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WHAT'S NEW Dynatorch is on the move... As promised, we continue to improve our existing products and add new innovations to our line. Listed below are some of the changes and improvements as they are released. We are always trying to improve.... if you have an idea or a suggestion, let us know about it... Most Recently: Sep 2 2008 We have added a new video of our Marker Attachment. Aug 15 2008 We update the version 34 software. The new version, 340123, is available on the subscription service download. Aug 14 2008 We have started adding tutorial videos to our website. These tutorials will get you started using the Dynatorch CNC. Look for them on our tutorial page. Aug 8 2008 A new copy of the shop version of the 3.4 software has been uploaded. This is version 3.4.0.122 and is available from the Subscription Service. This will fix a random comm error that sometimes occurred after the crash detector was triggered. July 23 2008 Both of the Shop versions are updated. Mostly maintenance for version 3.4 and for version 3.2, we added the ability to set the speed the torch uses when searching for the plate. New versions are 340119 and 320286, available from the subscription service July 16 2008 The version 3.4 Shop version of Dynatorch software has been updated... This new version is 340118. Available from the Subscription Service. July 13 2008 The version 3.4 Shop version of Dynatorch software has been updated... All 3.4 version customers should install this update. Please contact our main office if you have questions. This new version number is 340117. For those customer still using the 3.2 version software, if you are also using the new SM2316D(T) motors then we have an updated version of the 3.2 software available. Again call the main office for details. The new 3.2 version is 320285. (Both versions are immediately available for download for anyone with our subscription service ). April 18 2008 Both Shop versions of Dynatorch software have been updated... It seems that the chosen output turned on by the joystick during cutting was not saved after the program was closed. This has been fixed. Version 320283 and 340115. April 15 2008 All versions of Dynatorch software have been updated... Very minor changes, but none the less, they are updated. Most recent versions are 320282 and 340114 April 3 2008 The shop version of the Dynatorch program has been updated Version 320279 that fixes a problem with the converter. Mar 27 2008 The shop version of the Dynatorch program has been updated to force the torch axis to retry if it fails to retract fully in the OxyFuel mode. This is for both versions and only affects OxyFuel mode. The new versions are 320278 and 340112. Mar 3 2008 The shop version of the Dynatorch program has been updated to fix a bug that controlled freezing the THC during the small holes (APS). This only affected the systems with the slave motors on the X axis. We also fixed the axis indicator (F8 key). The new versions are 320277 for the standard systems and 340110 for the new (2008) hi torque systems. Feb 17 2008 All versions of the Dynatorch program have been updated to include a new feature in the Library that allows you to choose and memorize the zero offset for the part. Versions 320274 and 340108. Feb 13 2008 PlasmaMate has been updated to include a corner radius in shape 38. It also fixed a small bug that disabled the X2 value in all shapes if you used the cone converter. The new version is 101039 and is available from the subscription download page. Feb 9 2008 Dynatorch installation program has been updated to include a "Servo Test Utility" for basic testing of the comports and the motors. It will be installed and accessible from the Start-Programs... the download is 320273, but he included Dynatorch shop version program is still 320272. Feb 4 2008 The PlasmaMate program has a new feature "Cone shapes". This will allow you to cut out flat shapes that can be formed into cones with a know top and bottom radius and either height or side length. Version 101038 Jan 31 2008 The Dynatorch shop program has been updated to version 320271. Jan 22 2008 The previous version had two small bugs, they have been fixed in this new release 320269. If you downloaded 268, it would be in your best interest to update to version 269. Jan 17 2008 The subscription page now contains new releases of the Shop and Office versions, 320268. This release adds improvements to the corner hold for the THC. It also adds the ability to save the library data to the cut file so the next time the cut file is opened, it will automatically set the library to the correct settings. Fixed Slow down on the corners when small radii are encountered. Added the G28 (move to home switch position) and G128 (move to material load position) The previously defined G26 and G28 are renamed as G36 and G38, these were rarely used commands that should not affect anybody. Fixed a problem where if the joystick was enabled, and you clicked the home position button, the torch would not raise. Changed the "PreHeat Gas" output so it would (optionally) turn off after the pierce was completed. And come back on during a restart. Other small changes were also implemented... Jan 11 2008 To all our customers and friends, the staff of Dynatorch wishes you a happy healthy and prosperous New Year. We have certified the Kaliburn Proline series of precision cut industrial plasma generators for operation with Dynatorch cutting systems. Additionally we have certified the Thermal Dynamics Ultracut and AutoCut series of plasma generators also. Dynatorch is proud to be a dealer for both these product lines. Recently Dynatorch has made significant technical advancements in the arena of arc voltage torch height control. Our new automatic stabilization electronics give even tighter arc voltage interpretation without effecting already fantastic sensitivity and response. All new purchases of Dynatorch motion control systems will have the new stabilization system at no additional cost. In the next month Dynatorch will be announcing the introduction of several new products that are worth watching for. Stay Tuned. Dec 21 2007 We released version 101033 of PlasmaMate. We added text shapes for those who want to cut out alpha numeric letters in any true type font they have on their PC (even Wingdings!). We also fixed a few very small bugs. Nov 19 2007 We released version 101029 of PlasmaMate. We modified shape 25 to add two separate bolt circles for a customer. Nov 2 2007 We released version 101027 of PlasmaMate. Wouldn't you know it, ask for suggestions and sure enough, in they come! We modified two shapes to do more variations and allow more options. Oct 31 2007 We released version 101026 of PlasmaMate. We modified and added features to lots of shapes. For instance we added optional holes (or slotted holes) in most simple brackets. If you did not want the holes (or slotted holes), just set the hole radius to zero and they disappear. Read the "notes" section on the PlasmaMate screen for additional information concerning each shape. Remember, if there is a shape (a somewhat simple shape) that we are missing, just give us a call and we'll add it. Oct 24 2007 We released version 101023 of PlasmaMate. We modified shape 16 for a customer. Oct 23 2007 We released version 101022 of PlasmaMate. This added several new shapes including roller chain sprockets from size 25 thru size 240 and up to 150 teeth. One thing about PlasmaMate, if you choose unconsidered options, such as a negative hole radius or lead-in, you will get completely different shapes than what the icon shows. If you use a radius in a corner that is bigger than the part for example, the shape will no longer resemble the icon, but mat very well be a shape you could use, either now or at some time in the future. Play with it and have fun.... If you ever get a "domain error", don't worry, it's just that the math involved is trying to calculate the square root of a negative number, therefore your combination of values cannot work as you entered them, try again. Oct
15 2007
Big things are happening at Dynatorch. Dynatorch has broken the high
frequency barrier. Up to now using any high frequency start plasma
generator with PC based CNC plasma cutting controllers has been
questionable at best. The high frequency start arc can interfere with
control signals to the motors and cause errors in movement. With our
constant efforts to move plasma cutting technology steadily ahead
Dynatorch has certified the Hypertherm HSD-130 for use with Dynatorch
plasma motion control drives. Recent software upgrades and improvements
in noise suppression have allowed us to accomplish this rather
remarkable feat.
Oct 12
2007
Feel comfortable seeing blue machines around the shop? We have
completed testing the Miller Electric Company's new Spectrum 1000
plasma generator and torch on our Dynatorch plasma cutting tables.
Miller uses torch technology very similar to Hypertherm (a brand we
have recommended for some time). The Miller units produce
outstanding quality cuts especially on thinner materials. Miller
employs a higher internal operating frequency on its inverter system
which may, in part, contribute to its quality cutting ability. Sept 28 2007 It's about time you say... well you are right. But lot's of improvements have been made. We are now introducing version 320258. 258 adds the following features: The G40, G41, and G42 now work correctly if you draw the path correctly. You must follow this simple rule, "The torch will cut with a round tool (the kerf), and will make a rounded INSIDE corner. So since the torch will make a rounded INSIDE corner, then you must draw a rounded INSIDE corner with a diameter equal to or greater than the kerf. Outside corners will be made sharp if drawn sharp" Next we added variable feed rates that can change on the fly. If you add the F command to any line of code, then that line will be cut at the feed rate declared. We worked on the restart command and enhanced it. We allowed the individual "Zero" buttons to redraw the ghost image on the screen. (Just like the ZeroXY button does) The cut sequence for the oxyfuel has been changed. When the OxyFuel automatic torch up and down is enabled, the sequence is as follows: The torch lowers itself to the cut height, and preheats the material at the cut height. Then when the preheat is complete, the torch will raise the pierce height amount (e.g. 5/16") and pierce from up there to prevent blow back that clogs the tip. Then when the pierce delay is complete and the gantry begins movement, the torch will lower itself back down to the cut height over a user adjustable time. So if the user chose a 2 second time, then when the gantry begins movement, the torch will take 2 seconds to lower itself from the pierce height (5/16") back to the cut height. Basically it will come down as the gantry is moving for downhill type motion. We added support for the "R" word in the arc G2,G3 commands, but personally I would prefer the I J K values instead. We fixed a problem that sometimes caused the slave motor to not run at first power up. And lastly we added THC corner hold. If you choose to use the Enhanced THC algorithms, then this option is available to you. This works in such a way that if the speed slows to a value less than what you set, the torch will freeze the Automatic height sensing, until the speed is back up above the limit. For this to work most effectively, we suggest you set the following: On the Advanced tab of the machine settings, you have the Vertex Slowdown Proportional set to 45 degrees and the Radius Factor set to 1.2. These are starting values and you can adjust them from there. We also added a set height option to the joy stick control for setting the oxyfuel cut height from the joystick. July 10 2007 My how times flies when you are having fun... Has it been 6 weeks already? Anyway... It was pointed out that if you changed the setpoint, then entered machine setup and then closed machine setup, the setpoint would revert back to the original setting. Version 320246 fixed that issue as well as: We added the R retract word to the M102 / M103 custom command, and we fixed a problem with the converter save as, that did not always save to the selected folder from machine settings. May 31 2007 Someone noticed that the code wizard failed to add the PreCodes (F100, G54...) to any code buiilt by the wizard. Version 320244 has addressed that issue and fixed it. Also, we noticed the FAQ help was not loaded during the install, that too has be fixed. May 29 2007 Wow, has it been that long since we last got around to updating this page? Well it's been for lack of anything to do... In April we took a week to do our taxes. Then we released version 320243 of the software. Then we made a new lifter station with a ball screw drive and recirculating linear ball bearings instead of the acme screw and V-wheels. Better sealed for longer life. It has been added also to the Technogon stand alone THC Meanwhile we designed and built a new laser locator. that's powered from a wall plug, eliminating the batteries. Now you can leave it turned on longer, and not worry about the batteries dieing. Lately we have been busy with a new version of our fiber optic converters. Then we worked on and are releasing an OxyFuel conversion kit for use with our system. And somewhere in there , we had our quarterly planning meeting at the headquarters in Paducah, which, of course, added a whole new list of action items to work on for the next quarter. Some pretty exciting stuff is coming. Stay tuned.... March 16 2007 Fixed an obscure annoyance in the code converter that wrapped the pre and post code text boxes. Version 320242 is now released as the latest version from the subscription service download area. March 14 2007 Finally, a way for those customers who have subscribed to our "subscription service" to get their upgrades, whenever they want! From the here or the Subscription link on our main page, you can now access all the files for downloading whenever it is most convenient... As of today, you do not know your username an password, but fear not, we do! Those subscribers to our subscription service should call our main office. We have your username and password ready and waiting for you. If you have not subscribed or do not understand our subscription service, you should read about it on the above link. Oh by the way, we have releases version 320241, for both the Shop and Office versions as well as version 16 of PlasmaMate. March 6 2007 A new version, 320240 fixes a bug in the newly added joystick button 10 function. March 3 2007 A new version, 320239 for both the Shop and Office versions is released. The Office copy is now Windows Vista compatible. The shop version has a new function ability for the Joystick button number 10. The convert code section of the modify tap converter now allows you to put pre and post code in the conversion. This will allow you to add code that was not present in the file you are converting over to work with our system. February 16 2007 A new version, 320238 changes the smiengine.dll that normally is installed with a new file named integmotorinterface.dll . This should clear up the Windows Vista file name debacle. Also, when using the advanced THC, the arc voltage would freeze if the THC was not enabled. This has been fixed. February 8 2007 A customer converting Burny files wanted to ignore some certain G and M codes during a conversion. We added a table to enter G and M code numbers you would like to ignore. This is version 320237. February 7 2007 In the previous version, the oxyfuel timer functions did not work in the simulation mode, but that has been fixed in version 320236. Also, the g-code to dxf converter did not draw a complete circle when it found a line of code like such: "G3J1" (it has no X or Y values) That also has been fixed. February 6 2007 Oh my gosh, I found a request from a customer under a bunch of papers on my desk, (that sounds better than saying that I forgot)... Anyway, he was asking for some more ability to control the preheat during OxyFuel cutting. So here it is in version 320235. During oxyfuel preheat, if you notice the preheat time is going to expire prior to the material getting hot enough, you can restart the preheat time by pressing the "F4" function key. If it is too hot, and the timer still has a way to go, then you can hit the escape key to continue on, and finally, if something has gone wrong, you can press the spacebar and shut everything down. February 5 2007 Well that last version didn't last long...time for another upgrade. Version 320234. Per one customer's request, we added a marker on the screen to tell where the torch currently is located. By pressing the F8 function key, an "X" will appear on the screen, indicating the location of the torch head. releasing the key will erase the mark. We also learned today that the new version of Windows "Vista", ships with a new operating system file named SMIEngine.dll. (It handles the Settings Management Infrastructure) Unfortunately, we have our own smiengine.dll, that handles the Smart Motor Interface. We need our file, and Vista needs their file... Since theirs is a major operating system file, we will loose this battle. So until we can resolve the situation, (which we hope will be VERY soon) we are not Vista compatible. We expect this to be resolved this month. January 31 2007 Whew, we squeezed one more upgrade in this month. Version 320233. Per some customers request, the previous upgrade sorted the library selection.... Now we have made it optional as to whether not you want to sort the library. And another customer requested that we include a cycle counter, to count completed cycles. So we added the cycle counter... (the screen is getting crowded, but we found a place for it). It increments when the cycle completes normally with an M30 or M02, and can be reset by double clicking the numbers or by opening a new file. January 26 2007 Oooops... Guess what, we now have a newer version (320232) that hopefully fixes an obscure bug in 231 It changes the Library setting for the Arc On Delay and the Pierce delay. They are mutually exclusive, and the previous version did not take that into account. January 25 2007 We have a new version (320231) that responds to a couple more customer requests. It adds alphabetical sorting to the Library drop down list and a comments field. It fixes a save problem with the feed rate in the library. We included an option in the modify tap conversion utility to add the torch up and down commands when converting a competitors g-code that assumes the torch will raise and lower before and after a G0 rapid move. We increased the preheat time for oxyfuel cutting from 60 seconds to 999.9 seconds. We fixed the library so that the arc ON delay is no longer disabled when the E-Stop on lost arc is checked. January 3 2007 Welcome to the new year. Can you believe it, it's 2007 already? We have a new version (320230) that responds to a couple of customer requests. We now have a pierce counter that keeps track of how many pierces the consumables have made. This should help you determine when they are about to be worn out. We also added the ability to turn on an output from the joystick when the G23 (start torch button) is pressed, and to turn an output off when the G5 (torch off button) is pressed. This can be used for turning on and off the exhaust system for example. December 31 2006 The end of the year has arrived. We have closed out 2006, and are prepared for 2007. We would like to say "THANK YOU" for your business. Looking back over the year, a lot happened. We were featured on the cover of Machine Design Magazine. We moved into our new facility. We teamed up with WE-CIM and SheetCam to offer advanced CAM support. We enhanced the software with 50+ features (most of which came from customer suggestions). We offered Financing and Leasing for the first time last year. We just keep moving forward. So in 2007, please remember we are here for you. If you have any needs or would like any feature added, just let us know. We are looking forward to a new and exciting 2007 with new products and a major software upgrade... Speaking of upgrades... Software version 320229 was released, adding a new command G22. G22 Zx.xxx will make a feedrate move of the torch to the x.xxx position. Normally most torch moves are rapid, but this command will move at the current feed rate. December 21 2006 The end of the year is quickly approaching, Christmas is around the corner, and yet we still found time for a new version of our software. Version 320227 is available for testing Mostly just a few bug fixes which lead to new features. It all started last Saturday morning, I was just getting ready to go mow the yard when I get a call from a customer who could reproduce a bug (we programmers love it when bugs can be reproduced!). It was in the E-Stop assistant, it was starting on the wrong line number in the g-code. Simple I thought, however, it ONLY did it in this one file created by the code wizard. So was the bug in the code wizard, or in the e-stop assistant? Anyway, 5 days later, it was combinations of both. The code wizard had added an extra line of g-code that went nowhere, (we were already at X=3.00, so a command of G1 X3, went nowhere). Now the interpreter saw this move to nowhere and ignored it, it was not needed. But the e-stop assistant was still keeping track of the lines of g-code so that when it needed to back up thru the code, it could. It wasn't taking into account that we skipped that line of code. Hence the problem. So we fixed the e-stop assistant so in knows now not to keep track of lines of code that are ignored, and then we fixed the code wizard so unnecessary lines are not added to the code. But while we were doing all that, we came up with a new button to allow you to move the gantry anywhere along the cut path (or close to it) and then begin from there. It's the Re-Start button. And it gets the current gantry position, and then searches thru all the g-code to find the closest line or arc to the current gantry position. It will allow you to begin from there, even if it is the middle of a 4 foot long arc. We also added a menu option to our onboard dxf converter, that will start the Plasma-Mate software. And we updated the PlasmaMate software to version 101011 to tell the Dynatorch dxf converter the name of the file it just saved, so the dxf converter can open it quickly. And lastly we found a problem in the pre-sorted converter code where small files, less than 1K, would cause an error. That's going to be it for this year, we think. Oh, by the way, though we hate to do this, at the beginning of 2007, we are faced with having to have a small price increase. Raw material prices have all gone way up, and our current pricing has gone unchanged since 2003, but we've improved our products significantly, and our customer service still remains top notch. December 14 2006 A new version of our software is available for testing. Version 320223 These changed are implemented: The default folders for the converter were broken. Added checkbox on the torch tab (for Walt) to lift the torch at power restoration if the torch was homed. Added lost arc delay timer to delay sensing the "lost arc" when using the ArcOnDelay method for rapid starts on thin material. This means that the E-Stop on lost arc can remain checked, it just won't be active for the first x.xx seconds on fast start systems. Fixed false circles drawn in the ghost image. Fixed the Tab key order on some screens. This is under test, if you can test this and give feedback, we will appreciate it. This version still has an * by the G41/G42 code. December 2 2006 A new version of our software is now available. Version 320219 Addressed a lot of issues and features. This is still considered as beta version until we get some feedback. When the torch failed to ignite, sometimes the next attempt caused a problem. Removed the G55, G56 and G57 buttons from the screen. If you want those modes, right click on the G54 and there will be an assortment to choose from. This gave us more room on the screen for the Kerf compensation text box. We added a new way to address the motors at start up. It seems somebody in the sales department sold a system with an odd mix and match of motors. So now we have to account for all kinds of motors found out there on the serial cables. So there very well may be a situation where with the right mix and match of motors, that you must swap the serial cables once in order for them to address properly. However, this on a one time swap and it is very unlikely any of our customers will need to do this. Wait a minute, did I write "room for the Kerf compensation text box" earlier? Ooops, I spilled the beans too early. Yes we now read the G41 and G42 commands*, BUT with an "ASTERISK". If the tool can remain in contact with the surface of the part, it works. If the tool DOES NOT remain in contact with the surface, it is an error. BUT not for long, we are working on this. What doesn't work? If the tool (a 1/32" kerf radius) tries to go into a 90 degree corner, it won't fit. If the corner has a 1/32" radius, then it will work. In the future, we will allow travel into a corner, even though it will not clean the corner correctly. It also fixes a problem with points and the Sheetcam converter. And it breaks ellipse arcs into smaller segments. And sped up the dxf converter slightly on some 120 megabyte files. November 25 2006 We are now offering SheetCam software to enhance the Deluxe Dynatorch drive system. SheetCam offers you: Automatic kerf compensation. Automatic inside/outside detection. For instance if you cut a washer it will cut the inside before the outside. It will also cut the inside in the opposite direction to keep the 'good' side of the cut towards the part. Lead-ins/lead-outs. If the lead-in/out won't fit at the current start point, SheetCam will try moving it so that it will fit. You have the option to select the lead-in/out type for each cut start if you wish. Drill hole piloting. This will pierce the center of a hole so it can be drilled later. Various options for slew path optimization. Alternatively you can manually define the cut order. Manual nesting. You can place multiple parts, rotate them, flip them etc. Detail reduction. Some raster to vector converters produce very jagged drawings with lots of very small moves. This smoothes out the drawing so it cuts faster and cleaner. Free updates for the foreseeable future. A V1.0 license will still work with the latest version of SheetCam. Formerly in beta testing, Plasma-Mate, is now also available with the Deluxe and Premium Drive Packages. November 3 2006 A new version of our software is now available. Version 320214 Fixed a problem if a DXF file was smaller than 1K in size. It also adds the G25 Zx.xxx (where x.xxx is a POSITIVE number) This will force the torch to make an incremental move up at the end of the cut path. The distance it moves up is the x.xxx value. Previous versions allowed G25 Z-x.xxx (-x.xxx. as a NEGATIVE number) which would move the torch to the -x.xxx value. This was an absolute move since the torch normally travels between 0 and -4.0, it was along that scale. Since adding the Z command to the every line of code with e G25 may be cumbersome, and not supported by all post processors, we also added a global, one time command to raise the torch an incremental amount. That command is M125 Px.xxx where x.xxx is the incremental distance the torch should raise when it reaches the end of the path. So if the torch was at -2.75 at the time the path ends, and the command M125P0.5 was issued at the beginning of the code, then it would raise to -2.25". And every time the G25 command is read again in the file, the torch will raise 0.5" from it's current location. For safety reasons it will never go above the home value (0). The M125 command will remain in effect until the complete file has been run, or a P value <= 0 is issued. The global M125 command will override (take precedence over) any G25Xx.xx command. October 23 2006 We're moved, up, running and open once again in our brand new facility... Another new version of our software is now available. Version 320212 contains a new conversion algorithm for converting existing g-codes, (such as those from Burny files) for conversion to code compatible with our machine. For instance, we use G23 and G25 to raise and lower the torch, others use M3/M4 or M70/M71 or M66/M67 and even M9/M10. We also use absolute coordinates for X and Y and incremental dimensions for I and J, others use combinations of the two. We use decimal points in our coordinates, others assume 4 decimal places, but do not use the period. We can now convert most these files over in our Modify G-Code section of the Converter. We also fixed a small bug in the Library for the OxyFuel cutting. It seems some values were not being assigned when the selection was made. And a bug in the DXF converter with Ellipses was found and cured (Thanks Sam). October 19-22 2006 We're moving and we will be closed for next couple days.... In order to better serve our customers, we are more than doubling our current square footage. We apologize for this temporary inconvenience, but they will be transferring the phone and internet lines on those days, and there will be no communications with the main office. Our service support lines will still operate. We expect to be back up and fully operational by Monday morning Oct 23, 2006. Our new address is Dynatorch Inc. 3530 Starnes Drive Paducah, Kentucky 42003 Our phone numbers remain the same.... see our contact us page October 18 2006 Our supply of the Laser Locators is back online ! Thank you for your patience while we were out of stock. Software version 320210 is available for testing. Version 320210 adds importing of Ellipses and Splines into the onboard converter. It also adds a fix to the bulge calculation in the polylines. The Library has been changed, hopefully for the better, but it WILL affect current users. The change is as follows.... The feed rate, which would revert to a different feed rate if there was one specified in the G-Code, is NO LONGER saved in the library. Instead, we decided to save the feed rate OVERRIDE value. This will allow you to keep the F100 (or whatever default feed rate you use in your dxf converter) the same, and by saving only the override, this will allow you to still have different feed rates for different materials, but the over ride will change instead of the actual feed rate. This way, the feed rate can be changed by the G-Code with LESS hassle than before. we realize neither option is perfect, but this is the lesser troublesome option. Previously saved materials, should be updated to reflect the new values. Old saved feed rates greater than 40 will default to 100% override until they are updated. The override has values of 5 - 200 in increments of 5% October 13 2006 The software has been updated to version 320205. The problem with the points in version 320201 appears to be fixed. (only testing will verify) We also added the OxyFuel settings to the Library. Both the Shop and Office versions are available. We also added a training CD for the WE-CIM package on our website on the downloads page. October 11 2006 There is a software issue with beta version 320201. If points are included in the dxf file during conversion, there is an error. We are working on the problem. (this is why it is a BETA version) In the meantime, version 3201M has proven stable over the past week. October 9 2006 We are changing the names of our "setup" files for more consistency. The new setup files will be named as follows: The office version of the software, that which does NOT communicate with the motors will be named: DTOfficeXXXXXX.exe (where XXXXXX is the version number). And the shop version (the one that DOES communicate with the motors) will be named: DTShopXXXXXX.exe (where XXXXXX is the version number). We have released a fix for version XP and it covers some converter bugs (invalid floating point errors) that were present in that release. This new release is version 320201. there will be no more letters in the version numbers. 320201 remains a beta release. October 4 2006 Version 3202XP is available for those who would like to Beta test it. Version 3202XP is identical to previously released version M except it has the Windows XP look and feel. It also has an updated help file. It is also in the beta state, and we would like feedback on it. It was developed and tested on an XP system, and NOT on a Win2000 system. Our new direction for the software will be to develop only under Windows XP and the upcoming Vista. Since Win2K is now 6 years old, we will begin to deprecate the support for it. Similar to what we did for Win98 a couple years ago. October 2 2006 Version 3201M is available for those who would like to Beta test it. Version M has the following features added. The background color of the main drawing screen is now user adjustable. For those who wanted to have the background black (or any other color you wish) instead of white, this option is available in the machine settings under the "color" tab. We also added a few fixes to the joystick control for when you hit something with the electronic crash detector. Someone asked for the background color of the feed rate to be black and bigger for easier viewing, and this has been added. We also added two new M-code options (M102 and M103) for someone who uses the plasma cutter for arc welding. These codes assist in finding the edge in order to begin welding in the corner. Added an M-Code named M20 to send the torch to the home position, and it does exactly that. When issued, the M20 command will send the torch to the location known as the home value. So if you were lowering the torch for use as a pen or knife to cut or plot, then the M20 would raise the torch to the home value between cuts. This is a beta release, use it at your our risk... If you do use it, how about a little feedback on how it works (or doesn't) September 27 2006 We're moving soon... In order to better serve our customers, we are more than doubling our current square footage. Construction is almost completed, and the move-in date has been set for Oct 19 - 20, 2006 and we will be closed for those two days. We apologize for this temporary inconvenience, but they will be transferring the phone and internet lines on those days, and there will be no communications with the main office. Our service support lines will still operate. We expect to be back up and fully operational by Monday morning Oct 23, 2006. September 12 2006 PlasmaMate Beta is being tested. This is our new complementary design tool to allow Dynatorch users the ability to make brackets, flanges, bolt circles, gussets, etc quickly and easily without the need to open your CAD program. September 2 2006 We have released Version 3201K of the software. A big thank you to Sam for his beta testing, (you have no idea how much that helps us). Version K adds the options for auto zooming, the ability to automatically zoom to the extents of the object. It also adds a check to verify if the cut path will go beyond the table limits prior to starting the cut. We improved the cut library, a place where you can store your favorite settings for certain types of materials. Added the ability to select where the gantry will move to when button #9 of the joystick is pressed, (it used to go only to the home position, now it can go to one of 4 selectable positions). The Arc ON delay that is used when cutting very thin material can now be a negative number if your torch is slow to react to the start signal. Small curves (arcs) will now be handled like sharp corners, and will slow down the velocity if they are small enough and have a big enough turn in degrees. Added accelerator keys to the goto position buttons. Misc fixes include dxf imports with polylines error, short segments turning the torch off before it begins to cut, converting an HPGL file with no XY values after the PU command, and the calculation of the extents. Thanks to all who asked for some of these features (the Library, the Button #9 additions, the Auto Zoom) these suggestions are great and most all our customer find them helpful also. So please keep those suggestions coming... August 27 2006 Our supply of the Laser Locators in in trouble, one component in the system has been discontinued by the manufacturer. This is no good. Temporarily, we have stopped sales until a replacement component can be found. Please bear with us, we appreciate your patience. August 19 2006 We officially are now offering our deluxe Nesting/CAM/Raster to Vector Program "WE-CIM" Call us...
August 18 2006 Software version 3201a is now released. Version 3201a includes the following features: Improved checksum testing in the servo motors at power up. A new velocity algorithm in the cut path which allows for slow down in corners that have small radii. Added a THC freeze command to stop the THC at a user selectable distance from the end of the path to prevent diving as it slows down. Added the ability to play with the Enhanced THC algorithms, for very fast response of the torch height unit. It is BETA right now, but working fairly well, an optional checkbox enables if you want to try it. Added the ability to send the torch OFF command a few time slices before the end of the path for a cleaner end cut. Fixed a bug with the G24 command and some other small fixes were added. August 3 2006 Software version 3200a is now released. Version 3200a adds support for the optional new advanced DXF-GCode converter (WE-CIM) which includes part nesting. We added a simple HPGL to DXF converter to our standard system. This can be used to convert the plot file type outputs from some drawing packages into DXF files that our converter can open, scale, etc. We also began the addition of a library for common cuts. If you have settings for feed rate, set point, or pierce height of a particular type of material, these can be saved and recalled as necessary from the library database. Fixed a bug where the joystick failed in one direction. (Thanks Ted) July 20 2006 We are now an official dealer for HyperTherm cutting products. June 12 2006 Software version 3108B now being BETA tested. Version A, would fail after homing. This has been fixed. Added a comport speed test to the maintenance tab of machine settings. This will help determine if the comport is truly a high speed comport or not. Once the Beta testing is approved, we should be releasing this version. June 7 2006 Software version 3108A now being BETA tested as a production version. We added our new feature "APS" (Automatic Proportional Slowdown) This feature looks at the length of the path of the object that is about to be cut, if it determines it is a short length, such as is found in a small diameter circle, it will slow the feed rate down proportionally to the size of the path. Basically, small circles are now cut at a slower speed than larger object automatically, without the operator having to change anything. This option and it's setup parameters are found on the advanced tab of the machine settings page. We also added the ability to acknowledge an E-Stop due to the crash detector, but still allow the servos to be re-enabled, so the torch can be jogged out of the crash path. And lastly we added a checkbox to un-zoom the screen if a rapid move takes the torch to an area outside of the screen. Once the Beta testing is approved, we should be releasing this version. June 2 2006 We added a new Software User's Guide Manual to the web site. This version includes all the changes and features we have been adding. May 31 2006 Software version 3108 is now being tested as an "office" version. We expect the production release within a week. 3108 adds zooming to the production screen. You can now zoom in on the area you would like to cut. It also adds small changes such as a new menu option to clear the homed flags, over-travel tests while in simulate mode, fixed "save and open" so that it draws the ghost image, and made the viewing area full size all the time with the table limits drawn with a dotted line in the viewing window. May 21 2006 Software version 3107-"Z" was released for testing . Added line numbers to the g-code conversion output files for a customer. Added the pierce delay to the height sensing delay in torch. Added two buttons to insert the object extents into the spacing dimensions on the modify tap array screen. Added text box to allow adjustable stagger percentage on the array tab, these values can be negative. And finally.... yes finally... we have a brand new help file which might actually be useful ! It's been long overdue, but hey, it's finally here.... May 15 2006 Software version 3107-"Y" was released for testing Both the Shop version and the Office version. Version "Y" added/fixed the following features: Blank lines no longer cause an m-code to repeat itself. Added a special m-code "M101" This allows for a pause in the program execution with a custom message for the operator. OK and Cancel are the two options available during the pause. Saving while in the modify tap rotate tab now works. Changed the name of Modify Tap to Modify G-code. Added an increment multiplier to the oxyfuel time adjusters. By right clicking on the time adjusters, you can select the change increment for each click, x1, x2, x5, x10.... Our fiber optic converters are now available. May
5
2006 Software version 3107-"X" was
released for Beta Testing Both the Shop version and the Office
version. Version "X" added the following
features: April 25 2006 Dynatorch now offers leasing and financing ! April 20 2006 Software version 3107-"N" added lead-ins to the code wizard, "P" added a fillet option to the code wizard, "Q" added an array option in the modify tap code. "R" fixed a bug in "Q", "S" added a graphical look to the code wizard. "T" added M26 (turn ON) and M28 to (turn OFF) the Automatic THC between cuts and G26 / G28 to do the same thing while cutting. "T" also added velocity jogging for the joystick when a salve axis in involved. "U" fixed a bug in "T" with the output for the torch "ON". "V" fixed a problem when Points were encountered in the dxf drawing, it caused a floating point overflow. "W" added a shift offset to the modify tap array builder, as well as the ability to reduce on item in the even rows. So the most recent version is "W"... Version 4, remember that? Well, some hardware issues that need to be resolved have delayed version 4. We will continue to update version 3, with some version 4 software features due to the delay in the hardware issues. March 5 2006 Software version 3107-m is released. Added a button to go to the X0Y0 position. E-Stop assistant was repaired. Fixed a random "lost arc" error. Added the ability to vary the amount of time before "arc fails to establish" (it was fixed at 4 seconds) Added a pierce delay, allowing the torch to fully pierce the thick material before the gantry moves. Any move to Service, Material Load, or Home Switch Positions will wait for the torch to be fully raised before moving (if the raise torch is checked) (And between these changes, work is progressing on version 4.... still a long way to go.) February 10 2006 Software version 3107-h is released. Fixed a bug where the Joystick would move the X axis in the opposite direction if the system was not homed. Also added a slider to adjust the maximum speed of the joystick (per a customer (Vic) request). It's on the Joystick tab of the Machine Settings. February 4 2006 Software version 3107-g is beta released. Added a custom M-Code. M100 will move the Z axis down with a programmable force, delay a programmable time when it stops, and retract a programmable distance. It was required for polishing aluminum. See our video page for a short movie of the M100 in action January 26 2006 We did it... We are featured on the cover of the Jan 26, 2006 edition of Machine Design Magazine. Software version 3107-f is released. Added the ability to turn an output on and of from the joystick. January 1 2006 Welcome to the new year. 2006 promises to be an exciting year at Dynatorch. New technologies and products will be added to our product line. Software version 3107-e is released. Just a few minor bugs fixed in the "e" update. We are closing out 2005, we would like to say " THANK YOU " for your business. Please remember we are here for you. If you have any needs or would like any feature added, just let us know. We are looking forward to a new and exciting 2006 with new products and a major software upgrade. Stay tuned... December 2005 We are now selling the Technogon Pattern libraries. Some of these patterns were used in the mailboxes and other photos on the customer creations pages. November 2005 Version 3107c has been released and is the final version "3". Software is busy working on the next release version "4", code name "Altro". We have a wish list a mile long, of customer requests that we will try hard to get included in the this next version, scheduled for beta release the beginning of April, 2006. October 2005 Engineering has developed a new Control Console for enclosing the PC and help keep it out of the cutting environment. This Cabinet not only holds the PC, but supports a wide variety of monitors and keyboards, with room for the mouse. Our control box mounts directly to the unit. It has locking casters for easy mobility and storage bins to hold your consumables. September 2005 Software version 3106 is officially released. A new design for the Electronic Collision detector has been released, greatly improving the stiffness. A new preload system has been developed for the drive train using regulated pneumatics for a constant preload. August 23 2005 Software has released a BETA version 3106. This is in BETA testing. However, we'd just like to let a few of you know what some of the key features are. On the DXF Converter page: When you zoom, it STAYS zoomed until you un-zoom. The converter drawing window is no longer sized to the table size. It now uses the entire screen. and the actual table limits are outlined on the drawing area. There is an "UNDO" feature which will allow you to backup if you made a mistake in your selection. (All the above changes were a result of suggestions from our customers, keep those suggestions coming). We also added an estimated cycle time calculation for the currently opened file. It recalculates if any of the feedrates are changed. In the servo section on the software, the slave X motor is now more integrated with the main program. There are lot's of new setting for the slave motor. Part of the beta testing was increasing the speed of the correction for the torch when going over uneven surfaces. We added a video clip on our VIDEO PAGE. The video shows two cuts, the first one is our present system showing the range (4") of our THC (Torch Height Control) but the second half of the video shows the beta version running at 130 ipm over some homemade corrugated metal. It actually kept up at 150 ipm, but the torch did not cut all the way thru the metal. We were happy with that test. We also added a VIDEO of our tube cutter in action cutting 0.012" thick HVAC venting. We also added a new "files" tab to the machine settings. This allows you to set a default folder when opening a cut file and default folders for your dxf files, and other folders for saving files. Then we added a feature that will allow you to back up in a file all the way to the previous pierce point. Let's say you have an EStop condition, you can now simple back up thru the cut path and click Start, and the program will continue. This works on line segments and arcs. So you can start from the middle of an arc, without having to go to the beginning of the arc. A new easter egg (simple) was added to the program. And lots of other changes that are too small to mention here. We think it's enough for now. We thank those who have volunteered to test this new version. July 30 2005 Engineering has now released another new product... the Dynatorch Electronic Collision Detection System. This unique system can detect tip crashes to prevent machine and torch damage. We added a new section to our photos page, the "Retrofits" page. Here, customers who have used our drive systems and retrofitted their existing machines show off what they have done. Thanks for the pictures, and keep up the good work. July 25 2005 It keeps getting better. Engineering has now just released for production another version of the Drop Side Gantry. But this time with Dual X Axes Servo Drives. July 13 2005 It's been a busy summer at Dynatorch. Engineering has just released our first "Easy to Load" Drop Side Gantry with a Single X Axis Servo Drive and Table. July 12 2005 We released software version 3105 Thanks to Keith L. and the other BETA testers, we appreciate your feedback. We added more pictures in the photos page. June 10 2005 We released software version 3104 and added a new page to our site... "User Manual" with a newly updated operators manual including the enhancements from V3104. More pictures in the photos page. This version software also has an updated help file included in it. Many thanks to Vic K. (weld head positioning) and Doug P. for the (torch limited retract) ideas. May 31 2005 We added a new page to our site... "Photos" and an article about hairdryers, screwdrivers and plasma cutters... April 15 2005 We released our "Tube Cutter Attachment" This add on device allows you to cut tubular shapes from 1" to 14" in diameter.... April 14 2005 Development of version 3102 of the software is ready for beta release. This version keeps the ghosted image on the screen always. It enhances the restart in the middle of the program utility. It now draws a starting location pointer on the ghost image so a you increment thru the program, you can see where you are going to begin. April 7 2005 The release of our improved version of the Technogon THC. The new enhancements add faster response times, improved stability and better voltage isolation. March 25 2005 Beta version 3101 of the software was released for testing. This added enhancements for the improved electronics in the THC. (the new electronics are needed to enable this enhancement) Not related to the electronics is: If by some error the THC crashes into the plate, it will sense the problem and not attempt to crash lower. It will remain stopped until any instruction telling it to move UP arrives. The THC will STOP the auto-correction as the path ends, this will prevent diving as the cut piece falls away and the torch attempts to go down after it. March
17 2005
Release of software version 3100. Walt asked for name changes to the buttons.
Leon had somebody ask for a option to raise raise and lower the oxy torch between cuts. February 13 2005 Release 3099 of the software. Fixed a problem with arcs that started and stopped in the same location... if it were a circle, it would be OK, since they start and end in the same location, but we read it as an arc with zero length, so it was not drawn... it's fixed now. February 9 2005 Released version 3098. LWPolylines are now supported in the dxf converter, before it was just polylines. In Machine Settings under the "Offsets tab", you can now select if you want the torch to raise before moving to service or load positions. Extents are calculated now for the "presorted dxf files", before we relied on the dxf file data, which is not always accurate or even available. January
20 2005
Released software version 3095. This adds an Arc ON delay for allowing
motion to begin while striking the arc, a huge advantage for thin
metal. Also fixes E-Stop off error that requires a program
restart. |
