Milltronics FastCam8 Software Notes

EXECUTING FASTCAM

IMPORTANT: Do not execute "cnc.exe" directly. Always execute the shortcut "fastcam", which
provides the proper command-line arguments to "cnc.exe".

IMPORTANT: The solid-model capability of FastCam will not operate unless the security "hasp"
is plugged into the USB port of your computer. The drivers for the hasp should have been installed
during the FastCam installation. Before using FastCam the first time with the security hasp, simply
plug the security hasp into a USB port and wait for a few seconds. If the drivers were not
previously installed you may see Windows messages saying the hasp drivers are being installed,
then the light on the hasp should go on. If the light fails to go on after waiting a few seconds, there
is probably security management on your computer that prevents the drivers from being installed.
You may to log in as administrator to cure the problem. The steps for correcting the problem are as
follows:

1. If it could be a security issue, login as administrator. If the drivers automatically re-install, then
you are done. Otherwise, proceed to step #2.

2. Rerun the FastCam installation (if there could be a security issue, login as administrator first).

Alternative Procedure B (if the current parameters are no longer the default ones that were supplied
and you wish to preserve them):
2. Manually install the drivers (if there could a security issue, login as administrator first). Bring
up a command prompt. Change directory to the installation directory, and run the driver installation
manually. For example, type in the following commands at the command prompt:
c:
cd \fastcam8
haspdinst -i

IMPORTANT: If you get a message saying you need updated ".net" files, you need to install
updated Microsoft ".net" v4.0 files. There are two methods to accomplish this:

1. If necessary, login as administrator. Navigate to the installation directory, usually "c:\fastcam8",

then double click on "dotNetFx40_Full_x86_x64.exe" to execute the ".net" installation.

2. You can update to the latest ".net" files on the Windows update site.
FASTCAM SHORTCUT KEYS:

Some Alt-Function Key combinations simulate front panel buttons:

ALT-F1: Spindle Stop

ALT-F2: Set Emergency Stop
ALT-F3: Spindle Cw
ALT-F4: Feed Hold Toggle
ALT-F5: Spindle Ccw
ALT-F6: Cycle Start
ALT-F7: Mist Toggle
ALT-F8: Tool Reset
ALT-F9: Flood Toggle
ALT-F10: Reset

Of these ALT-F6 (Cycle Start) and ALT-F8 (Tool Reset) are the most important. When either of
these is required, the necessary shortcut will be included in the prompt. Some ALT-key
combinations may not function if they are used for a Windows shortcut.

Other push-buttons normally found on a front-panel will have their functionality shifted to a menu-
item. For instance, single block step mode on/off will be found on the run menu.

Other ALT-Key combinations are for override settings. For FastCam, it is usually sufficient to
leave all overrides at 100%.

Rapid Override Mode

ALT-End follow feedrate override

ALT-Down 25%
ALT-PgDn 100%

If using the numeric keyboard, NumLock must be OFF.

Feedrate Override Setting

ALT-Left Lower setting

ALT-Clear 100%
ALT-Right Increase setting

If using the numeric keyboard, NumLock must be OFF. The clear button is the numeric keypad
button with '5' on it, when not in numeric mode.

Spindle Override Setting

ALT-Home Lower setting

ALT-Up 100%
ALT-PgUp Increase setting

If using the numeric keyboard, NumLock must be OFF.

CENT7 compatible override shortcuts will continue to operate:

Spindle Overrides

ALT-1 0% ALT-2 10% ALT-3 20% ALT-4 30% ALT-5 40%

ALT-6 50% ALT-7 60% ALT-8 70% ALT-Q 80% ALT-W 90%
ALT-E 100% ALT-R 110% ALT-T 120% ALT-Y 130% ALT-U 175%

Feedrate Overrides

ALT-A 0% ALT-S 1% ALT-D 2% ALT-F 5% ALT-G 10%

ALT-H 20% ALT-J 30% ALT-K 40% ALT-Z 50% ALT-X 60%
ALT-C 70% ALT-V 80% ALT-B 90% ALT-N 95% ALT-M 100%