Mach 3 Not Finding TAP files

[tnbndr]

I am helping someone set up a machine that he built/is building.
When I choose Load G Code button in Mach3 it opens to file explorer but no matter where I put the .tap file it does not show up in the load G code window. All the other file extensions show up fine.
I went through all the settings in Windows for file extensions, etc. I can see the files in the folders while browsing in File Explorer.
Is there a setting somewhere in Mach 3? It has to be something simple.!!!!!


TIA

[acourtjester]

What software are you using to generate the G-code, it may not be putting the .tap extension. Some software call their files .NC you should see what they use when you save it. You can change the extensions name before you save it, similar to DXF and SVG formats.

[weldguy]

Good point by Tom. For testing purposes you can always rename a file test.tap to ensure it has the .tap extension at the end and see if that one shows up.

[tnbndr]

What software are you using to generate the G-code

We are using Sheetcam! and it is saving the file as a .tap. I can see the file in the folder. Even saved to the Desktop.
But when we do "Load G-Code " in Mach3 and browse to the folder or the destop the window is blank.
The "search for file type" in the bottom field I have .tap selected but it is not seeing/finding the file extension.
All licenses are installed in Sheetcam and Mach 3.
I've gone through Windows folder options and played with all the selections but it changes nothing.

[acourtjester]

Ok lets try a different search, see attached screen shot. It shows what to put in the search box, now you can search the whole disc of just a folder using this. you type in *.tap this is call a wild card search for any thing with .tap extension. You can copy and paste it into the Mach 3 G-code folder maybe then Mach will see it.

[tnbndr]

Thanks for the replies and help Tom. We finally figured this out but it is still weird to me.
If you select .tap in the Mach 3 Open file box it does not find the file. If we select All Files, then it sees the file.

[acourtjester]

Great you found the solution, software can be funny at times. I have seen a similar thing with the search box will say "custom files" and like you say it needs to say "All files" ACHTUNG Ve Vill only Look at Our files,

[adbuch]

I too have had this sort of thing happen. I can't remember if it was files from VCarve Pro, or perhaps Fusion 360. I had to click on "All files" for the program I was trying to import to in order for the files to found. No big deal, but can be frustrating if it is a new experience- trying to figure out what want wrong. Glad to hear you've got it sorted out.

David

[tnbndr]

Thanks for the help guys! I have never experienced that, so the solution was enlightening