Table of Contents

Camera

Show

Camera Show displays the view visible to a USB web-cam, mounted alongside the spindle, looking down on the workpiece. The large cross-hair marker in the center of the view is used for precise ‘targeting’ of points on the stock, for measurement or capture purposes.

Available USB web-cams are listed in a drop-down in the center of the panel. Depending on attached hardware, options to use camera filters may also be shown. PlanetCNC TNG software provides adjustment, so the basic web-cam option is selected. Basic web-cam hardware is suitable. It is much less costly to replace in event of failure or damage.

Camera hardware mounted close to spindle experiences much vibration. Robust construction and the ability to mount hardware securely are the most important considerations when choosing web-cam tool sensors. Camera and camera cable might also be source of electrical interference.

Select Camera
This button opens up a menu displaying all connected and available camera.

Zoom
This button opens up a zoom factor menu:

Color
This button opens up a color palette menu.
Using the color settings user can change the color of crosshair of camera view:

Circle
This slider is used for circle diameter adjustment:

Mark

Marks camera reference point on machine table which will be used for setting camera offset.

Read

Read 1

Saves camera reference point coordinates (X,Y,Z) captured at the lowest Z axis height possible, using camera view. Saved coordinates refer to Point 1 of Set Offset dialog.

Read 2

Saves camera reference point coordinates (X,Y,Z) captured at the highest Z axis height possible using, camera view. Saved coordinates refer to Point 2 of Set Offset dialog.

Calibrate Scale

Calibrates camera viewfinder scale/grid for measuring purposes.

Set Offset

Opens dialog with current Mark, Point 1 and Point 2 values already populated (if Mark, Read1 and Read 2 actions were performed prior). Click OK to set Camera Offset.

How to set Camera two point offset:

  1. Open camera window with Machine/Camera/Show…
  2. Mark camera reference point on machine table. You can use marker, small drill, tool, … Whatever you find useful.
  3. Position tool exactly over this reference point and click: “Machine/Camera/Set Offset/Mark”
  4. Move machine and locate reference point with camera view. Use lowest Z level possible.
  5. When reference point is in center of camera cross-hair marker click: “Machine/Camera/Set Offset/Read 1”
  6. Now move Z to highest possible level where marker is still visible on camera view and center it.
  7. When camera reference point is in center of camera cross-hair marker click: “Machine/Camera/Set Offset/Read 2”
  8. To set camera offset click: Machine/Camera/Set Offset → OK