CandCNC RC-400 User manual

RC-400 Wireless Tablet Remote Control
USER MANUAL REV 1A
Setup & peration
An Android based wireless application designed to remotely control the
SETUP and RUNNING of a LINU based PC running CommandCNC™ as a
CNC controller.
Copyright Notice: All content of this document is protected under the copyright laws of the United States. This document
may be reproduced by Owners/Users of the C-400 Wireless emote Console for their internal use only. Any other reproduction is
prohibited without the written consent of Fourhills Designs, LLC The name CommandCNC or COMMANDCNC is a trademark
of Fourhills Designs, LLC. Android is a trademark of Google and its parent company.

RC-400 is custom designed to run on a high resolution (600 X 1024) tablet with interactive
buttons. t uses the reliable 802.11 Standard W F via low cost and easy to source W F
routers. Unlike Bluetooth that has to be “Paired”, that has limited range, and is basically
limited to about 10 to 30 feet line-of-sight, it provides a robust high speed bidirectional data
interface with error correction and built in security. Most W F routers can cover hundreds to
thousands of square feet and have good noise immunity. W F mesh networks and repeaters
extend the distance and can mix with wired networks and multiple devices.
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1. Set WORK zeros for XYZ and (A)
2. Display position of XYZA (DRO’s)
3. Home XYZ and (A)
4. Display CONNECTED /D SCONNECTED
5. Jog XY and Z in + and – directions
6. Jog X and Y in 45 degree diagonal directions
7. Change JOG speeds from SLOW to MED to
FAST by tapping buttons
8. Change JOG TYPE from CONT NUOUS to
NCREMENTAL
9. Set incremental JOG to .001, .01 and .1 unit
increments with button push.
10. Perform Manual TOUCH OFF function
11. Perform LOAD MATER AL function
12. Change from E-STOP to RUNN NG. Single
button E-STOP shuts down all motion and
outputs
13. Control up to 6 outputs. Two button safety
interlock. Prevents accidental activation
14. Visible Status of W F connection
15. Auto-E-STOP on loss of CONNECT ON if code
is running
16. RUN/SETUP/ NFO Master Menu Buttons
17. UPPER Display window is Multi function
18. Display Select Buttons
19. Window Scroll/Select buttons
20. Finger swipe Scroll and Select
21. CUT F LES button shows .ngc files located on
CommandCNC PC in nc_files FOLDER
22. Scroll and Select displayed file names

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23. Selected file LOADS to cut.
24. CODE D SPLAY shows G-CODE of loaded file, line
by line. Code can be scrolled UP and DOWN
25. G-Code line can be highlighted (Selected) for a
process
26. DRO D SPLAY Shows XYZA positions as code runs
27. Supports RUN PAUSE and STOP of code execution
28. Supports RUN FROM function to start code at
selected L NE
29. Display Code as it runs and L NE NUMBER
30. Shows ACTUAL Feedrate in Real Time.
31. Allows Feedrate Override of +200 and -25 from
100%
32. DTHC panel displays when using Plasma Config.
33. Real Time Status display of UP/DOWN/DTHC
DELAY/and HOLD while running in Plasma Mode
34. Change PRESET VOLTS before or during a cut.
Bump bar with arrows.
35. Enable/Disable DTHC AUTO Mode
36. TURN DTHC ON/OFF
37. Disable TORCH fire for testing
38. DTHC ONL NE Status LED shows RS485 comm
status
39.Changes to ROUTER display when a Router
CONF G is loaded. Supports both S MPLE
and new Stall Prevention Modes and
controls
40. Manual setup buttons for Router Bit Semi -
Automated Tool change (SATC ) with buttons
for Move to Tool Change preset and Perform
Tool Setter Move for first tool length offset.
41. Support for OXY – FUEL operation with
Manual Z Up and Down JOG while running
code (Manual THC)
42. Manual Override of Feedrate in all types of
cutting (FRO)
43. Running Code Pause and Resume at any
time
44. Screen Messages show up on Message Bar
on RC-400 screen including tool change
prompts
45. Supports RUN PAUSE and STOP of code
execution
46.Any Error codes show up in Message Bar

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Actual Screen shots of the RC-400
Remote Console Running in Plasma
Mode.
t is designed to be able to start a CONF G
at the Console and the RC-400 will
connect and auto – configure itself to run
that type Config. The Congfig must be
setup to run the Remote Console and the
CommandCNC™ PC/Console must be
licensed to the specific Tablet D.
The current list shows the main features;
there will be future features added. To
upgrade, the user must simply install a
newer version of the tablet APPL CAT ON.
Some advanced features MAY require an
upgrade of CommandCNC.

Wireless Network Setup
The process of using the RC-400 Remote Console for CommandCNC™ begins with having
access to a Wireless Network (aka W F ) using standard frequencies and protocols. W F is
used extensively in both public and private venues. The WLAN specs were introduced as
802.11 originally and there have been updates up to 802.11ax. Each update has added
bandwidth (faster speeds) and better performance and better range. Newer W F routers use
dual frequency transmitters and multiple channels per frequency to limit interference and
interaction with other devices in the same bands. The 802.11 standard provides several
distinct radio frequency bands for use in Wi-Fi communications: 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz,
4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, 5.9 GHz, 6 GHz and 60 GHz. Each band is divided into a multitude of
channels. Typically the higher the frequency the more “line-of-sight” is needed. Most
common in W F routers are the 2.4 GHz and the 5 Gz bands. Lower frequency bands are
most often used for Point-to-Point communication. W F has become faster and more
reliable over the past 10 years and a lot of modern equipment comes with W F installed.
W F should not be confused with Bluetooth which was developed for short range device to
device communications and does not have the error checking and power that the 802.11
based devices have. n the most widely used mode, transmission power is limited to 2.5
milliwatts, giving it a very short range of up to 10 meters (33 ft). W F can have hundreds to
thousands of feet of effective range and will do “many-to-one” device connections. Multiple
devices can connect to multiple resources or to each other. t allows interface to a Network
of Ethernet connected PC, storage devices and file servers. t works with Windows, L NUX,
MAC, and Android type devices. While W F can be blocked by metal and denser objects
and won’t transmit though metal walls/buildings or thick concrete, it’s a lot more reliable than
Bluetooth and less susceptible to interference from other devices RF. The downside is that
W F is somewhat more complex to setup.
This manual is designed to allow you to use either an exiting in-house W F , or to setup an
inexpensive W F router and use it just for the RC400 tablet connection or to utilize other W F
or wired Ethernet devices in your workflow.
First we will look at typical local wireless tablet connections. The setup can be as simple as a
wireless W F router and the RC400 tablet to a W F connected L NUX Control PC at the CNC
Machine, or as complex as a mixed network with nternet access and remote dial-in.
Regardless, the process of getting the Wireless Table (RC400) running CommandCNC-
Remote™ setup and connected to it’s host PC running CommandCNC™ is the first step.
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A simple LOCAL W F setup with OPT ONAL CAD/Drawing/CAM design software.
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Control
Workstation
running
CommandCNC
version 1.3 .X

The Quick and Easy Three Device W F Setup
f all you want is to setup an RC-400 Wireless Tablet, a W F ROUTER and the PC running
CommandCNC™, then follow these simple steps.
1. Purchase a new W F router or a refurbished router that has been reset to factory defaults.
Buy the least expensive W F router with a built in Ethernet hub (about $40.00 or less).
2. Turn the router over and find the router SS D (name) and the Password ( D) and write
them down or take a close up photo with your phone.
3. Plug the Router in and find the power button and turn it ON (usually a push button or
rocker switch in the back). t will “Boot” and the W F light will come on steady.
4. Get the RC400 Wireless tablet and make sure its charged and start it by holding down
the control button (most tablets have three buttons: UP and DOWN Volume are together and
the third is the Control button.) You use it to START, turn off the screen, and shutdown the
tablet, Hold it down to “boot” (Start) the OS and get the menu and icons. You may need to
use a finger “swipe” up to get to the starting menu.
5. Find the SETT NGS CON (GEAR) and select it.
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7. n SETT NGS find the NTERNET (or W F ) Menu Option.
8. Your W F Mode may not show the new Router under W F . f not, hit the W F
Preferences Menu item. Hit the GEAR to see details on any listed W F . You may need to
use the ADD NETWORK
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Internet
Menu Option
WIFI
Connection
INFO WIFI
Connection
ON/OFF
This may be OFF
If no networks shows up
Or it not the new router
Then
Use ADD
NETWO K to
Add the new router

9. n the ADD NETWORK enter the SS D Name into the Network Name box. Use the
EXACT letters and numbers with CAPS if listed that way.
Enter the PASSWORD from the back of the router (AKA D #) into the SECUR TY box.
Hit SAVE to save the setting.
Go back to the W F and make sure the tablet connects to the W F router. f it does not, go
back though the steps again and make sure the router is showing its ACT VE and that you
have the NTERNET and W F enabled on the tablet.
10. NOW, once you get the tablet connected to the W F Router, turn on the
CommandCNC™ PC. The W F will be activated unless you bought the unit prior to the
release of the RC400 tablet. You may need to perform setting up the W F on the PC (top of
the page wireless icon) and do the same SS D and Password steps to get it to connect. The
name of the Router will show up when you click the Wireless CON on the PC.
THAT’S T! Once you have both devices talking to the same Router via wireless (W F ), they
can talk to each other. You can skip the US NG EX ST NG NETWORK Section and go to the
Getting connection between RC-400 Wireless Tablet and CommandCNC
PC:
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SSID and
Password

Using An Existing WIFI Network
An existing network can be a Public or Private type network where various PCs, printers, and
gateways may be attached. Most networks are private and are local to allow workstations and
users to access local network resources like a central file server, other PCs (shared Folders)
and devices (printers, nternet gateways). Getting access to the network requires that you
can see the W F router and that you can log into the router. Depending on how the network is
configured, you may or may not have access to all or any of the resources. This instruction is
not to cover internal network security or access but to setup a communication channel
between the Control PC for the CNC machine and the wireless tablet.
The Control PC is running L NUX and typically has one Ethernet port dedicated to the motion
controller. Connection to the network (LAN) is usually via a wireless (W F ) channel. While a
router can be setup to allow a W F connected computer to access other network devices, the
focus of this instruction is to connect the RC-400 Remote Console Tablet to the Linux control
computer running CommandCNC™.
The first thing to do is to make sure the W F is enabled on the Linux Control PC. There will
be a W F icon (usually upper right menu) that when you left click it opens an information
panel that shows you all of your network connections.
Note: When you open the panel there is a checkbox to enable W F connections that has to
be checked.
Once that is done and it’s opened again, the W F networks that are available will show up. f
you select the one you want you can Click on Network Connections.
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NOTE: The listed networks (SS Ds) are
ones that are in our test setup and only one is active (current). Your listing will be completely
different. You will need to get the information for the correct net to use and the security
password from your Network Administrator.
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SAMPLE of information screen. Your information will be different.
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This is the place to enter the access password. It will not show up automatically. You
will need to get this from the Network Administrator.
Once you have entered the correct SSID selection and password, it should show the
connected ICON and show the SSID name when you click on the network icon in the
upper right screen.
NOTE: The above screens are from the UBUNTU 18.04 screens shipped on the Mini
PCs with CommandCNC™™
Once you have the CommandCNC PC connected to the router you MAY be able to see
other resources on the network or you may only be able to use the router for the WIFI
connection. In order to use the RC400 Remote Console Tablet, it must be setup with
WIFI enabled and with the same SSID and Password. If you have connection to the
existing WIFI with the CommandCNC PC, then skip the next section on setting up a
new wireless router/network and go to the RC-400 tablet setup section.
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Setting Up a New Wireless Router Network
This section is for an install where there is no existing W F connection available or the desire
is to keep the RC-400 to the CommandCNC PC local and separate.
Things to do:
1. Find and purchase a Wireless router. There are dozens of brands and types. You can
get routers that are strictly wireless. You can get models that have an Ethernet port or Ports
and possible a WAN port. Being able to connect other devices to the router via Ethernet is
not part of the process of getting connection between the RC-400 and the L NUX based
CommandCNC control computer. Prices vary from as low as $26.00 to almost $200.00. For
a limited access (local) W F , there is no need to pay more than what you need in features.
While dual band is nice and support for 1G Ethernet and lots of connected devices may be
worthwhile, in most circumstances those are not needed. The most popular brands are: TP-
Link, NetGear, and Linksys.
Sample of a TPLink AC1200 showing the back connection ports.
2. Inspect the Router. Usually the factory SS D and Password are printed on the label on
the bottom or back of the device. The Manual is your FRIEND!..
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t may seem confusing and there are sections about TCP/ G and setting up a LAN connection
that are only needed if you want to involve more computers and use the router to interface
between a Local Area Network (LAN) and the CommandCNC PC or possibly use a browser
on the tablet (not recommended). Setting up networks and assigning “shares” and doing
security is a subject that will not be covered here.
What to do if its not a new Router:
1. First, find and download the user manual. f you cannot find a user manual, it might be
best to avoid that device. The manual should give you the procedure to reset the router to
factory defaults and list what those are.
2. Then, reset the router and treat it like its a new one out of the box.
Facts:
1. Device SSID is factory assigned. t will vary by device, so a general manual will not
have the correct information. The Device SS D is normally on the label on the bottom.
2. The device password to access the router setup software program is on the same label.
There are typically several ways to access the management software as the ADM N. You
have to know the device P address and use a computer that is on the same “sub net”.
Here is an example: f the default P address of the Router is 192-168.1.1 in order to talk to it
you have to have a computer connected via Ethernet and have that computer setup with a
F XED P address of 192.168.1.XX where XX is any number but the one the router uses. A
“Subnet” is any computer/device on the same address with the first three numbers in common
(in this case 192.168.1.) The manual will give you the instructions for connecting to and
talking to the ADM N interface of that router.
NOTE: You do not need to get into the ADM N application to do a simple W F setup with no
Ethernet connections . You should be able to simply turn on the router, see its signal and its
SS D and use the default password on its label to use it. Any PC that has that info can use it
to pass traffic back and forth to another device.
With the ADM N management application, you can change the network information ( P
address, change the ADM N password, and change the network security settings.
You can access the router remotely via wifi with a web browser. The user manual will cover
that process.
The devices that use the router have to either be connected via the Ethernet and be on the
same subnet OR use the W F link and its connection at the PC or the tablet. Once again,
network setup and things like DHCP and Net Masks are not about W F and are not covered
here.
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Label on bottom of a TP-Link Router with SSID for two channels and password (PIN
is PW in YELLOW)
Note: You SSID and Password will be different. This image for illustration only.
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The LINU PC (CommandCNC™ PC)
As part of your system from CandCNC, you will have a PC pre-loaded with
XUBUNTU 18.04 and a custom Real Time Kernel. As part of the install you will need to
update your Version of CommandCNC™. The wireless version needs to be installed on a
recent 64 bit version of Linux.
Check the following:
1. Boot your L NUX PC up and go to the MENU and select the TERM NAL.
2. At the prompt plasma-plasma-NC03: $
type: the following:
hostnamectl
It should return a screen similar to this one:
The important parts are the Operating System, Kernel and Architecture.
f the system is not 64 bit, it needs to be upgraded. Contact Tech support at CandCNC.
f the Kernel is older, then it needs to be upgraded. There will be an upgrade on the memory
chip you are sent with the RC-400 and it needs to be applied PR OR to the new version of
CommandCNC on the memory chip.
To see the version of CommandCNC™ start any Config from its icon and open the
HELP/ABOUT screen.
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HELP/ABOUT screen
Note: Older Versions may not have the System ID:
The following link lets you upgrade the Real Time Kernel from the 4. . series to
the 5.10.52
YOU NEED TO BE RUNNING 64 BIT LINU OS AND RECENT KERNEL VERSION TO
RUN COMMANDCNC updates higher than 1.2.9.
https://www.candcnc.net/commandcnc/cncxf/kernel_5.10.52-rt47_update.run.zip
or you can copy it from the Memory Stick to the Downloads folder. DO NOT try to
unzip it on the memory stick then copy that to the CommandCNC PC. It won’t work.
Move the file to your Downloads folder on the CommandCNC PC and right click and
Select “Extract here” and it unzips and gives you the .run file that you can double click
and run. You will be prompted for Root password (“plasma”) and it will update your
Kernel.
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The CommandCNC update will be on the Memory stick. It will have the name/structure
like: commandcnc_update_1.3.X.X_amd64.run.zip where the “X” will be a number from
0 to 9. It needs to be copied to the Downloads folder and the “Extract Here” done on it
to get the RUN (executable) version. NOTE: You MAY need to right click a RUN file and
select the “properties” then select ermissions and make it Executable so it will run
(execute) when you double click it. It may be in Permissions. Check the “Allow this
file to run as a program” and close the window.
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Setting Up the RC-400 Wireless Tablet for Access to the WIFI
The RC-400 Wireless Tablet is an Android tablet with an optimized user interface and reduced
applications. The Wireless App is pre-loaded and setup, and the proper SETT NGS done to
make connection to the CommmandCNC™ PC easier. We will cover the Settings here in
case they get changed.
Opening Screen
The SETT NGS CON on the Wireless Tablet is typically in the list of applications
TABLET SCREENS
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