Going from V4.62 to V4.82 PROBLEM

[ShawnM]

I've also thought about writing a simple batch file to automate my updates and have the batch file copy over all the needed files automatically. This would certainly save some time. If I write one I'll let you know.

I also don't see myself using the X-Y moves that often but I'm currently working on new buttons for each diagonal move as all the buttons on my VCP are custom, I've edited everyone one of them to have the same font and no crazy pics on them. Also my X, Y and Z buttons change colors when I press them. They are yellow on the VCP and when pressed they turn green and I'm doing the same for the diagonal buttons. I'll add them and see how often I use them.

[lavrgs]

I seem to be having some communication errors - where do I find a log file to view them.

During probing is one area where I am getting several stops that require me to press the enter key to continue. I'm guessing my probe wire may be susceptible. I'm surea shielded cable may help...however only a short factory supplied section is unshielded.

[ShawnM]

In the cncm folder there is a file called msg_log.txt

[ShawnM]

Per our conversation earlier in this topic, I wrote a simple batch file today that backs up all my custom files to a thumb drive. The very first backup take about 10 seconds to copy all my custom files I want to keep. The VCP folder takes the longest as it copies over all the buttons and images. After the very first backup when I run it a second time or any time after that it only backs up files that have changed and it takes only a second or two. This will save a lot of time doing updates down the road and ensure I have all my custom files for updates since I usually don't use the restore report method.

I'm currently working on a second batch file that will restore all my custom files from my thumb drive back to their respective folder or subfolder under C:\cncm. It will automatically overwrite the oem files of the same name with my custom files.

So far this is working great and saves a BUNCH of time.

See if your software friends have a better idea.

[lavrgs]

I see a key word; custom...Sounds like I need to update the names of the custom files that I use for the VCP to have a common tag that would allow easy retrieval... Since I have very few buttons that are modified (I used the original names) it should be easy to rename and re-sync. Is that your approach?

[ShawnM]

My basic batch file that I created for my router automatically copies the files below from my C:\cncm folder on my CNCPC to a thumb drive:

license.dat - the license file of course
cncm.hom - my custom home file
cncmcfg.xml - configuration file
ad2_presets.xml - smoothing profiles
mfunc*.* - all my macros which many have been customized
vcp - all buttons, images and skins for my VCP as EVERY button has been modified
MPGmacro*.* - all 4 of my WMPG macros
park.mac - my custom park file
axis motor drive file - my clearpath xml file for my servo drives that I simply import
cncm.tl - tool library
cncm.ol - offset library

I understand that all the files above are in a "report" that Acorn creates weekly and that report can save my butt if needed but the report also has other useless files I don't need for my manual updates. My batch file creates folders on my thumb drive to match the folders and sub-folders in the c:\cncm directory on my pc and moves all the files into the appropriate folder so all I have to do is copy the contents of each folder back to the appropriate folder in C:\cncm after I install the newest update. This is what I need to manually upgrade from one version to the next. It takes me about an hour to do an upgrade but manually keying in everything and making sure I have all my custom files is important for my sanity.

I also understand that this is what the "restore report" does in Acorn but again I just prefer to do it manually and it always works.

I also of course have screen shots of all wizard pages, the VCP and my return positions (G28 and G30 as they are used in my macros and tool changes)

Did I overthink this, of course, that's what I do.

[lavrgs]

Thanks, I'll give it a shot...I don't really do batch files but ChatGPT (check it out!!!) wrote a basic one for me and I will modify from there,,,

[ShawnM]

You can write it in Notepad++ and switch the language to “batch”. Mine is literally 3 lines using xcopy and then a line for each file, group of files or folders I want to copy. It’s very easy. I do know about ChatGPT.

[lavrgs]

I understand that all the files above are in a "report" that Acorn creates weekly and that report can save my butt if needed but the report also has other useless files I don't need for my manual updates.

I also understand that this is what the "restore report" does in Acorn but again I just prefer to do it manually and it always works.

I also of course have screen shots of all wizard pages, the VCP and my return positions (G28 and G30 as they are used in my macros and tool changes)

Did I overthink this, of course, that's what I do.

I wonder if it would be possible to customize the report....since the stuff is being collected anyways..

[ShawnM]

That's a question for your software guys. I know just enough to be able to write a simple batch file. It's real easy to do I just added a few commands to create directories if there were none already if I were to use a new thumb drive. I need to search the file where the return and origin coordinates are located so I dont need a screen shot.

My script does what I need and I need to write one for my plasma CNCPC so it saves my custom profile manager as I've created new cut profiles in it as well.