Shopbot Desktop max atc v2 User manual

Desktop MAX ATC V2 User Manual SBG00609

Desktop MAX Automatic Tool Changer

(ATC) V2 User Manual

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Desktop MAX ATC V2 User Manual SBG00609

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 Desktop MAX ATC V2 User Manual                                                                                                                                              SBG00609 
 Table of Contents 
 Desktop  Tools  Safety  and  Precautions  ..........................................................................................  5 
 Getting  Started  .................................................................................................................................  6 
 What’s  in  the  Crate?  .....................................................................................................................  6 
 Uncrating  ......................................................................................................................................  8 
 Connecting  the  Dust  Hose  ............................................................................................................  9 
 Connecting  the  Pneumatics  ..........................................................................................................  9 
 Software  and  Computer  Configuration  .............................................................................................  10 
 Introduction  .................................................................................................................................  10 
 Computer  Recommendations  .....................................................................................................  11 
 Computer  Configuration  ..............................................................................................................  11 
 Conclusion  ..................................................................................................................................  16 
 Machine  Setup  ................................................................................................................................  19 
 Plug  in  Pendant  and  Connect  Power  .........................................................................................  19 
 Launch  Software  .......................................................................................................................  20 
 ATC  Software  Setup  .......................................................................................................................  21 
 Starting  the  Software  ..................................................................................................................  21 
 Square  the  Machine  ...................................................................................................................  21 
 Setting  up  your  XY  Home  Position  .............................................................................................  22 
 Zero  the  X-  and  Y-axes  ...............................................................................................................  23 
 Machine  Features  ...........................................................................................................................  24 
 The  Position  Window  ..................................................................................................................  24 
 The  Keypad  ................................................................................................................................  24 
 Z  Zero  Plate  ................................................................................................................................  24 
 Zero  the  Z-Axis  ...........................................................................................................................  25 
 Tool  Draw  Bar  .............................................................................................................................  25 
 Inserting  a  Tool  into  a  Tool  Holder  ................................................................................................  26 
 Calibrating  the  ATC  (CN,74)  ..........................................................................................................  28 
 Your  Calibration  Numbers  from  the  Factory:  ..............................................................................  28 
 Measuring  Tool  Lengths  (CN,72)  ..................................................................................................  30 
 Plate  Offset  Measurement  (CN,73)  ................................................................................................  31 
 Creating  a  Tool  Change  File  ..........................................................................................................  32 
 Spindle  Warmup  Routine  (C5)  .......................................................................................................  33 
 Run  the  File  .....................................................................................................................................  33 
 Advanced  Techniques  ...................................................................................................................  34 
 Going  Above  Tool  #7  ..................................................................................................................  34 
 Setting  Up  for  Oversized  Material  ...............................................................................................  35 
 Performing  Bit  Measurements  with  the  Toolbar  Removed  .........................................................  36 
 Using  Extra  Toolbars/Reinstalling  Toolbars  ................................................................................  37 
 Troubleshooting  .............................................................................................................................  38 
 © Copyright May, 2023 ShopBot Tools, Inc. 
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Desktop MAX ATC V2 User Manual SBG00609

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Desktop MAX ATC V2 User Manual SBG00609

Desktop Tools Safety and Precautions

WARNING! Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this

power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or

serious injury.

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. Refer to the General Power Tool Safety

Warnings document sent with the User’s Guide.

Learn and understand safe use of the machine. Do not allow untrained individuals to

operate the machine without supervision. Be aware of the location of the Emergency

Stop switches at all times.

Eye and ear protection MUST be worn by the machine operator as well as any

bystanders or observers. Flying sawdust, material chips, and other debris can cause

serious eye injury.

Wear closed-toe shoes at all times.

Make sure that your material is properly secured before cutting, and be aware of any

small parts that may come loose after being cut. If a small part catches the edge of a

spinning bit, it can be thrown forcefully in any direction, causing injury or damage.

Never place your hands on the rails of the ShopBot. Be aware that the machine may

move unexpectedly in any direction, which can cause serious injury if your hands are

in the path of movement.

Never wear gloves while operating the machine. As with any power tool, a glove can

get caught in moving or spinning parts and pull your hand into the machinery.

Never leave a machine running and unattended. Understand that a spinning tool

generates friction and heat, creating a risk of fire. This risk is minimized by using

correct chip load, using sharp bits, and by always double-checking your files before

cutting. Be prepared to pause or stop the cut if something seems incorrect or unsafe.

Keep a working fire extinguisher within reach of the machine, for the reasons listed

above.

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Desktop MAX ATC V2 User Manual SBG00609

Getting Started

Desktop MAX ATC with T-Slot Aluminum Deck option

What’s in the Crate?

The ShopBot Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) automates the bit changing process during projects

that require multiple tool changes. The ATC reduces the time a project must remain on the

machine by automatically changing bits between cuts, thus eliminating the need to change and

calibrate tools by hand.

The ATC system includes:

● 1HP Teknomotor spindle

● Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) spindle controller

● Filter/regulator for pneumatics

● Seven-position tool bar

● Removable dust skirt

● ATC interface circuit board (inside machine)

● Machine and Accessory documentation

● USB drive loaded with SB3 control software

The 1HP Teknomotor spindle assembly is fan-cooled. The ATC requires 4 scfm at 90 psi of clean,

dry, un-oiled compressed air.

It is not recommended to leave a tool holder in the ATC spindle when not using the machine. When

you are done using the machine all tool holders should be removed and stored in the tool rack at

the rear of the tool.

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Desktop MAX ATC V2 User Manual SBG00609

What’s in the Crate (cont.)

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Uncrating

Your Desktop MAX ATC has arrived on a wooden pallet wrapped in a heavy cardboard crate. To

open the crate, cut the steel banding and remove any accessory boxes from the top of the crate

then lift the lid off of the top of the crate.

Inside, you will find a cardboard frame resting on top of your machine. On top of this frame will be

some additional accessory boxes as well as the box containing this document. Remove these

additional boxes and lift the cardboard frame off of the machine. Next, remove the sides of the

crate – there may be some screws driven through the cardboard at the base of the crate, securing

it to the wooden pallet below; remove these screws to allow the crate sides to be removed from the

pallet. With the crate sides removed, it will be easier to lift the machine off of the foam supports

between it and the wooden pallet.

CAUTION! The Desktop MAX ATC can weigh up to 180lbs depending on which options have been

selected for the machine, please use at least two people to lift the machine off of the pallet to

transfer it to your work area.

Once the tool is in place on your work bench, adjust the leveler feet so that the machine is level

and does not rock. The feet can be raised and lowered by using a 5/8" wrench to rotate the hex

collar just above the black plastic foot. Once the machine is confirmed level and stable, lock the

position of the feet by using a 9/16” wrench to tighten the lock nut on the threaded stud.

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Connecting the Dust Hose

The dust hose included with your machine should first be connected to the upper portion of your

dust shroud assembly. Slide one end of the hose over the clear acrylic tube next to your spindle.

Run the tube up to the blue dust hose bracket and secure it to the bracket with the included hose

clamp by passing the clamp through the two slots in the bracket and tightening it around the dust

hose. The other end of your dust hose can now be attached to your dust collection vacuum.

Connecting the Pneumatics

Locate the filter/regulator included with your tool. Inside the bag will be a mounting bracket and two

M5x12mm Button Head Screws. First, attach the mounting bracket to the rear of the tool on the

corner opposite the red power switch. Remove the plastic nut from the regulator and drop the

regulator into the bracket and thread the nut onto the regulator to lock it in place. Pull the blue main

pneumatics hose from under the tool and insert it into the orange quick-connect fitting. Plug your

shop’s air-line into the fitting on the left side of the filter.

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Desktop MAX ATC V2 User Manual SBG00609

Software and Computer Configuration

Introduction

The PC running ShopBot 3 will require special setup to prevent normal Windows and background

processes from interfering with tool communication and operation. All new PCs will require these

changes to their out-of-the-box state in order to optimize performance.

It is highly recommended that you exclusively run the ShopBot software from a dedicated PC. If the

PC running your tool is managed by an IT department or other group, we also advise a clean install

of Windows without any management software or settings. This will ensure that the computer is at

minimal usage.

Refer to the previous page for links to videos on how to configure your computer with Windows.

ShopBot tools are shipped with three software programs that can program, edit, and run part files.

This section covers the configuration of your Windows computer, installation of all software and

provides a basic overview of the ShopBot control software. Additional information and training can

be found in the control software “Help” menu as well as ShopBottools.com and Vectric.com.

The following software will be installed during this section:

ShopBot 3: Control software used to operate the ShopBot tool and run part files.

ShopBot Editor: Enhanced text editing software used to view and edit ShopBot part files.

VCarve Pro – ShopBot Edition: CAD/CAM software used to create and edit designs, and assign

tool paths to create part files.

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Desktop MAX ATC V2 User Manual SBG00609

Computer Recommendations

A PC running Windows XP to the current version of Windows is required. The equivalent of a dual

core or higher processor, and a minimum of 4GB RAM (8GB preferred) is recommended.

A graphics display of 1024 x 768 will provide a good display, although a higher resolution may be

preferable.

Computer Configuration

Important: Some programs and features will interrupt the proper installation of ShopBot 3 control

software. To ensure trouble free installation and operation, ShopBot recommends performing the

following actions before installation.

_____ 1. Install the software using an administrative account.

_____ 2. Set User Account Control (UAC, not applicable to Windows XP) to “Never Notify.”

_____ 3. Set power options

_____ 4. Windows update settings/Disable network connection.

_____ 5. Disable background tasks.

_____ 6. Make sure the USB cable from the ShopBot is not plugged in.

Before continuing, open the Windows Task Manager and click on the “Performance” tab. Below is

an example of a good setup. There are no processes greatly affecting CPU usage and 4GB RAM

is available.

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1. Install the software using an administrative account

When it comes time to install SB3 and VCarve Pro (later steps) make sure you are using an

administrative account.

2. Set User Account Control (UAC, not applicable to Windows XP) to “Never Notify.”

The first process to change is User Account Control. This can be found by performing a search

from the Start Menu in Windows 7 & 10, or by swiping in from the right edge of the screen and

selecting the “Search” icon in Windows 8. Then, type “User Account Control” or “UAC” into the

search box and press Enter. This will bring up the User Account Control Settings window,

containing a slider. You should ensure that this is set to “Never Notify”, as it will prevent popups

from interrupting software.

This is what the UAC settings window should look like. Note the slider is set to “Never Notify”.

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3. Set power options

Next, you will want to change the Power Options. To begin, open the Start Menu (for Windows 7 &

10, click “Start”; for Windows 8, swipe from the right). Type “Power Options” in the search box and

press Enter. This will bring up a menu in which you are asked to “Select a power plan”(see image

below, left side).

Under “preferred plans”, you will see multiple options. Click “Change plan settings” to the right of

one of these options to bring up the Power Options menu (see image above, right side). Expand

the “Sleep” option by clicking the plus sign to its left, and set the values to the following:

Sleep after: Never

Hibernate after: Never

Allow hybrid sleep: Off

Next, expand the “USB Settings” option and set the values to the following:

USB selective suspend: Disabled

Click the “OK” button to save these settings.

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4. Windows update settings/Disable network connection.

To disable Windows Updates, open the Start Menu* (for Windows 7, click “Start”; for Windows 8,

swipe from the right). Type “Windows Update” in the search box and press Enter. This will bring up

the Windows Update settings. In the left-hand pane, select “Change settings”. Under “Important

updates”, select “Never check for updates (not recommended)” and click “OK”.

Set Windows Updates settings to “Never check for updates”. This will disable automatic checks

and allow you to manually update at your convenience.

*NOTE: Windows 10 does not have this same functionality. To disable updates, you can

place the machine into Airplane Mode or disable the computer's Wireless Adapter.

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Desktop MAX ATC V2 User Manual SBG00609

5. Disable background tasks.

Next, you should disable any conflicting background tasks. To access the Task Manager, press

“Ctrl+Alt+Delete” and select “Task Manager”.

With the Task Manager open, click on the “Processes” tab, which will bring up a list. Click on the

“Memory” column header to organize the list by physical memory used. Make a list of any

programs that are utilizing excess memory and are unnecessary to the function of ShopBot 3.

Then, sort the list by “CPU” column and do the same.

Next, we will uninstall unnecessary programs. To access the Uninstall window, search from your

Start menu, type in “Uninstall”, and press Enter. Then select “Programs and Features” (you can

also navigate directly to Control Panel > Programs and Features > Uninstall or change a

program ) and sort the results by name or date installed.

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Using the list created in the previous step, address any programs that are not essential to ShopBot

3 operation. Most specifically, you will want to remove or disable any programs that perform scans

or update automatically in the background.

Be sure to uninstall any third party antivirus, firewalls, anti-spyware, iTunes, file sharing, and game

services. If an antivirus software is needed, Windows Security Essentials (comes with Windows 7

& 8) or Windows Defender (Windows 10) should not affect the communication of the tool.

6. Make sure the USB cable from the ShopBot is not plugged in.

Having the USB cable plugged into the tool while installing the SB3 software can cause issues with

the installation, so keep the cable unplugged until all installation is done.

Conclusion

Following the preceding steps are meant for those running a ShopBot on a computer for the first

time. Note that the procedure for disabling tasks and programs can vary depending on the version

of Windows and software being run. It is recommended that you consult with your operating system

guide, software documentation, or systems administrator before making any major changes to

software. If you are unable to find a specific setting or process mentioned anywhere in this guide, a

search on the TalkShopBot forums or Google can generally give the results you need.

Installing ShopBot 3 Control Software and VCarve Pro Software

Note: Make sure USB cable from the control box and VFD are not plugged into the computer.

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Desktop MAX ATC V2 User Manual SBG00609

ShopBot 3 Control Software: The SB3 Control Software is located on the blue thumb drive,

which should be hooked to one of the rings in your ShopBot Handbook.

Open the drive, and then open the “ShopBot CONTROL Software” folder. Right click the Setup file

and click “Run as administrator”, then follow the instructions.

Note: Once the SB3 software is installed, you will need to right click the SB3 icon and choose “Run

as administrator” the first time you run it to complete the installation.

VCarve Pro Software: ShopBot customers are now able to register their Vectric software license

directly and receive a V&Co. portal account.

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Desktop MAX ATC V2 User Manual SBG00609

Note: Any ShopBot customer wishing to later update or upgrade their software must do so via

their Vectric customer portal (not through ShopBot).

You should have received an email after purchasing the ShopBot tool with the link to the Vectric

portal and your registered username and license number.The software should be registered by the

individual who will control the license and will be tied to that single contact person and the email

address used to register. Any change in contact or registered email address can only be done by

emailing [email protected] .

Note: Reach out to ShopBot if you did not receive an email with your Login info

After registering your license, you can log into your Vectric V&Co. portal again by:

1. Go to the URL: https://portal.vectric.com/

2. Enter the email address you used to register the software and the password you picked

How can I download my software, clipart and license details?

Your V&Co. account will always hold your license information, and the latest version of software

(including patch upgrades) you are entitled to, so you don’t have to worry about losing your details

or re-installing your software if you get a new computer, but you will need to use the credentials

including the email address you used to register.

1. Log into your V&Co. portal account (see above)

2. Scroll down to the section ‘your latest software, clipart and licenses and click ‘view

downloads’

3. Click ‘view license and download’ for the required product

4. From the ‘downloads’ section click ‘download’ for the item you wish to download and install

Software Overview

All programs included with the ShopBot are now installed. The icons below represent how they will

appear on the computer desktop.

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Machine Setup

Plug in Pendant and Connect Power

Plug the pendant into the connector on the tool

located on the right side of the machine.

The pendant has three functions:

1) A keyed interlock switch to cut power to the

router or spindle. The machine can still be moved

with the interlock turned off, but the cutting head will

not be able to spin.

2) A start/stop button. For non-emergencies, simply

hit the spacebar on the computer keyboard or the

start/stop button on the pendant. This will pause the

tool while maintaining XYZ coordinates, allowing the

cut file to resume without starting over.

3) An emergency stop switch. Pressing the emergency stop is the same as turning off the main

power switch. The tool will immediately stop moving and the cutter will turn off. Machine position

WILL be lost during an emergency stop. To release the emergency stop on the pendant, turn the

red button clockwise until it releases and pops up.

The presence of an emergency stop switch

does not alter the need for good safety

procedures while operating the ShopBot

tool.

Also note that if the pendant is not plugged

into the machine, the machine will not

power on. If the pendant comes unplugged,

the emergency stop will automatically

trigger and the machine will shut down.

Install power cord into the back of the tool.

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Desktop MAX ATC V2 User Manual SBG00609

Plug the power cord into a standard 110 volt 15 amp

receptacle. (International tools 220v)

Note: Do not use a ground fault circuit interrupter. (GFCI)

Install USB Cable into the back side of the machine.

Connect USB cable to computer and Windows will

recognize a “New Device.”

Note: Ensure the port is a USB 2.0 port. It is best to

use the same USB port every time the ShopBot is

attached to the computer.

Launch Software

Right-click the ShopBot 3 icon and select Run as

Administrator to open the machine’s control program for the

first time.

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ShopBot Desktop MAX ATC V2 User manual

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