Order the Wincnc Wi-Fi Server

Firstly, in order for Wincnc Touch to be able to communicate with WinCnc, you must first purchase the Wincnc Wi-Fi Server. Further instructions and a link to download the server will be sent to you when your order is completed.

Backup Your Current WinCnc Configuration

Before you go any further, it is imperative that you backup your WinCNC Configuration. This will allow you to get things back to square one if something goes wrong further in this installation process.

Neither CNC Experts nor Microsystems assumes any liability resulting from any failure to do so on your part.

Download and Install the update for WinCnc

Next, you will need to download an update for Wincnc. You can download the latest version of Wincnc that supports the Wifi Server from this link.

To install the update for Wincnc, execute the file that you downloaded in the previous step. Note: You may get a warning similar to the one below that says “The publisher could not be verified. Are you sure you want to run this software?” Click Run to continue.)

When prompted for a location, type c:\Wincnc\ in the Unzip to Folder box as shown below.

The updated files should now have been copied into the Wincnc folder.

Now, you need to run a file called DriverInstaller.bat from inside the Wincnc folder. To do so, open up My Computer and click on Local Disc (C:) , then go into the WinCnc folder by double-clicking the folder icon next to the name WinCnc. Look for the file named DriverInstaller.exe and double-click it. This will copy all the necessary files into their proper locations to support using WinCnc along with the WinCNC Touch Mobile Apps.

Modify your Wincnc.ini file

add the following line to your wincnc.ini file:

mobiledll=c:\wincnc\wincnc.ini

Save changes to the wincnc.ini file and exit notepad. Close WinCnc, then restart Wincnc.

Download the Wincnc Wi-Fi Server Application

In order for WinCnc Touch to work, the WinCnc Wi-Fi Server must be running on the computer that runs your cnc machine using WinCnc. Download it using the download link sent to you after you placed your order, unzip it, and install it from the link provided you when you ordered the Wincnc Wi-Fi server.

Install the App On Your Mobile Device

To install the app, go to the Android Market on your mobile device, search for WinCNC Touch then install the app from there.

WinCNC Touch on the Android Marketplace

Configure Your Wireless Network and Configuration Settings

In order for the Wincnc Touch to work, you must set things up as follows:

• Your mobile device must be connected to a network via Wi-fi.
• Your control computer that is running Wincnc must be connected to the same network as that of your mobile device. It doesn’t have to be connected wirelessly, but it does have to be connected to the same network as the device. (For example, in my office network there are two computers connected wirelessly, one computer connected wired, and three mobile devices that connect wirelessly… all on the same network, and all on the same subnet.)
• The Wincnc computer and your mobile device must be connected on the same subnet as that of your mobile device.
• TCP ports 2030 and 2031 should be open on any software firewalls on your Wincnc computer. It should not be necessary to set up any NAT traversal or port forwarding on your router, as all the traffic will take place on the internal network.
• You must tell the Wincnc Touch Mobile App the IP address of the computer that is running the server.

Conclusion

If you have any questions on this, feel free to comment below. I will be working diligently to keep this documentation fresh as things change and update. Your feedback is much appreciated.

A CNC Retrofit Is an Economical Alternative to Replacing Aging CNC Routers

Many sign shops and small businesses with aging CNC routers find that a cnc retrofit saves them a considerable amount of money versus buying a new machine, enhances the performance of their machines and opens the door to the use of today’s latest and greatest software tools.

In this difficult economy, many businesses are struggling to keep their doors open, let alone make a profit. So when the owner of a cnc router is told by the manufacturer that they need to replace their old cnc machine or mortgage their home to update the old one, it can be a hard pill to swallow. Many times, this problem can be summed up in two words: cnc retrofit.

A cnc retrofit removes the old controller, or “brain” of a cnc router an replaces it with a new one. Sometimes, the motors, or “muscles” of a machine are also replaced as needed. Done properly, the end result of this process is a machine that easier to learn, easier to use, and fully compatible with virtually every signmaking and computerized machining (CAD/CAM) software on the market today.

Many business owners have managed to avoid the hassle and large capital expenditure associated with the purchase of a new machine by taking advantage of the cnc retrofit services provided by CNC Experts. This was the case with Greg DeSanti, president of ABC Sign Corporation. He had not one, but two cnc routers that were getting older and nearing the end of their useful life in terms of their control system, but were mechanically sound. Here’s what he had to say about his experience:

“I recently had both of my routers overhauled by Josh Glenn of CNC Experts. I was prepared to spend $100,000 on new routers. I ended up spending a small fraction of that cost on a complete retrofit. Josh is the best I’ve ever known when it comes to routers (and grew up in the sign business too).”

CNC Experts, a provider of global services relating to cnc equipment, has been offering cnc retrofit services since 2003. They also have extensive practical experience in the sign industry and can offer software support and training services specific to the needs of signmakers.

If you’d like more information about this topic, contact Joshua Glenn at (615) 378-7625 or visit www.cncexperts.com.

Contacts:
Joshua Glenn
(615) 378-7625

###