not a valid G code text file

[Anonymous]

Hello,

 I just had something strange happen with fusion 360. I designed a small part, worked out the machining and posted the process just like Ive done before with success. This time when I load the .nc file onto the controller, and try to start the program, the Tormach PCNC 1100 controller gives the message:

file/home/operator/g code/FA.nc is not a valid G code text file format

I also tried an older program that I used on this machine and setup previously successfully, and it gave me the same message.

 Obviously I have inadvertently changed something because it was working before, but I cannot figure out what it is. If anyone has any ideas, I would sure like to hear them. Thanks in advance for any help or advice. Im using fusion 360 and a Tormach PCNC1100 with a controller running path pilot. Please find attached file FA.nc (the offending file)

[seth.madore]

Do you have any g-code saved from prior jobs?

I'm guessing that perhaps it's missing the Oxxxx number at the beginning..

[Anonymous]

Hey, thanks for responding.. I mean it, Ive been up acid creek in a chicken wire boat here.

 Im going to attach a couple of old .nc files saved on this (design computer) , but I was not able to get them to work either. The only thing I have been able to get to work are previously successful jobs that are still on the stored on the mill controller computer. Please find a copy of one of generator pulley bottom and TDI to T5 starter hole which I just pulled off of the mill controller

 and:Dowell soft jaws, which is straight off of the design computer. If It helps, I use a PC in an office environment to do the CAD CAM designs, then transfer the file onto a zip, and hand carry it to the mill in the shop. Thanks again for putting your attention on this please let me know if you need any more information.

[Anonymous]

Additional Information:

 OK just for my own sanity, I tried the same thing using another hand held zip drive and 2 of the same files that gave the error message worked, or at least the program loaded up and started, they had other error messages, but they started and as a control, I tried the exact same files from the old zip drive and it threw the error message. Therefore, it has to have something to do with the zip drive I use to hand carry the files to the machine. The zip drive in question is not corrupted for any other purpose, but it is the common factor here. Could it really be this simple? if it is, its an easy problem to fix, I just wonder why it did it right after a fusion update.

[engineguy]

@Anonymous 

Looking at your code I see that one file has no program number (O1001 for example), and the other two have characters instead of numbers, one is (FA) and the other is (TDI to T5 starter hole), the Path Pilot Post Processor should be outputting numbers.

So I reckon that @seth.madore  has the answer to the problem, it is the lack of a program number so make sure you use numbers for your Program Name/Number in your setup.

If you do this and it doesn`t work then something may have changed in your Post Processor during the Fusion update, this can happen if you use the Post Processor directly from the "Installed Library" which is the online one, when you have a Post Processor that works you should copy it into your "Personal Library" as that is stored in a location on your PC and is not affected by any Fusion updates!

So look at what @seth.madore  has said and go from there, he will be correct I reckon 🙂

Regards

Rob

[Anonymous]

Hey, thanks for taking a look at this.

 OK I see the numbers in the front of the program when you look at the .nc file in word pad. I just tried 2 files . One that was giving me problems (the old FA file) and redid post process and it named itself 1001. It names them all 1001. And another that was named Titan 1M 3rd. I tried them carried with one zip drive and then another. The programs loaded and started in the second zip but not the first. Is it possible that I have 2 problems going on here?

one is a zip drive that works fine, but seems to blank up all of these .nc files that are put on it. This one is easily fixed with a new zip. Done

Next would be that the post process didn't name or number a series of .nc files that I posted, this  seems to have stopped, so maybe it was an anomaly in the program or just a fluke.

 I had the other nc file that was named and not numbered and it still ran. Should I be concerned this might happen again because of something I did, or just go with it and use all of the programs as 1001 and put them in a file with their name on it. Either way, I'm happy because its working again. We can call this one done if you guys want because I don't have to know the whys, but if it was something I did or didn't do correctly, I don't want it to happen again. Thanks

Everyone have a good Christmas

[engineguy]

@Anonymous 

You can insert a different number for each program in your setup, under the Post Processor tab is where you find it, see images.

Hope that explains it a bit better for you, use the Program Comment to output a program name  or other info you want displayed at the machine control.

Regards

Rob

[Anonymous]

OK got it, really as long as it has a number and the program should number itself. Anything I want like a label goes in the comments. Outstanding, thanks for your help

Seth thanks as well. you guys have a good  Christmas

And this is the TDI to T5 adaptor casting if curiosity is a factor.

[daniel_lyall · Accepted solution]

Word pad can remove the % at the start and end of the Gcode using notepadd++ usually, is fine, use Visual studio code what is recommended and the program you use to edit posts.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-post-processor-forum/autodesk-hsm-post-editor-for-visual-studio-c...