Long time lurker and first time poster.
I recently bought a 2015 4x8 V series table that came out of a community college. They wouldn’t give me the computer with it, which I knew when I bought it.
I have the table hooked up and running great with my Powermax 65 and can cut simple shapes using the pendant, but I’m curious what I need as a control software on the computer to run files on this machine. I currently have Cad and sheetcam but am a little in the dark as to what else I’m needing. I called multicam and they wanted me to setup as a new customer before they’d even talk to me.
Any input on this? I have Mach 3 for another table but I’m assuming this won’t work on the multicam. I really don’t want to retro fit any other electronics as this setup seems to be working really nice.
I’d appreciate any help I can get!
Multicam V Series Control Software
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Re: Multicam V Series Control Software
I am not sure what Multicam uses for control software, I thought it was custom version of Flashcut CNC. Maybe someone else can chime in and confirm. Flashcut has a banner ad here in the top right corner, give it a click and give them a call, maybe they can get you pointed in the right direction.
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Re: Multicam V Series Control Software
Virtually everything on a MultiCAm is proprietary. I am sure they would be happy to sell you a copy that would run that table.
Won't be cheap but hey, you ruled out any change of hardware so it limits your choices.
Won't be cheap but hey, you ruled out any change of hardware so it limits your choices.
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Re: Multicam V Series Control Software
Thanks Tom, was not aware it was proprietary. In that case I would find out what the Multicam software costs and compare that to what it would cost to do a retrofit to C&CNC electronics and possibly get away from proprietary hardware/software.
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Re: Multicam V Series Control Software
MultiCam has been in business for many years and originally focused on high end router tables . The did their own controller designs (in defense, back when they started, there were not a lot of software and controller options) They got into the plasma table market later on . They built some big heavy duty tables and stayed in the higher end commercial market.
Converting a Multicam table over is not a simple replacement of the controller and software. If its a stepper its possible to use the existing motors and to use the existing table sensors but not a project for a first time builder . Lots of head scratching. If its servo its a totally redesign and using what is there and buying their software may be the only viable option.
A now defunct table vendor (there have been a LOT of those over 20 years) EZCut used the MultiCAM controls and software .
In some circumstances a used table value is greatly diminished by not having the software or if its not fully functional. On some systems software is a major expense . I always advise potential buyers to consider if a used table is worth he raw parts less the electronics. Hopefully the buyer got a good enough deal they can consider either buying the software or replacing the controls and software with something more cost effective and that has support.
Converting a Multicam table over is not a simple replacement of the controller and software. If its a stepper its possible to use the existing motors and to use the existing table sensors but not a project for a first time builder . Lots of head scratching. If its servo its a totally redesign and using what is there and buying their software may be the only viable option.
A now defunct table vendor (there have been a LOT of those over 20 years) EZCut used the MultiCAM controls and software .
In some circumstances a used table value is greatly diminished by not having the software or if its not fully functional. On some systems software is a major expense . I always advise potential buyers to consider if a used table is worth he raw parts less the electronics. Hopefully the buyer got a good enough deal they can consider either buying the software or replacing the controls and software with something more cost effective and that has support.
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Re: Multicam V Series Control Software
Thanks to the input fellas.
Tom, it’s far from my first cnc experience, I’ve had a table running your blade runner software for 10-12 years now, and I have a plasmacam as well as this multicam.
I did end up sourcing the software. The table runs Suite 4 and it was free. I had to get in contact with a multicam vendor that was extremely helpful and i got all the answers i needed.
My main reason for not wanting to retrofit was simply cost. I like seeing what I can do for cheap. I had a feeling I could come up with come software and I was right. Nothing personal.
This machine is in good shape and as of right now I’m sub $1k into this not including the cutter and computer that I already had. I’ve got a few bugs to work out but I’ll get there.
Tom, it’s far from my first cnc experience, I’ve had a table running your blade runner software for 10-12 years now, and I have a plasmacam as well as this multicam.
I did end up sourcing the software. The table runs Suite 4 and it was free. I had to get in contact with a multicam vendor that was extremely helpful and i got all the answers i needed.
My main reason for not wanting to retrofit was simply cost. I like seeing what I can do for cheap. I had a feeling I could come up with come software and I was right. Nothing personal.
This machine is in good shape and as of right now I’m sub $1k into this not including the cutter and computer that I already had. I’ve got a few bugs to work out but I’ll get there.
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Re: Multicam V Series Control Software
Newchevyguy - happy to hear you're up and cutting!!
David
David
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Re: Multicam V Series Control Software
That's awesome, glad you were able to find the software. Sounds like a heck of a deal for that table!
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Re: Multicam V Series Control Software
Some Vendors are touchy about their software and you need dongles and licenses. It's good you wee able to find the control software and hopefully it can use standard G-code or a version you can get . As I have always said ifs it's where you want/need a machine to make you money or its the challenge of taking something someone else has abandoned and making it run then its a noble quest. For some its the journey and for others its the destination. Either way its important to understand where the land mines are buried!