Hey all, I’m fairly new to CAD and would like to add the M01 “optional stop” function to some of my files. I’m able to open the G code in my notepad and edit it, but I see each line begins with N01, N02, etc. How do I add the M01 command? Can I simply type it in as a new line without adding the line number (N01 or N02), or do I need to re-label each line with a new line number with each command I add?
I hope this makes sense. I’ve edited a file and added just the M01 command to show what I’m trying to do, I’ll attach the file so you guys can see. I hope you’re able to open and read it, let me know if you guys have trouble.
Thank you. That’s kinda what I was afraid of. So, the way I understand it, is I would need to re-number each N- line with every command I add? For example, if my first one is N61 M01, the next line down would also be N61. So I would need to manually change each line.
I should’ve mentioned I’m using Mach3, not Firecontrol. My controller is pre-Firecontrol.
Ah, I misspoke. It does not need to be Monotonically increasing, only increasing so gaps in the sequence are acceptable. However, each new line should be a different sequence number. So, yes, each one you add should ‘fit’ between the number before and after it.
Thanks! Just to make sure I understand (I’m very much NOT a computer guy), you are saying I could try to delete the line numbers (N10, N15, N20, etc) altogether and see if Mach3 will run it?
One thing I’m curious about, and it would be irrelevant if Mach3 doesn’t even need the line numbers, is why are they loaded in increments of 5? And could I add a line between N15 and N20, and name it N16, would that work?
I guess I’m thinking out loud, I can test that out on my own. I’ll try your suggestion and report back. Thanks again.
I’m suggesting leaving the existing line numbers alone and simply add M01 lines where you want them without line numbers. I ‘think’ Mach3 will be ok with that.
The ‘reason’ line numbers skip to every 5th number is precisely so you CAN insert a line N16 for example. Simple edits with punched cards! If you have one of these:
Quick update. I tried adding the M01 command without a line number, but Mach3 wouldn’t load the G code. So, I added a line number before each M01, eg “N56 M01” and it loaded. However, it wouldn’t generate a toolpath, nor would it display the part in the display window.
I went back and looked at the file in Notepad, and noticed a line that read “(2D Profile3)”. I deleted that, and now it will display the part. I’m not at the shop today (where my plasma table is), so I’ll have to wait to actually perform a test run.
Forgive my ignorance, but when I try to share it, says the link will be editable. Is there a way to share it without it being editable? I can copy and paste directly into my reply?
Sorry about that, the file I included was the file that had the (2D Profile3) in it, I simply deleted that line. It was directly above N20 with no space between the lines. I can share another file that has the same line. I don’t know if it’s a normal G code thing, or something Fusion does.
For this particular file, I’m cutting 1/4" mild steel using a Powermax 1250, 40 amps and 90 PSI. The cut chart states a 1 second pierce delay, and the cut quality has been fantastic with almost no dross at all.
The reason I’m wanting to add the optional stop, is because some of the more intricate parts or signs I cut have been ruined by tip ups, so my theory is that if I can program the machine to pause in certain areas of the operation, I can remove any tip ups that the torch would contact.
