Surprised by update (license changed or subscription ended with out warning)

[tfarllc]

Today around 4 PM while using Fusion 360 I noticed something different.  The software updated and I noticed "Non-Commercial License" on a screen image.  I thought trouble was on its way but nothing changed for about 5 hours. 5 hours later, I was posting some g-code with the message popped up saying your license does not allow you to do this.   My question:  Did my subscription end (and no one tell me) or is there a new bug that I down loaded today?  

[masa.minohara]

Hi @tfarllc,

Thank you for posting about the issue! "Non-Commercial License" shows up if you are using a free startup license. Have you purchased a license for Fusion 360, or were you using a free version (Startup/Hobbyist)? I checked the status of your account in our internal system and found that you have a valid startup license.

Could you give me the following information so I can troubleshoot further?

1. Diagnostic log files (zip file)

2. Public link to the design

3. Screenshot of the error message

4. Post processor file you are using

I look forward to hearing from you.

[tfarllc]

Thank you for replying. I can not send details on the error message because the error no occurs.
I tried the below last night to fix the issue:
1. Close Fusion and restart. Still had the error.
2. Down load another copy of Fusion and reinstall. The install program recognized the latest version was already installed so I aborted the reinstall.
3. Sign out of Autodesk user account and sign back into the user account.
4. Reboot the computer.
5. Took computer off line.

I did not attempt to post process after steps 3 and 4 because "Non-Commercial License" still showed in the top left of my screen. However, after step 5 I acknowledged the prompt that Fusion is now offline, "Got it". I tried post processing. It worked. The error has not happened since. I only lost two hours of machine time and not the whole night.

[tfarllc]

Post processor: HAAS (pre-NGC)/haas  Diagnostic files attached.

[masa.minohara]

Hi @tfarllc,

Thank you for the update! Are you still having an issue when post processing? Have you tried going back to Online mode and post processing? I'm not sure if this is related but I saw a network related error in the log file.

As mentioned earlier, "Non-Commercial License" shows up at top-left corner if you are using a free startup license. 

[tfarllc]

Yesterday morning I would have answered no.  I am not having a problem.  Later in the evening it happened again.  It seems after an hour or so of work with Fusion off line (at the CNC machine) the error (message appears).  I attached a screen image of the message.

        I got around the issue more quickly yesterday evening.   I went online using my cell phone as a tether.  The message persisted.  I restarted Fusion and the message persisted.  I clicked working offline (and possibly restarted Fusion again) and the message did not return.  I was able to post the g-code. 

[masa.minohara]

Thank you for the screenshot! This is strange! I noticed in the screenshot that Multi-axis icon in the menu bar is missing. Is that always missing? Can you create a probe operation without getting an error now? Also, do you remember if advanced feature (probe, multi-axis toolpath) was available when you were finally able to post process? 

I thought the issue may be related to your account but I'm not sure why it happens randomly. 

[tfarllc]

I do not recall whether or not the Multi-axis icon previously existed.  I have not attempted to use Multi-axis (4th or 5th axis) milling since my machine is only 3 axis.  

   You asked, "Can you create a probe operation without getting an error now?".    Yes.  However,  while at my desk and connected to the internet I never had a problem posting g-code with a probe operation.  The message that warned I could not post g-code seems to apply to the other operations as well as the probe operation.    I never tried to post with probe suppressed and the warning message present. 

[tfarllc]

The issue of not being able to post while off line persists.  Also, Fusion notices when I attempt to use the Probe function.  It says I do not have a license for that (again while offline).  I try to tether my phone for a few minutes to get around the issue but today I could not (probably a weak phone connection).   The software is quickly becoming to costly from downtime to warrant its low price.  Why can't on work offline?  What happened?

[masa.minohara]

Hi @tfarllc,

I am sorry to hear that the issue still persists. Could you try creating a new Autodesk account and invite the new account to your project, and check if the issue occurs with the new account? If you don't see the issue with a new account, the issue may be related to something in your account and I will need to check if everything is fine at the back end.

Are you seeing the issue only when you are using Fusion in offline mode?

[tfarllc]

I set up another account. It will be a couple of days before I work next to the machine. Yes, I am having trouble when offline. There is no wifi at the machine. I have to tether my laptop to my cell phone in attempt to work around the issue. Saturday even that did not work.

[masa.minohara]

Hi @tfarllc,

Thank you for your response. I confirmed that Fusion does not load the entitlement correctly without internet connection, and I was not able to access advanced CAM feature including Probe, Multi axis, tool orientation, etc. in offline mode. I've reported this issue to the development team and they will investigate the issue further. I apologize for the inconvenience. (the ticket ID is FUS-40035 just for your reference)

However, I'm still having difficulty reproducing the issue with posting G code in offline mode. What happens if you click Post button? Do you get the error message about license?

Could you describe the steps that cause the issue in more details? Also, some screenshots would be helpful as well.

[tfarllc]

I expect to be out at the machine in a couple of days and will try to record any errors. Of interest, I wonder if having a probe action in the program is preventing me from posting while off line. Only recently did I begin calling a probe action in the program. And, only recently have I had trouble with posting when off line.

[tfarllc]

The problem has not reoccurred.   I've work several evenings at the mill with out internet access and have not experienced any further permission issue using the probe or posting G code.