Mach4 Software Setup Guide

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 Mach4 Software Setup Guide

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing the Mach4 CNC Control Software and con guring your PC for
use with an Avid CNC machine or electronics system.

1. Download and Install Mach4

Installation Note

Our installer provides the correct version of Mach4, customized for use with any of our CNC machines or electronics
systems.

Follow the prompts on the screen to begin installation.

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 Windows will ask if you want to make changes to your computer. Click "Yes" to allow the necessary changes.

Installation is now complete, click "Finish" to close the installer.

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 2. Plug in Ethernet Cable
Plug in your Ethernet cable directly from your PC to the "NET1" Ethernet port on your Plug and Play CNC Control
System.
Power on your Plug and Play CNC Control System.

Plug and Play CNC Control System Previous Revisions

If you purchased your Plug and Play CNC Control Systems prior to April 2021, use the "ESS" Ethernet port.

3. Con gure Network Settings

PC Con guration Note

It is recommended for the only network connection to be the Ethernet cable from your Plug and Play Electronics connected
to your PC. This will make it easier to identify the network this Ethernet cable is connected to. If using a laptop, it is ok to
use a wireless connection for internet access during this process.

PC Con guration Note

If you are upgrading from Mach3 and have previously ran the SCU application, it is not necessary to repeat this step.

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 Double click the Avid CNC - SCU Application icon on your desktop to start the SCU application. (This is installed when
you run the Avid CNC Mach4 Installer)

Click "Yes" to allow the SCU to make changes to your computer. The application will modify your Firewall settings to
allow Mach4 through, along with changing network adapter settings so it can talk to the Ethernet SmoothStepper
(ESS).

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 Click the "2: Start PC Con guration" button to begin con guring your network settings.

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 On the next screen you will see a list of network adapters. Select the Ethernet network adapter that your ESS is
connected to.

Network Adapter

The name of your network adapter will likely differ from what is shown in this image.

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 After you have selected the correct Ethernet network adapter, click "Con gure Everything".

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 At the bottom of the screen you will now see a detected ESS. If you see Listening for SmoothSteppers, an ESS has not
been found yet. Make sure your Plug and Play Electronics control box is powered on and connected with the Ethernet
cable to your PC.

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 If you see your SmoothStepper has Successful Pings incrementing, that means the ESS in your control box has been
found and is actively communication with your PC.

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 Click on "I see Pings, open Windows Performance Tuning" and continue to the next section in these instructions.

Network Settings TroubleShooting

If the SCU does not see any "Successful Pings" from the SmoothStepper and have veri ed your control box is powered on
with the Ethernet cable connected to your PC, you can nd additional trouble shooting tips on Warp9td's website.
(www.warp9td.com/index.php/documentation/doc-scu#TroubleShooting)

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 4. Windows Performance Tuning
The Ethernet SmoothStepper solves, or greatly reduces, most potential Windows-related communication issues by
providing a dedicated real-time DSP (digital signal processor) to handle the precise timing of step and direction signals to
your CNC electronics.

Using the Windows Performance Tuning feature in the SCU will help to create the most stable environment for Mach4 and
further reduce the opportunity for other processes to create delays or otherwise interfere with smooth and uninterrupted
communication from Mach4 to the SmoothStepper.

Start Windows Performance Tuning

If you have not already opened Windows Performance Tuning in the previous section, double click the Avid CNC - SCU
Application icon on your desktop to start the SCU application. (This is installed when you run the Avid CNC Mach4
Installer)

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 Click "Yes" to allow the SCU to make changes to your computer.

Click "3. Windows Performance Tuning".

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 If this is the rst time using Windows Performance Tuning, it is very important to rst read through the information
shown in this rst dialog. Once you are ready to proceed, click "Save Settings".

After your settings have nished saving, click "Review Recommended Actions".

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 You will now see a list of recommended actions that will optimize your PC for use as a CNC controller.

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 Full PC Con guration

It is recommended to apply all available Windows Performance Tuning actions. Click "Apply All Recommended
Actions".

Custom Con guration

If you want to selectively review and apply different Windows Performance Tuning actions, review the Custom PC
Con guration section below.

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 Con rm you want to apply all actions by clicking "Apply".

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 At the bottom of the screen you will see additional information about changes that will be made to your PC. Once you
have read these and are ready to proceed, click "Continue".

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 When the changes are complete, you may need to restart your PC for the changes to take effect. If this is the case, you
will be prompted to do so and can click "Restart PC".

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 After your PC has restarted, the SCU Windows Performance Tuning window will open and you should now see the
changes have been applied and there are no recommended actions. Click "Close Window and SCU" to exit the
application.

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 Custom PC Con guration

The Windows Performance Tuning application allows custom con guration by allowing the user to select which changes
they want applied.

Select one of the items on the left side to view the recommended actions for that item.

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 To apply on the actions for that item, click "Apply Below Actions Only".

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 5. Best Practices for CNC Operation
Always turn off or disable all other network connections (i.e. Wi ) when running a CNC program in Mach4.

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