This is a user's manual for using PypeServer with the Vernon Mini. It covers configuring both PypeServer and the Vernon Mini so they work together.
2 Vernon Mini Machine Controller Settings 2
2.1 Set the M0 GCode to pause 2
2.2 Set the X rotation units to distance, not angular 2
2.3 Configure to load and run .NC programs created by PypeServer 2
3.1 Machine General Properties 3
3.2 Machine Specific Properties 3
3.3.1 Beam Divergence for manual axis 4
3.3.2 Manual Head Pivot Height 5
This document only covers items specific to the Vernon Mini. Please review PypeServer's training materials built into PypeServer:
And installed as a separate program when PypeServer is installed.
This section describes recommended and required settings to be made on the Vernon Mini machine itself (not PypeServer).
In the Vernon Mini machine configuration software, you may have the option to automatically bypass the GCode pause command "M0". This should be turned off so that when PypeServer uses an M0 (pause) command in the .nc file (G-Code) for the mini, the machine will in fact pause. The ability to pause enables a number of PypeServer features.
Some versions of the Mini software have this setting. If there is a setting, choose distance (not angle). Also, in the PypeServer machine special settings, the "Pipe Rotation Is Angular" should match.
In some cases, customers cannot see .nc files when in the Mini Controller. This section explains how to make .nc files visible so they can be selected for loading to the machine.
When VMD is connected to the controller, log on as Admin, password 1234
Once logged-on, plress the "Options" button in the upper left corner of the screen:
In the options window,
Click on the "File Associations" tab
Click the Add Button
Type .nc and press OK
Once you have completed this you should see the *.nc file extension in the associated "G&M Code Job Files" and will be able to view *.nc files when selecting a job.
NOTE: Most machine, torch and system settings are set by PypeServer when first configuring the machine. The settings shown here are those most commonly set or adjusted by the user. These properties are seen in the Machine Settings tab. Some of the settings are only seen after entering the Admin password, which by default is "Admin". Please contact PypeServer to change the password.
See the PypeServer training video "NC File Management and Sync" to understand how .nc files are used by both PypeServer and the Mini.
Note that in most cases for the Mini, the Beam Divergence is set to zero to remove the need to adjust the torch for straight cuts.
See the training video "Beam Divergence" for more information on beam shape (divergence).
You can use beam divergence for manual tilting torches. This will compensate for torch shape for end-cuts only. It cannot compensate for holes because as a hole is cut, the entire circumference of the torch is used such that there is no single tilt angle.
Here you can see a torch with a beam divergence of 3 degrees cutting both an endcut and a hole. In GCode the user will be instructed to rotate the torch by + or - 3 degrees (direction depending on the markings on the torch head). However, for a hole, the beam will be straight. Note however that PypeServer displays the torch "cones" with their actual shape so that the user can see what is really going to be happening when the hole is cut. In this case the expanding torch will be slightly over-cutting the ID of the hole.
If your mini's torch can be manually tilted, you will need measure the rotation pivot point from the top of the pipe. If mechanically possible, it is recommended that you move the rotation point to be even with the top of the pipe, and set the Manual Head Pivot Height to zero.
A pivot point below the top of the pipe is a negative number. A pivot point above the top of the pipe is a positive number.
Here are examples.
If you can mechanically adjust this pivot point on your machine, it is advised that you move this pivot point to the top of the pipe and set the Manual Head Pivot Height to zero.