I love FireContorl and I believe it’s a very good program. However I would like to suggest few small improvements:
Add an option to disable modal dialogs for example at the end of a cut. I would like to be able to move the torch right away at the end of a cut without having to hit “enter”. Same thing when I want to load a new file, I find it infuriating that it asks for confirmation before I can load another one. I am not saying those dialogs shouldn’t be there but I’d like a way to disable them
Shortcuts keys to change the speed - many of use use a gamepad to jog around as a sort of pendant. Movements can be mapped with software like antimicro, but there is no way as far as I know to change jog speed. I typically use 100-300IPM to move the torch across the table and then 10-50IPM to do fine positioning, and each time I need to go at the computer to change the speed with the mouse.
AND/OR
Native gamepad support; using the “analog” jog to move the torch with proportional speed
Let Firecontrol work (as in allow loading of files to be checked, access configuration etc) also when NOT connected to the Crossfire controller. Sometimes I’d like to load the G-code and make sure Firecontrol likes it even if I’m in the office, not connected to the table.
I agree with the last one also. There’s been times where I’ve rushed through sheet cam and when loaded to fire control I could see the error. ( like changing the letters in a sign onto a different layer and forgetting to add that layer to the cut) Would be nice to be able to view the code and preview without the machine connected.
These are all good requests. Regarding the first one, if you click any jog button it will clear the ‘program complete’ message similar to selecting ok.
I’m using a touchscreen and have touched the jog button but it just makes the “error “ sound and the dialogue box flashes. May just be touchscreen thing.
I’ve tried moving the torch after the cut, and the only thing it does is give a error sound. Only by pressing enter key or clicking on the dialog box, I was able to move the torch. Just my two cents.
I tried this myself and you are correct- FireControl used to have this functionality but somewhere along the way it was lost. We’re putting it back in for the next release.
+1 to the checking files in Firecontrol without being connected to a machine. My machine is at the shop but the majority of my CAD/CAM work I do at home. Just last night I was making some tweaks to a program and wanted to make sure it posted everything correctly (it didn’t) but had to wait until today to get back to the machine to check on it.
I found that sheetcam is my best friend when it comes to checking my work.
I can turn on and off toolpaths…see where they might cause problems…and when I need to I can make the material the size I want and make sure it fits…I can even pattern…
as for the gamepad…I just bought a wired numeric keypad…works great for jogging…but I woul dlike shortcut keys for jogging speed…that would be helpful
if the mountain won’t come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain
Note, as a disclaimer, this illegal mod might burn down your shop and cause great harm to human life, ruin your machine and your work. Do not use it! Do not download!
That is really amazing. I loaded FireControl on a computer that will never be connected to the table, loaded Phillip’s “cut height test” file and this is the view:
Note: My virus scan program was sending off all sorts of alarms that this zip file was not a secure download, so I had to tell it “Calm down!!!” and loaded it anyway.
Yeah it is right that an OS must warn users about taking a file from the internet and using it to substitute an original library file. But after few years I use this without telling anybody… here it is. Note that when the table is not connected the title says [simulation] up on top. Other than the “light” theme, in order to recognize this is a modded version, the upper left corner label shows [MOD v1.0]
