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Getting Started with PUMOTIX

Last modified by writer on 2023/09/05 17:37

Step 1. Install the PUMOTIX software

To install the software, download the archive from the site, unzip it, run the installation file contained in it and follow the recommendations of the installation wizard.

After installation, run the program using the shortcut on the desktop or in the Start menu.

PUMOTIX software is based on a client-server architecture. The server part is intended for direct control of the CNC machine using the controller, the client part provides the transmission of operator commands and the display of information received from the server part.

The interaction between them, as well as between the server part and the controller is provided by means of the Ethernet local area network. However, using the controller does not require installation of any additional drivers. The client and server parts can be located on the same physical computer, or on different computers in the same local area network. At the same time, it is allowed to communicate between a client and a server parts via wireless network segments while ensuring the stability and noise immunity of the communication channel. The interaction of the server part and the controller is recommended to be provided via a wired communication channel.

Error
Attention:

communication failure between the server and the controller automatically stops the program being executed by the machine.

Step 2. Configure the software

After starting the client part of the program, a window for selecting the starting module will appear. A module is a set of functionalities and interface elements loaded at program startup that is designed to support a particular workflow (Milling, plasma cutting, gas cutting, etc.).

Pumotix_Startup_Window_en.png

Select the starter module you need and confirm your choice with the OK button.

After loading the selected module, the client interface will appear on the screen.

Pumotix_Main_Window_en.png

The appearance and composition of the controls may vary depending on the selected module and the theme used. If the client part of the program at startup could not automatically connect to the server part for one reason or another, then the window will look like this:

Pumotix_Main_Disable_Window_en.png

In order to find the server part of the software and connect to it, click the Settings button. The program settings window will open on the “General Settings” tab, it will automatically search for servers available in your local network and connect to the first one found.

A list of detected servers will be displayed in the upper left area of ​​the screen, the selected server will be highlighted. If the list of servers is empty, then make sure that the server part of the program is running on a local or remote computer on your local network and is not blocked by your firewall. You can repeat the automatic server search using the “Search” button in the lower left part of the “Settings” window.

The upper right pane of the window displays a list of PLCM controllers available on your network. By default, immediately after the first entry into the settings window, the software controller simulator is selected. It is intended solely for demonstration purposes and allows you to evaluate the functionality of the software. It is not possible to control a real CNC machine using a simulator - for this you need a PLCM series hardware controller. Search and update of the list of available controllers is done automatically by the server side of the software. If your controller is not listed, then check its connection to the power supply and your local network.

To connect to the controller, select it in the list of detected devices. This will automatically begin the process of updating the controller firmware (if necessary). This process can take up to several minutes, while the corresponding inscription is displayed on the screen. Do not interrupt it or turn off the system while updating the firmware.

Motion_Controller_firmware_update_en.png

At the end of the firmware update, the server will try to automatically connect to the controller. For this, the controller must have the correct IP address. By default, it is configured to automatically obtain an IP address from a DHCP server on the network. If this is not possible (for example, if the computer and the controller are connected directly by a network cable or there is no DHCP server in the network), the controller will automatically receive an address of the form 169.254.XXX.XXX. This address can be used, but stable operation is not guaranteed on all operating systems, so we recommend changing it to a more correct one.

To do this, you need to assign static IP addresses to the network card of the computer to which the controller is connected, and to the controller itself. First, configure the static address of the network card on your computer. To do this, follow these steps:

  • for Windows XP: Start → Control Panel → Network Connections;
    for Windows Vista and newer: press the key combination Win () + R, enter the command ncpa.cpl in the opened “Run” window and press the Enter key;
    Windows_Run_en.png
  • find in the window that opens the network connection used to work with your controller, right-click on it and select the “Properties” menu option;
  • in the window that appears, select the item “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click the “Properties” button;
    Network_Connections_Window_en.png
  • in the window that appears, set the IP address from the range of local addresses (for example, 192.168.10.5), the default mask (255.255.255.0), leave the remaining fields empty, and then confirm the selection with the OK button.
    Network_Connection_Properties_en.png

Now configure the PLCM controller address. To do this, you need to return to the program window, select your controller again in the settings, wait for a message to appear that there is no connection with it, and then click the "Change address" button. In the “PLCM controller connection settings” window that appears, select the "Use the following IP address" option, then set the address from the same subnet as the address of the network card of your computer (for example, 192.168.10.10), the default mask (255.255.255.0) and click Apply button. This will configure the network address of the controller and try again to connect to it. If the attempt is successful, then information about the controller you selected appears in the settings window.

Network_Settings_PLCM_en.png

Notice the “Licensing Parameters” area at the bottom of the “General Settings” tab. The data of the license holder is reflected here, as well as a button for switching to the "License Manager" window is placed.

ATTENTION! Information for activating PUMOTIX!
How to Request a License?
How to apply a license?