Maybe simple question CUT2D

Yes it does. The .NC file has all the code needed to cut your toolpath as you defined it.

I cant get it to load in WINPC-NC. On open it says: ERROR Data cannot be displayed. Attached my files. Hope you or someone else can help.

Hi,

do you use the "starter" version of WinPC-NC?
In this case: it cannot open .nc files ("g-code") but requires .plt (HPGL) instead.

Christian

Hi Christian,

I only have a .NC file for WinPC-NC.
Wich do you use?

So i used "Generic HPGL Arcs (mm) (*.plt) but is only exports one cut layer and has a weird starting point. I use WinPC-NC Starter

Starter only allows 2 layers. Two layers means the first 2 tools in EstlCAM. The layers can be en-/disabled with the small numbers below the menu bar.

The starting point can be changed somewhere in the WinPC settings.

Thank you. I didn't understand that before installing. What should i use/buy? Im not so technical but want to export and use more then two layers. I allraid bought cut 2d (basic).

You can upgrade from Cut2D to VCarve according to the Vectric website

But then i still have the problem that WinPC-NC starter only imports 2 layers, right?

Hi,

the limiting factor in this case is WinPC-NC.
You either need to upgrade WinPC-NC or use a different control software altogether.
(By the way Estlcam has a built in CNC controller - it just requires an Arduino UNO.)

Christian

Hi chris,

Thanks. I think the cheapest and easy way is to upgrade winPC-NC right?
Which should i use:

Hi

If it were my choice I would go with UCCNC every time. This accepts standard Gcode commands as well as DXF files

Easy to learn, use and configure, and uses a USB to parallel converter "dongle" that does all the high speed control wizardry. This relieves the host PC/Laptop of a huge processing load so you can use a very low spec machine. I personally use an old refurbished Dell 610 running XP professional just to run my SC 420/2 - I was therefore able to strip out a lot of unnecessary software to make it as bomb proof as possible.

I have no connection to this software other than being a satisfied user.

Peter

Well ... the argument with the USB 2 parallel does not really count, because that's exactly what the WinPC USB board is doing as well ... same is true for EstlCAMs Arduino board.

I use EstlCAM + Arduino with an old Netbook.

Prices:
WinPC update 200€ + EstlCAM 35€
EstlCAM 35€ + Arduino 35€
UCCNC + UCCNC USB board ?

In June last year UCCNC + UC100 USB controller cost me £75, with the parallel card costing £10 - a total of about 115 Euros. To that must be added the dreaded VAT at 20% in UK!!

Total 138 Euros or thereabouts.

Peter