Updating X3 Post to X4

           Question: Do my current post processors need to be updated for use in Mastercam X4?

            Answer: Yes, your posts will need to be updated for use with Mastercam X4.  There is a bit of formatting of variables that needs to be updated in the post for it to function properly. There are two options to get this done.

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Update Option 1:       

If the user is comfortable navigating folders and using copy/paste then you can simply copy and paste your control and machine definitions to the proper folder and copy your post to its proper folder.  Then, using the updatepost.dll, you can select and update your post.  This will complete the updating of a post for use with X4.

Update Option 2:       

This process will keep the user inside of the Mastercam interface and handle moving files between folders.

Step 1:                       
From the File Menu Choose the Update Folder Option

Step 2:                       
Choose the file types, in this case .control and machine definition files, that you wish to update and choose the locations where the files are currently located (source) and to where they will be moved (destination).  The source and destination folders CANNOT be the same folder.

Step 3:                       
Now going back into the Update Folder dialog, choose the posts to be updated.  If you have different machine types, Lathe, Mill, Router, EDM, you will have to choose and do each folder independently.  Again the source and destination folders CANNOT be the same folder.

Step 4:                       
After completing the moving of the control, machine definitions and post processors, we will now update the posts.  Going to the menu, Settings >> Run User Application or using the keystroke ALT+C, launch the Updatepost.dll.

Step 5:                       
Once the UpdatePost dialog opens, you will choose your post type, which version you are updating it from, where you want the post placed after updating and the post which you are going to update.

Step 6:                 
After updating is completed a log file will be created and opens up in your default editor.  Pay close attention to what this dialog reports to you.  If it reports errors, these may need to be fixed before using this post processor.  There were previous syntax and processing strings that while they functioned, they were technically incorrect.  The post processing system has now tagged those as incorrect and they may need to be looked at for clarification.  In the VAST majority of cases seen thus far it amounts to nothing more than a missing bracket or other minor syntax errors.

Any questions please don't hesitate to contact Services Four Automation at 978-728-0009 or support@s4a.us