When low precision location of the X/Y zero is needed, simply jog the machine to the location over the material where the X/Y zero will be located. Once in the correct location, press the “Zero X” and “Zero Y” buttons in Mach3 or on the wireless remote. For most situations this is more than precise enough.
If more precision is needed, then an edge finder will need to be used. Once the edge has been found, press the “Zero X” and “Zero Y” buttons again.
The Z zero for the program should be set at the bottom or top of the material. Before zeroing the Z, this must be known and match the work coordinate location in the CAM software. Also have the end mill that will be used in the program installed and tightened in the collet.
Manually setting the Z zero is generally precise enough, if using a spoil board, for basic operations such as cutting though plate material. Jog the machine over the location where the Z zero will be set. Now jog the machine to be about 1/8th above the surface. Set the machine into step mode of .01”. Lower the Z slowly and stop before the material. Set the step value to .001”. Slowly spin the spindle by hand in reverse while slowly stepping down. When the end mill catches and stop spinning, stop stepping down in Z. This is Z zero. Press “Zero Z” in Mach3 or on the wireless remote.
Measure the thickness of the tool probe pad. Type this number into the “Gage Block Height” input field under the “Offsets” menu.
Position the probe pad on the surface that will be Z zero. Jog the tool over the probe pad and position it about 0.75” or less above the surface of the probe pad. Plug one end of the probe cable into the “Probe” port on the front of the machine. Attach the alligator clip to the end mill in the machine. In Mach3 press the “Auto Tool Zero” on the “Program Run” page. The machine will move down and touch the probe pad to set the Z zero.
Be sure to check that the tool probe is connected properly by going to the diagnostic page and touching the probe clamp to the probe base. The digitize light should turn on when this happens. If not, DO NOT use the probe as the machine will not stop when the tool touches the probe.
The following section will cover the basic operation and controls of the OMIO CNC Router.
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The OMIO CNC Router comes with a wireless remote that will control some functions of the machine. The remote is useful for setting up a job and for monitoring the machine while in operation. The location of the computer for the machine may not be in the easiest location to accomplish these tasks.
Install two AAA batteries into the remote.
Copy the “ShuttlePro.dll” file into the “PlugIns” folder in the Mach installation directory.
Restart Mach3.
Insert the USB receiver into the computer running Mach3. Press the “RESET” button on the wireless remote. The leftmost LED on the remote should be on. The remote should now be able to control the machine. If “RESET” in Mach3 is still blinking, press the “RESET” button on the controller again.
With Mach3 open, the axis’ can be jogged using the arrow keys for X/Y and page up/ down for Z.
Pressing the Tab key will also bring up the jog controls in Mach 3. This will let you select continuous or step mode and set the step size. This is useful for setting the origin for a job.
Additionally the wireless remote can be used to jog the machine in both continuous and step mode.
