Some of our customers met the problem of configuring keys for execution of the frequently used functions (e.g. Feed and Spindle speed override). There is difference between MACH 3 and MACH 4 to do this. In MACH 3 you can change shortcut in the screenset editor but in MACH 4 it will not work.

Here we describe some simple steps for configuration of the keyboard's keys. 

STEP 1

Select menu item

Add desired keys

STEP 2

Restart MACH 4! It's important.

Select menu item

Bind keys to free Inputs

STEP 3

Select menu item

STEP 4

Click positions in order

 

Add this code  for Feedrate Override to SigLib section

____________________

[mc.ISIG_INPUT62] = function (state)

     if (state == 1) then --

       local inst = mc.mcGetInstance() 

       FROPlus()

    end

end,

[mc.ISIG_INPUT63] = function (state)

     if (state == 1) then --

       local inst = mc.mcGetInstance() 

       FROMinus()

    end

end,

_______________________________

 

STEP 5

And this code just after SigLib section

_____________________________________

--FRO is read from 0 - 250

--FRO + 10%

function FROPlus()

    local inst = mc.mcGetInstance()

    local FRO = mc.mcCntlGetFRO(inst)

    if FRO == 250 then

       mc.mcCntlSetLastError(inst, "Can't increase FRO anymore.")

    else

       local NewFRO = (FRO + 10)

       mc.mcCntlSetFRO(inst, NewFRO)

    end

end

 

--FRO is read from 0 - 250

--FRO - 10%

function FROMinus()

    local inst = mc.mcGetInstance()

    local FRO = mc.mcCntlGetFRO(inst)

    if FRO == 0 then

       mc.mcCntlSetLastError(inst, "Can't decrease FRO anymore.")

    else

       local NewFRO = (FRO - 10)

       mc.mcCntlSetFRO(inst, NewFRO)

    end

end

____________________

Please note, that we bind Feedrate+ and Feedrate- keys to Input #62 and Input #63

STEP 6

Add this code to SigLib section for Spindle speed override

[mc.ISIG_INPUT60] = function (state)

     if (state == 1) then --

       local inst = mc.mcGetInstance() 

       SROPlus()

    end

end,

[mc.ISIG_INPUT61] = function (state)

     if (state == 1) then --

       local inst = mc.mcGetInstance() 

       SROMinus()

    end

end,

STEP 7

And this code after SigLib section

STEP 8

For correct operation don’t forget to switch on this feature.

That's all.

P.S. Thanks to Cbyrdtopper for help in this issue

All configurations were made for our waterproof keyboard (see link below) but they are actual for any keyboard as well.

Waterproof custom keyboards for MACH 3 / MACH 4 CNC

• Fully compatible with MACH 3 / MACH 4
• Waterproof
• Feed and Spindle Speed override encoders
• Programmable key combinations
• Custom labels and keys arrangement

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