OSX 10.11.4 - How to connect to Pocket NC

[Xander Luciano]

Hello Everyone!

Recently there has been a lot of difficulty getting the PocketNC to connect over USB with the latest version of OSX. This issues lies specifically with the Horndis driver and is an issue that is larger than just the PocketNC community. Thankfully that means other members have been diligently working on creating patches and fixes.

HOW TO CONNECT TO THE POCKET NC ON OSX 10.11.4

Step 1: Required Software

XQuartz 2.7.8 is needed. You can download this here: https://www.xquartz.org/

You also need to install HoRNDIS: http://beagleboard.org/static/Drivers/MacOSX/RNDIS/HoRNDIS.pkg

You do NOT need the FTDI driver. In fact you shouldn't be able to even install it.

Step 2: Patching

Now the patch that makes HoRNDIS can be found here: http://nyus.joshuawise.com/HoRNDIS-rel8pre2-dbg.pkg

Note: You may need to restart your computer (and I would recommend it in order to prevent any potential issues)

Step 3: Connecting

I personally found that this makes it work as it would on 10.10, so if you go to settings->network and plug the PocketNC in over USB it will appear in the left panel. Give it a few minutes to populate if you don't initially see it.

Open Terminal now and type: ssh -X pock...@192.168.7.2

It will ask if you would like to save the key, type yes, hit enter.

Enter the password: pocketnc

Congrats you are now connected!

All that is left is to type linuxcnc to open the user interface and start making parts!

Good Luck Everyone!

Note: more info about the issue can be found on GitHub: https://github.com/jwise/HoRNDIS/issues/42

Best

-Xander Luciano

@XanderLuciano

XanderLuciano.com

[Randy Kopf]

Nice job Xander... Those on the Windows Darkside wish those on the Apple side best wishes to using Pocket NC!!!

Randy Kopf

http://desktopartisan.blogspot.com/

[erics...@gmail.com]

Ok, I followed all of those steps and I'm still getting "operation timed out" when I try and connect... I can see the Beagle Bone in my network settings, but I can't connect to it.

I CAN connected to it on Windows through Parallels, but I'd rather do it on my Mac for a variety of reasons.

[erics...@gmail.com]

I am not sure if this has anything to do with it... It never shows as "connected"

https://www.evernote.com/l/AC6XQ35uEwtLGpH31uWwuVKJIjPhWALGmNE

[Xander Luciano]

Hey Eric,

This is odd. It's good that it's getting registered in your network settings though. Not sure why it isn't connecting though. Guess I'll have to grab the mac again and see if I can find some more sources of error!

Let me know if you figure anything out!

-Xander Luciano

[erics...@gmail.com]

I've been able to get it to connect on the PC side, and I've had no luck on my Mac....

[Xander Luciano]

Eric,

I know this may sound trivial, but have you tried turn off then on both the mac and PocketNC?

Also, try to connect it in this order. 

1. PocketNC switch turned off, USB cord unplugged.

2. Plug USB in to PocketNC and USB on Mac. Wait for the blue lights to stop flashing rapidly inside the pocket.

3. Check Network settings.

4. Post Screenshot.

I'm gunna go steal my roomate's mac and see what's going on.

Best,

-Xander Luciano

[Xander Luciano]

Quick update, not sure why you aren't able to connect. Here's a screenshot from my roomate's mac. 

[erics...@gmail.com]

Mine never shows as connected in my Network settings:

https://www.evernote.com/l/AC6XQ35uEwtLGpH31uWwuVKJIjPhWALGmNE

And in Terminal I always get "operation timed out" when trying to connect.

[Xander Luciano]

Hey,

Type this into your terminal: sudo rm -rf /System/Library/Extensions/HoRNDIS.kext

and reboot your mac.

Let me know if that fixes it.

-Xander Luciano

[erics...@gmail.com]

Still the same thing. It's showing is not connected (though it is in the list of devices) and I'm unable to connect in Terminal.

I rebooted/restarted everything (the computer and the PocketNC)

[Xander Luciano]

So we continue to dive further into the issue.

In terminal type

sudo rm -rf /System/Library/Extensions/HoRNDIS.kext

Hit enter, then type

sudo rm -rf /Library/Extensions/HoRNDIS.kext

Then try reinstalling rel8pre2: http://nyus.joshuawise.com/HoRNDIS-rel8pre2-dbg.pkg

Reboot, then check if you can connect.

IF THAT FAILS:

Redo the first 2 commands inside terminal again, then type:

sudo kextload /Library/Extensions/HoRNDIS.kext

then try connecting. If that works and fixes your issue, type:

rebuild kernel kextcach

and reboot to make make it permanent (else you would have to kextload it every time you reboot your mac).

IF THAT STILL FAILS:

in terminal type: tail -f /var/log/system.log

Then plug the pocketnc into the mac, and either upload the output or paste it on pastebin and link to it.

Or alternatively, if that doesn't make sense or work, just upload your /var/log/system.log after you plug the pocketnc in. That should help diagnose further issues.

Best,

-Xander

[erics...@gmail.com]

Ok, I went through all of those and I had no luck:

https://www.evernote.com/l/AC4pUMjTfSRB-q03wGbPIx1zzD9m5Xhtyd8

At this point it doesn't seem worth it to connect in this way. At best I was able to get this to work 25% of the time on Windows.... I need to be able to go into the shop and fire this thing up and start cutting something without having to deal with weird connection issues.

Also, the reality too is that I probably won't want my nice Mac near a bunch of metal shavings anyway.

I ended up getting an old HDMI screen, a USB hub and a mouse and keyboard. That works awesome, just fire it up and you're in. The tool table works, and it appears I can just pop in a USB drive and transfer GCode over...

I'm happy to help you troubleshoot this further if you want to find out what's wrong with my particular setup, but I think I'm going to actually use this machine using the direct connection route.

[mcf...@umich.edu]

Hi Xander,

These instructions worked for me, thank you! The restart was necessary, it did not mount in network preferences before restarting the computer.

Only thing now is that in manual control the A-axis won't move at all. The numbers change in the GUI, just like all the other axes do when they move, the A-axis does not move though and seems to just stop at random numbers, typically too high to even be a degree number measurement. Also there is no target icon next to the A-axis position, like there is for the others. I'm trying to figure out how to post a screenshot and will do so when I can

[mcf...@umich.edu]

Never mind, connection came loose during S+H, all is working now. Thanks!

[Xander Luciano]

Hello!

Great to hear my instructions were able to get you up and running! Seems like having a cable come loose during shipping and handling is semi common! Glad you were able to get that working!

Have fun making parts!

-Xander Luciano

[Randy Kopf]

Eric:

I can see from your post here that you did a USB hub that makes sense for keyboard and mouse. Yeah I really like this idea.

Randy

http://desktopartisan.blogspot.com/

[Martin de Blois]

Eric,

are you saying you have a screen and keyboard connected to the PocketNC Beaglebone, and you do this all thru a USB hub?

And you load files direclty?

[Xander Luciano]

Martin,

That would be correct.

[rob.johns...@gmail.com]

Hi Eric, I think I'm going to try your solution (monitor/keyboard/mouse on the PocketNC itself). Is there anything you need to do to get it to read from a USB stick (any special commands or file format on the USB stick)? Where will the file show up on the beagle board? I tried quickly putting a file on a usb stick I already had, plugged it into the PocketNC but couldn't find the file...

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

-Rob

[rob.johns...@gmail.com]

Never mind -got it working. Seems like terminal sessions (that work for me once in a while) can go corrupt and I had to exit out and reconnect to the machine. After that the usb drive showed up.

[Xander Luciano]

For future note, terminal sessions will time out and become unresponsive, which will require you to quit and re-ssh in.

[Martin de Blois]

I got my machine yesterday, and tried everything in this tutorial. No results.

Here is my set-up and report:

Mac os 10.10.4 MacBook Pro.

Installed the latest Quartz package >-2.7.9

Installed the latest package from HoRNDIS-rel8pre2-dbg

Followed a tip from Joshua about removing the following files: /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/NetworkInterfaces.plist and/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/preferences.plist

I can see the Beaglebone in my devices list in the Finder.

I cannot see the Beaglebone in my network preferences.

I cannot get anything in Terminal. 

Tried to Ping: Request timeout for icmp_seq 78...

Also, tried to connect it in this order. 

1. PocketNC switch turned off, USB cord unplugged.

2. Plug USB in to PocketNC and USB on Mac. Wait for the blue lights to stop flashing rapidly inside the pocket.>>>>>Those never stopped flashing. Beagle bone appears in Device list.

3. Check Network settings.>>>>>Nothing showing.

4. Post Screenshot.>>>see attached.

Console command >>>>ssh -X pock...@192.168.7.2     >>>>no result...

[Martin de Blois]

Tried the Sudo commands in terminal: Terminal is asking for a password???

Last login: Wed Jul 27 01:07:52 on ttys000

MacBook-Pro:~ MacBookPro_MdeB$ ssh -X pock...@192.168.7.2

ssh: connect to host 192.168.7.2 port 22: Operation timed out

MacBook-Pro:~ MacBookPro_MdeB$ 

  [Restored]

Last login: Wed Jul 27 01:28:39 on console

MacBook-Pro:~ MacBookPro_MdeB$ ssh -X pock...@192.168.7.2

ssh: connect to host 192.168.7.2 port 22: Operation timed out

MacBook-Pro:~ MacBookPro_MdeB$ sudo rm -rf /System/Library/Extensions/HoRNDIS.kext

Password:

??Your help would be appreciated.

[Martin de Blois]

I made some progress with my connection.

It turns out that the Horndis installation had not been done properly.

A search for the specific Horndis extensions revealed that they had not been installed at all. I found the info on Joshua web site, in the Uninstall section.

The remedy for me has been to specifically designate the Mac HD as the install location, rather than let it be by default.

Now I have report of active Horndis service in console: 

7/28/16 8:44:14.000 AM kernel[0]: HoRNDIS: init: HoRNDIS tethering driver for Mac OS X, by Joshua Wise (rel8pre2 (PRERELEASE))

7/28/16 8:44:14.000 AM kernel[0]: HoRNDIS: probe: probe: came in with a score of 60000

7/28/16 8:44:14.000 AM kernel[0]: HoRNDIS: probe: probe: looks like we're good (2/2/255)

Now while attempting SSH, I get error in accessing port 22: Refused. So I am working on that. There is a utility in the Airport Utility (dont know why and exactly how), for port mapping. Have to do some research there.

On the other hand, I ordered a HDMI screen and keyboard to handle the Beaglebone directly. Will have to learn about that. Will post in a different topic.

Reading about the fact that the SSH will periodically time-out prompted me to take that route. Also suggested by PocketNC customer service.

Still would like to resolve that SSH, just for the sake of learning.

[Michael]

Martin,

Looking through your explanations it looks like you have a pretty good grasp on what you are trying to get to happen. I just saw a couple things i think could be an issue and wanted to make sure we are doing the same thing.

For logging in with the USB connection the IP address you will use is (pock...@192.168.7.2). Also if the beagle bone is asking for a password it will be (pocketnc) this is what will be used when you are interacting with the beagle bone itself. But the password you show above appears to be a different password, before you are at the step where you will log into the beagle bone itself.

Have you also installed the USB drivers for the machine? It is the Beaglebone FTDI file on this page (http://www.pocketnc.com/mac-osx). It may also be something that is still needed to get the machine to interface with the computer.

The HDMI option is nice and simple and will do what you need it to do very well. I do understand that you would like to also get this SSH figured out as well. 

I hope one of these parts will help you. If not I will keep thinking on potential solutions and will let you know if i come up with some other problem solving solutions.

Michael

[Martin de Blois]

I followed the suggestion of PocketNC, and got a small HDMI screen and keyboard.

While this works fine, I have the following observations to share;

1-the 7" screen is borderline: fonts are very small to me, even in maximized screen.

2-for some reason, new files copied to the USB card wont show-up in the file manager. I have resorted to rebooting the Beaglebone, but it also requires to home again, etc...Must be something I am missing here. Files are copied from the Mac, and they show up all right. On the BB, they do not show the most recent file. Older ones show ok. USB stick has been properly ejected every time...

3-Having two screens, 2 mouses, 2 keyboards on the my desk is a little crowded. I may return the Tempus screen and get a bigger one with touch screen capacity... However, not sure if they are precise enough to handle the task of pushing those small buttons on the manual control and such...

4-In Fusion 360, the Gcode generation is launched inside the post-processing window. I had to search online for information about where is the file saved.

Turns out there is a folder created inside an obscure pathway, and once it is figured-out, not a big deal. 

It looks like this: /Users/MacBookPro_ZBVF/Library/Containers/com.autodesk.mas.fusion360/Data/Autodesk/Fusion 360 CAM/Post. Post is the folder where codes are saved.

If anyone has a work around for this BBone USB card reading problem, please let me know.

On the other hand, the machine looks awesome, the new spindle looks nice, and I like having the choice of collets for different diameter of tools.

I am building an enclosure for it, and a 3 jaw self centering chuck from a watchmaker lathe. Will post when completed.

As per the Mac OS Yosemite issue, I got HoRNDIS to work, FTDI also, but the Port 22 is not cooperating. The Bbone shows-up in Network, but as a modem interface...

I will visit some Mac Gurus today to try figure out a way to manage the port issue...

[Michael]

Martin,

To answer your second point about the USB, are you having an issue getting your machine to recognize the USB or is it an issue of finding the file location? If it is finding the file location here is an image of the Tempus screen with the scite program opened and an arrow on the usb stick location. You may also be having an issue with the files themselves not showing up. In this case are you leaving the scite program (like finder on a mac) or the File -> Open tab open on the machine interface open while you are ejecting and reinserting the memory stick? If you are leaving these programs open it may be an issue of getting those file windows to refresh what they're looking at. You can do this by closing and reopening the file finder windows.

If you have tried these things and they aren't working it sounds like our issue is still related to refreshing something after reinserting the memory stick. If you are still having USB issues please let me know what seems to be the problem and I can help troubleshoot what may be the cause.

Here is a picture of how I have my work bench setup, I don't know if you can get your tempus screen attached this way. I found it is a nice way to get the screen up off of my work bench. You just have to use extensions for the hdmi and usb which makes the machine much more flexible on where it can be.

Michael

[Martin de Blois]

ok, let me see when I return home.

Thanks for the leads.

[Martin de Blois]

Michael,

the problem I had was about not reading new files on the card. 

Most recent attempt was successful, in reading new file.

I didnt launch the file manager prior to inserting the usb stick.

I loaded the stick, and was prompted to open it in file manager.

The new file was found.

Thanks.

[rs3...@gmail.com]

Xander,

If I HAD loaded the FTDI driver in 10.8.5, but I cant install it again (and you are right, it wont let me) on 10.11.6 after upgrading, then is there any house cleaning I need to do with the old driver?

[Xander Luciano]

Hey,

You can check the Github thread I linked to, I believe there are some commands you can run to clean out the old version. If you can't find any info let me know and I'll see what I can I find for you.

[rs3...@gmail.com]

I thought I might look there to get OSX connected, but I have gone the other route with a dedicated keyboard, mouse and monitor. All is working fine.

Now I just need to find software, as Fusion really isnt working for me.
Does anybody hear have experience with DeskProto (its 5 axis and affordable)?

[Randy Kopf]

rs3...@gmail.com

I have both Fusion 360 and Deskproto and use both.

They fill 2 totally different CAM needs. Each has limits. It is not a one is better than the other deal. I feel both have their place in my CAM Toolbox.

It's important to understand what those limits are. in a very simplistic sense.

Fusion does full 3 Axis machining with 2 added axis of positioning. That means any 3 axis tool path can be applied to different tool axis vectors. Fusion 360 also supports NC Patterns including rotary. That means you can do a highly optimized 3 axis rough and finish of a complex surface and NC Pattern that tool path into rotary copies. Just as though you reprogrammed each one. Fusion 360 is a fantastic CAM system with limits.

Deskproto is amazing for what it does. Deskproto requires a CAD source file or bitmap image for height field-work. It's important to know Deskproto does not do full simultaneous 5 Axis machining. It doesn't even to full 4 axis machining. It does 3 Axis machining and it does a type of rotary machining with an important distinction. It's tool axis must always point normal and through the rotary axis center line. Deskproto also makes a few assumptions to make things cost effective. As a result there is some manipulation that must be done through the post. It has to do with the fact Deskproto assumes the primary rotary is an A axis. And Pocket NC's primary rotary axis is B. I have a Deskproto postprocessor that works for Pocket NC Rotary work. And I have another Deskproto postprocessor for 3 Axis work. Because of axis swapping I've yet to get one post to work just yet. Deskproto is an amazing piece of software with limits but equally so has some great strengths.

Finally I would mention that I do 5 Axis simultaneous work in my day job for www.rmbproducts.com using Mastercam and Solidworks. Previously I used ProNC and UGII and Smartcam. I say this because the price point and power of both Fusion 360 and Deskproto is incredible. While there are some limits with these 2 software's, there is also a tremendous amount of capability as well.

Randy Kopf

http://desktopartisan.blogspot.com/

[rs3...@gmail.com]

Randy,

I know I am a novice.
Just some background, I use to work as a machinist at Kinsley Machine in Hollywood back in the late '70's. I worked a Cincinnati Mill.
Also, I am familiar with the world of 3d digital tech, using Autodesk 3DStudio, Maya and Alias Power Animator to make games.
But I have ZERO experience with milling AND 3D software.

So when I first read this Faq question at DeskProto, I thought it said that DeskProto supports 5-axis.
But after reading your post, this novice is confused.

(from DeskProto Faq)
"5.6 - We have a five-axis CNC machine: can we use DeskProto ?
Yes, you can: since Version 6 DeskProto supports 5-axis machining, in the Multi-Axis edition.
The support is for indexed machining, so to machine the part from several sides. Each side is done using three-axis machining, with a part-rotation in-between these operations."

So you are really saying that DeskProto's interpretation of 5-Axis is called "index machining"?

That sentence also sounds like it says DeskProto supports 3-axis combined with a part rotation.
How is that different from your statement that Fusion supports Full 3_axis with 2d added as positioning?

Sorry, it isnt your burden to educate me, so please feel free to point me to some documentation to read and educate myself.
Thank you

[Martin de Blois]

Randy,

what is it about Fusion that causes you to look elsewhere?

[Randy Kopf]

rs3...@gmail.com 

Ok that is a really great question... And it's kind of a complex question actually. I'll try to keep it as simple as possible.

There really are a couple modes that Deskproto uses to create tool path.

1) One is continuous rotary machining of a complex shape. This could be a ring. The ideal example is shown in this link.

So it's not indexing it's simultaneous, just not all 5 axis.

http://www.deskproto.com/support-videos/videos-venus.php#nefertiti

Now in the first example machining a bust of Nefertiti its a very incredible tool path that Deskproto is doing but it's really like a 4 Axis rotary type tool path. 

If you buy the software they will explain the tool tip always points through the center of rotation. 

That does limit some of the shapes. Its a constant motion and it is simultaneous. But it's not moving all 5 axis. In fact only X, Z and A are being moved. And while Y is in the mix it never moves of Y0.

So Y axis is a fixed axis. And never moves off it's center.

2) The other is more of a traditional 3 Axis 3D type tool path. This is an example.

This is much more like 3 axis surface machining.

http://www.deskproto.com/support-videos/videos-coa.php

Another aspect of Deskproto is it is incredibly fast in creating toolpath. It almost should be illegal how easy it is to create toolpath in Deskproto. And pretty much once you've set up a job and have a similar part. 

You easily use that toolpath for the next job by just saving the file under a new name. Changing the source CAD file and regenerating the tool path. 

Please don't apologize for where you are at knowledge wise. I simply wanted to point out that the software we can obtain is very affordable and powerful. Especially compared to what I use in my day to day job.

One analogy of Deskproto is traditional CAM systems are complex to use like Photoshop. Where Deskproto is easy like Instagram. But your overall selection of choices have limits.

[Randy Kopf]

Martin:

Fusion 360 CAM is truly fantastic. The only reason to use Deskproto in addition for is for added Rotary motion that is not yet in Fusion. The Deskproto bust examples or the rings that are on my http://desktopartisan.blogspot.com/ site are what Fusion can't do just yet. 

FYI the hobby license for the full Deskproto is only $299.

:-)

Randy

[Martin de Blois]

Randy, 

thanks for the information.

rs3...@gmail.com , how about you, why is Fusion not an option, may I ask?

[rs3...@gmail.com]

Martin,
I work in ZBrush. Its a polygon tool. And it allows me to export OBJ or STL files.
(I have successfully export STL files to Solidworks for 3d printing on multiple 3D printers)

Fusion seem to have a problem with OBJ and STL import.

Fusion has a polygon limit of 10K, which I can work with if I have to, but I would like more.
Solidworks allowed for much more. Not sure what DeskProto will accept.

Here is a quote for a Fusion Forum Thread
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/computer-aided-machining-cam/mesh-to-cam/td-p/6016749

from sgerrey:
"The one thing fusion can't do at the moment is cam a stl file.

You are limited to 10k faces in fusion. Your best bet is to maybe use the intersect mesh plunging and redraw the model.

You need a surface or a solid for fusion cam to work.

I feel your pain though. I had and have the same problem. Many of things I have customers inquire about come from their stl files.

I spent a fortune to have some stl files I had made from point clouds re drawn into surfaces that I could use. That wasn't done in fusion ether.

using meshes in fusion is a hot topic.

As of yet though I haven't herd of any one being able to cam from a mesh."

I have been able to get my mesh below 10k, import (insert) them, and Convert to a T-Spline, but thats it, I'm dead in the water as I cant see the Body in CAM.

I'm looking at DeskProto because it can import STL's, its affordable, and its the only CNC website that seems to address artists as customers.

[Robert Stein]

Martin

(I tried to post an answer once before, Is anybody else having trouble posting to Groups)?

I work in ZBrush and it exports OBJ and ZTL files.
I have successfully exported ZTL files to Solidworks for 3D Printing, but not CNC.

Apparently, Fusion is not happy with OBJ and ZTL.

(see thread at Fusion Forum)
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/computer-aided-machining-cam/mesh-to-cam/td-p/6016749
Quote: " The one thing fusion can't do at the moment is cam a stl file. 

You are limited to 10k faces in fusion. Your best bet is to maybe use the intersect mesh plunging and redraw the model. 

You need a surface or a solid for fusion cam to work. 

I feel your pain though. I had and have the same problem. Many of things I have customers enquire about come from their stl files. 

I spent a fortune to have some stl files I had made from piont clouds re drawn into surfaces that I could use. That wasn't done in fusion ether.

useing meshes in fusion is a hot topic. 

As of yet though I haven't herd of any one being able to cam from a mesh."

I need to NOT rebuild my geometry to accommodate an app that doesnt like my files.
And DeskProto both likes STL's and seems to be the only (5-axis?) CNC software that addresses artists as customers.

Fusion has a 10K polygon limit and I really dont understand that, coming from an Autodesk product, and all their experience with gaming, film, auto, modeling software.
I'm still trying to find out what the limit is for DeskProto.

[Martin de Blois]

I also use Z-brush, but have not used it to cut yet.

I used STL files from Zbrush to 3D print, without a problem. STL.

So I share your quest, since I got the PocketNc in part to be able to carve Zbrush projects.

This morning I looked at Meshlab, to see if it had an other export format that Fusion might handle better. I mention this since I use Meshlab to convert from Z-Brush to STL.

But the point you mention is that, Fusion will not CAM from a mesh.

My experience with running windows on a Mac was good. I was able to run Solidworks on an emulated Windows machine. I didnt use it a lot, so I cannot report on how it would process a large file. All I am saying is that it was running. On a Mac Book air with 10.8 something...Not a big machine...And the interface was very easy to use. I'll have to look-up to see if it is still running. 

[Randy Kopf]

Hi Guys... so you each have the advantage with ZBrush. I have it but still trying to get up to speed with it. I know the latest version of Fusion 360 that was just released has much better mesh support.

But Deskproto can open really massive STL files.  and cut them with zero issues.

I'd be happy to process a ZBrush file into Deskproto for either of you gentlemen just to see how it performs. It's definitely something I plan to do myself.

Additionally I want to doe some with with JDSoft Artform. It's free and it's like Artcam relief modeller on steroids. Only problem is the help is in chinese haha

Randy

[Randy Kopf]

You can also download a demo fully functional version of Deskproto.

You would need a post processor and I worked to develop ones to work with Pocket NC.

I'm not open to freely posting them as they have a few issues that need to be understood.

It's a cautionary thing so someone down the road doesn't assume they are perfect.

But I would email them direct as long as you work with me to understand the few issues I know of.

Randy

[Martin de Blois]

Randy,

I will open a new topic labelled: STL carving...Will attach a file there...I trust you will like it.

[Randy Kopf]

Haha yeah it's a good one!!!

[Robert Stein]

Randy,

Quote "But Deskproto can open really massive STL files.  and cut them with zero issues."
That's what I need to know and want to hear.

Yes I would like to download the demo and try it, but I am currently OSX only and I want to do some research first, before I decide if I will partition my drive for Bootcamp, or pay for Parallels.

I wrote to support at DeskProto, but they are on vacation and wont be back till the 21st of Aug.

I dont really want to wait ten days, so I will probably pick a solution over the weekend and get the Trial version.

I will send you a stl file via email.
Its the same file I got Inserted in Fusion, but couldnt get to appear in CAM.
Give it a try in Fusion if you wish as well, and see if you get different results.
(this image is the file Converted to a Body (T-Spline)

Its a simple shape with enough of an (under-cut) in the Swirl to require 5-axis to cut (I think).

[Martin de Blois]

I looked it up, I still have the soft to run Windows on my MacBook air OS10.9.5. 

VMWare Fusion. Cost 80$.

VMWare will run a virtual machine and load Windows. I am missing my back-up drive where Windows XP is installed. 

As I told you yesterday, I had Solidworks running on Windows XP, all on the MB Air.

Will let you know how things go when I get to it.

[rs3...@gmail.com]

Solidworks with XP on a Macbook Air!?
I am totally impressed.
I wouldn't have thought that to be possible.

[Randy Kopf]

@Robert Stein

That is a really neat looking part model. 

If it turns out the undercut requires full simultaneous 5 Axis motion then you are screwed as neither Deskproto or Fusion 360 can handle that at the moment.

Please send me that model I'll read it into Deskproto. And try to get a sense of what is really there.

Can you also send me the native ZBrush model to play with export. If you need a non disclosure agreement that is fine.

So Deskproto would read that in with no issues. Deskproto would be able to machine the majority as a 3 Axis model. Machining with XYZ motion in any cut pattern like mowing your lawn it two directions with changes in Z elevation.

What it won't handle is any undercut automatically. And the ability to even address the undercut it with Deskproto with respect to Pocket NC might take a bit of thought. It's more about setting up the additional math for the undercut portions. And then getting that to be a continuation on the actual Pocket NC. Lex Lennings from Deskproto may be able to assist in the strategy. But it may take some work.

I am kind of surprised that Fusion 360 would struggle with creating a shape like that. It seems like you should be able to model a part like that fairly easily providing the sections are defined well.  I totally get the fact that was modeled in ZBrush and Fusion 360 is choking on the STL or OBJ import and handling of the data. 

But it seems well suited to do model from scratch in Fusion 360. I might be missing something? If you did that I feel the CAM aspect would be easier to manage in Fusion 360. Why so? Well after doing the initial tool path as a 3 Axis, You could easily do undercuts as a re-positioning and localized 3 Axis Cut. And Fusion does a better job of managing 3 Axis + 2 Axis positioning that Deskproto.

Hope this helps but sure there is still going to be confusion haha sorry :-)

Randy Kopf

http://desktopartisan.blogspot.com/

[rs3...@gmail.com]

Randy,

We should move this conversation to Martin's STL thread.

Just to follow up,....sent you OBJ and STL files.
I'll send a ZTL file today.

I'd be happy to work with you and Lex.

As for Fusion creating this file, I'm not sure if you mean re-building it from scratch.
It probably can, as this is a relatively simple programmatic shape, but I dont think I can model the more complex objects I have in mind with Fusion, as they are too organic.
And the speed ZBrush gives me just cant be matched.

Fusion Forum has offered help with the Import of OBJ / STL files, and I am going to take advantage of that.
I'll post a link here when we get something started.

And then there is their 10K (going up to 15K) limit on polygon count.
The file I sent you was beaten down to 8988 polys, but that will be hard for me to get around on many occasions.