact Tony , or Brian . I am sure that they support this i just dont know how to explain to you how to do it.

[jim_rutske]

I know it seems unreal that a piece of software at that price tag doesn't come with a dual z post but it sure doesn't. Today I contacted Mark at Vectric and here is what he replied:

We do not currently support dual heads within the software currently.
There are some posts that support the use of a drill head.

Gene, are Tony and Brian at Vectric?

[thewoodcrafter]

Jim,

Tony and Brian ARE Vectric.

Must be the 3D stuff.
I would bet a post from V-Carve would work.

[jerry_stanek]

My Aspire has 2 head inch and 2 head mm

[tmerrill]

My install of Aspire shows 3 different post processors with "head2" in the title. Would these be for a dual Z?

Tim

[jim_rutske]

It appears that these would be the correct ones but when you select them you get the following error:

The visible toolpaths use different tools and the selected post processor does not support tool changing.

I've been told to try the 2 head post from V carve pro. I will report back.

[thewoodcrafter]

Jim,
The tool paths you are trying to POST must have the same tool.
De-select one tool path and try to POST again.
Use separate tool paths for different tools.
You could end up with several tool paths for the same job.

[jim_rutske]

Roger, I see the error of my ways but how can i get both heads to cut off of one final SBP file? I was under the impression this could be done.

[ssflyer]

Perhaps it could be accomplished using the "Virtual Tool Changer," and a master file to call the sbp files...

Just a thought,
Ron

[Gary Campbell]

Jim...
Vectric DOES have a SB head 2 postP. It may need a couple adjustments, depending on your machine. You still must select and toolpath one operation at a time, per head. Selecting 2 tools is the most often reason to return your posted error.

Ron is correct, you may also select the toolchanger postP,which will allow multiple tools on multiple heads, however you must add the toolchanger files, set all tools & tool numbers up correctly, and you will have all code into one cutting file. It is a bit of work to set up, but if I can do it, most can too.
Gary

[thewoodcrafter]

The only way I know to run these two separate files is like Ron said, a master file that calls and runs the two.

[jim_rutske]

Gentlemen, I appreciate your help. It looks like I have some homework and research to do tonight.

I have always had the dual Z on my bot but just recently decided to get it up and running since I now do a ton of repeat 3D carvings. I figured if I could get a 1/4" to do the roughing in one router and my 1/8" ballnose to do the carving in the other I would be golden and avoid a bit change & z-zero.