CHIPS (CNC12 Highly Intuitive Probing System). The must have Add-On for CNC12

[swissi]

For those familiar with the ProbeApp, CHIPS is the ProbeApp on Steroids. Unlike the ProbeApp, CHIPS is using the Centroid API to directly exchange data with CNC12.

A great "Thank You" goes to Keith and his great team at Centroid who was actively working with me to add functionality to the Centroid API to make CHIPS possible.

Here are screenshots of CNC12 running CHIPS Operation Mode 1 to 3:

Operation Mode 1

Operation Mode 2

Operation Mode 3

As can be seen in the screenshots above, CHIPS has a full fledged Tool Library Manager that combines the Tool and Offset Library into one tool table and replaces the CNC12 internal tool and offset library as all tool data is instantly synchronized with CNC12 via the Centroid API. Tools can be filtered for certain criteria e.g just to show the tools needed in the currently loaded job file. Tool Offsets can be probed right within the Tool Library Manager. Tool Library Services allow to Backup & Restore the complete Tool Library Table and also provide a Tool Library Import function for CAD/CAM Systems.

Also all Spindle Probe probing cycles are always available on the left side of the CHIPS window which can quickly be opened with a simple press of a button on the Virtual or Physical Control Panel.

Here’s an Introduction Video showing the Features of CHIPS:



As CHIPS supports a wide range of machines from a Router with basic collet tool holding all the way to professional machines with Tool Setters or Laser Devices that support tool height and diameter offset probing, I have created 3 different Software Levels with different price points:

• Software Level 1 ($89): For professional machines supports all functions of CHIPS and all 3 Operation Modes

• Software Level 2 ($69): For machines with fixed tool holding and don’t need features like Rotational Tool Offset probing, Precision Probing and Spindle Probe TripMap. Supports Operation Mode 2 and 3.

• Software Level 3 ($49): For machines with basic collet tool holding where the tool offset library is not being used and each tool needs to be probed for tool offset after each tool change. Support Operation Mode 3.

Note that Software Levels can be Upgraded anytime. A One-Step Upgrade does cost $25, a Two-Step Upgrade does cost $45.

For more details on the supported functionality for each Software Level, check the Matrix on the last page of the Chips User Guide.
The User Guide also shows the differences and requirements for each of the three Operation Modes of CHIPS.

CHIPS User Guide v2.20.pdf

(3.99 MiB) Downloaded 142 times

Note that CHIPS is using the 64-Bit Centroid API and therefore requires CNC12 Version 5.10 or newer to work properly.

CHIPS can be bought on Swissi's Online Store.

Existing ProbeApp users who would like to Upgrade to CHIPS can do so by making a Donation in the amount of the difference between the ProbeApp Donation and the cost of the CHIPS Software Level. Those who already donated more will get the CHIPS Upgrade for free. Contact me per email if you would like to upgrade to CHIPS.

Note to ProbeApp users using the Rack-ATC Module, this module is not yet available for CHIPS so you can't upgrade at the moment.

If you have any questions, post them here or send me an email (email address is in my Signature below).

-swissi

[suntravel]

Hi Swissi,

perfectly done. This is a great timesaver and the video tutorial is also very well made.

Best thing is tool lib in and export, so I can save now projects with tool libs and g-code together.

Uwe

[spikee]

This is amazing, Would be even better if centroid makes a deal with you to include this into the various software tier packages.

[Black Forest]

This is amazing, Would be even better if centroid makes a deal with you to include this into the various software tier packages.

Why in the world would you think Centroid would want to include this in their offerings? It would mean a price increase for those that don't want or need the CHIPs software. It would mean support of the software which is always a headache. That way it is now to me is the best solution on all fronts. It is so inexpensive to buy it is a no brainer not to have it.

[cnckeith]

right on!

[swissi]

This is amazing, Would be even better if centroid makes a deal with you to include this into the various software tier packages.

Why in the world would you think Centroid would want to include this in their offerings? It would mean a price increase for those that don't want or need the CHIPs software. It would mean support of the software which is always a headache. That way it is now to me is the best solution on all fronts. It is so inexpensive to buy it is a no brainer not to have it.

I just added to my original post the "Thank You" to Keith and his amazing team at Centroid to actively supporting the development of CHIPS by adding functionality to the Centroid API to make CHIPS possible.

I think having CHIPS as a Centroid supported CNC12 3rd Party Add-On is a good option. It keeps the price of CNC12 lower for those who don't want/need the CHIPS functionality but it still makes CNC12 an even better product for those who would like the functionality of CHIPS without the need of spending costly resources to develop and support it. I'm sure the ProbeApp users can confirm that they always got great support from me. I can also confirm that I always got great support from Centroid when I had to escalate an issue.

-swissi

[Black Forest]

Who better to get the support you might need than the programmer that actually developed and wrote the program. Swissi is great at the hand holding of CNC dummies like me! I bet he keeps a bottle of single malt by the keyboard!

[cnckeith]

Who better to get the support you might need than the programmer that actually developed and wrote the program. Swissi is great at the hand holding of CNC dummies like me! I bet he keeps a bottle of single malt by the keyboard!

we should send him one just in case.

[cnckeith]

I just added to my original post the "Thank You" to Keith and his amazing team at Centroid to actively supporting the development of CHIPS by adding functionality to the Centroid API to make CHIPS possible.

-swissi

Thanks, great working with you as well you are an asset to the DIY CNC community! -Keith

[avp]

This is great news, looks really nice. Thank you Swissi for all your hard work. I agree, support has always been great. Any idea on a time frame for rack mount ATC users? I look forward to it.
Bill