1 Introduction to TPCWin software
TPCWin (T-P-C-Win) allows you to freely toolpath (direct machine head movement) 2D, multilevel 2D, and 3D files for making products with CAM Tech machines. TPCWin is a Windows based interface software program used to convert a drawing or design to a format designed for the router table.
Attention: Important Notice About Controller Versions:
TPCWin works with all CAM Tech machines and controller types (CMC1, CMC2, & CMC3 as well as RMS types). However, direct download and CAM Tech controller “Functions” as described periodically in the manual are for CMC1 and CMC2 style controllers. CAM Tech’s newest family of controllers, the RMS & CMC3 controllers, which includes the Laser Master machine controller as well as Z7 & RMII machines shipped after June 2000, do not use the Functions and as yet have no direct download capability from within TPCWin. RMS & CMC3 controller software works solely from G&M code generated toolpaths. To create these toolpath files to operate on the RMS & CMC3 controllers, the file must be saved in .nc or .cnc file format, accessed in the File/Save As then choose type. The saved file *.cnc is then opened in the new controller and run directly on the machine. These controllers improved flexibility for the more advanced users of CAM Tech’s CNC machinery.
We have identified within the manual the sections that apply for only the CMC1 & CMC2 controllers, and the CMC3 & RMS controllers. If the section is not flagged with a Notice, then it applies to all CAM Tech controller types.
TPCWin has four realms of operation:
1. TPCWin is the control center for machine setup and calibration.
2. TPCWin easily imports and allows you to toolpath designs created in a wide variety of CAD (computer aided design) programs like AutoCAD Corel Draw, CASMate, etc. Any program that exports DXF or HPGL file formats can be brought into TPCWin for tool path editing. After TPCWin has imported a design, it is possible to change the cutting order of the shapes, mirror the design, rotate the design, array the design, etc.
3. TPCWin direct drives (cuts directly on the machine) designs created in CAD/CAM programs like Enroute, ModelMill, Signlab, ArtCAM or any program that exports CNC format (G-code) files.
4. TPCWin also lets you use DXF and HPGL formats to create G-code files for use on other CNC machining centers.
2 Installation of TPCWin software with Windows ‘95/‘98/NT
TPCWin is easily installed into a Windows based environment. Installation disks supplied will automatically create a directory and install the program. If this does not work properly, the following steps will create a TPCWin directory, copy the necessary files from the floppy disk to your computer, and create a shortcut icon on the desktop.
2.1 Creating a TPCWin directory
1. Right-click on the ‘Start Menu’ button.
2.
Left-click on ‘Explore’ (Figure 1).
Figure 1
3. In the Explore screen, the left side of the screen is the ‘All Folders’ section; the right side is the contents of the folder currently highlighted in the ‘All Folders’ section. Scroll to the top of the ‘All Folders’ section.
4. Left-click the (C:) folder, and note the right side of the screen has changed to ‘Contents of the C:’.
5. Right-click on the right side of the screen, but not on a folder or file. A pop-up menu will appear.
6. In the pop-up menu, move the mouse pointer to the option ‘New’. A second pop-up window will appear. Then move the mouse pointer to ‘Folder’ and left-click it. (Figure 2)
Figure 2
7. A new folder (directory) will be created. You will have the option of entering a new name. Enter "TPCWin" as the name of the directory.
2.2 Copying the files from floppy disk to your computer
1. Insert the floppy disk into the floppy drive of your computer.
2. You should still be in the ‘Explore’ screen. Left-click on the ‘3? Floppy (A:)’ folder. The contents of the floppy disk will be displayed.
3. Left-click on the top file in the ‘Contents of the 3? Floppy’. It should become highlighted.
4. Press the Shift key, and left-click on the bottom file in the list of files. All the files on the floppy should be highlighted.
5. Right-click on any one of the highlighted files, a pop-up menu should appear.
6. Left-click ‘Copy’ from the pop-up menu.
7. Scroll down on the ‘All Folders’ side of the screen until you can left-click the ‘TPCWin’ folder. The contents of TPCWin will now be displayed, however, there should not be any folders or files displayed because the TPCWin folder is empty.
8. Right-click on right side of the screen. A pop-up menu should appear.
9. Left-click on ‘Paste’. The files should be copied from the floppy disk to your computer.
2.3 Creating a Shortcut TPCWin Icon on your Desktop
1. You should still be in the ‘Explore’ screen with the TPCWin folder open. Right-click on the file named ‘TPCWin.exe’. A pop-up menu will appear.
2. Left-click on the option ‘Create Shortcut’. A new file should be created in the folder called ‘Shortcut to TPCWin.exe’.
3. Right-click on this new file. A pop-up menu will appear.
4. Left click on the option ‘Cut’.
5. Left-click on the ‘Desktop’ folder, located on the left side of the screen (it will likely be the top folder in the list). The contents will be displayed on the right side of the screen.
6. Right-click on the right side of the screen, but not on a file or folder. A pop-up menu will appear.
7. Left-click on the ‘Paste’ option. The ‘Shortcut to TPCWin.exe’ file will be moved.
8. Click on the word ‘File’ in the toolbar at the top of the screen, then on ‘Close’ in the drop-down menu. This will end ‘Explore’.
9. To begin TPCWin, double left-click the newly created ‘Shortcut to TPCWin.exe’ icon.
http://www.cadfamily.com/html/Article/TPCWin%20Manual%20Part%20A_560_1.htm
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