Introduction

The PlanetCNC series of CNC motion controllers serve as a link between a personal computer and motor drivers that support step/direction control. These controllers are compatible with most motor drivers, and they use either the USB or Ethernet port, which are available on all modern computers and laptops. The PlanetCNC motion controllers can also serve as a direct replacement or upgrade for many parallel port break-out boards.

PlanetCNC motion controllers can function as a direct replacement or upgrade for many parallel port break-out boards. They provide a USB or Ethernet interface, which are commonly found on modern computers and laptops, allowing for a more versatile and reliable connection between the PC and the motor driver, with advanced features such as step/direction control.

The PlanetCNC motion control system is a complete, fully integrated software and hardware solution that does not require additional machine control software. The PlanetCNC TNG motion control software is a dedicated application specifically designed to fully utilize the features of the purpose-built hardware. It offers advanced features to assist with day-to-day CNC machine operation, providing users with a comprehensive and user-friendly interface to control their machines.

• Works with PC/Laptop running:
  • Windows 7, 8, 10, 11,… OS.
  • Linux 64-bit OS.
  • Intel based iMAC with High Sierra or newer OS.
• Raspberry Pi 3 and Pi4 running Raspbian 32bit.
• Advanced interpolation algorithms for smoother motion and toolpath optimization.
• Standard RS274/NGC G-code supported.
• Advanced G-codes - G40, G41, G42 (Cutter Radius Compensation) supported.
• Advanced G-codes - G43, G49 (Tool Length Offsets) supported.
• Advanced G-codes - G54, G59 (Coordinate System Origins) supported.
• Tested with SolidCAM, MasterCAM, ArtCAM, SheetCAM, Vectric, DeskProto, CamBam, MeshCAM, LightBurn and many other generated G-code.
• Profili2 and DevFoam 4-axes and 3-axes G-code for foam-cutting supported.
• Import toolpath from DXF files.
• Import toolpath from PLT/HPGL files.
• Import toolpath from SVG files.
• Import toolpath from Gerber (RS-274X) files.
• Import toolpath from NC-Drill (Excellon) files.
• Import toolpath from CSV files.
• Import toolpath from image files.
• Import toolpath from Python.
• Export toolpath to G-code.
• Export toolpath to DXF.
• Export toolpath to CSV.
• Automatic homing procedure.
• Multiple languages supported.
• Import of language files supported.
• Built-in support for manual and automatic toolchange procedure.
• Import of backup machine profile supported.
• Export of backup machine profile supported.
• Multiple view of toolpath supported.
• Built-in G-code editor supported.
• G-code program line bookmarking supported.
• G-code program line search tool supported.
• MDI command history supported.
• Transformation of G-code program supported (Transformation From Foints).
• G-code program manipulation tools supported (Shift, Translate, Scale, Rotate, Mirror).
• Warp supported (curved surface compensation).
• Copy and Swap manipulation tools for XYZ and UVW axes supported.
• Machine Start, Stop, Pause, Estop control supported.
• Start from selected program line supported.
• Start from beginning to bookmark supported.
• Start from bookmark to bookmark supported.
• Start from bookmark to end supported.
• G-code program loop execution supported.
• Mist control supported.
• Flood control supported.
• Spindle CW, CCW control supported.
• Digital outputs control supported.
• Motor enable control supported.
• Backlash compensation supported.
• Soft limits supported.
• Hard limits supported.
• Probe trigger for simulation purposes supported.
• Tool table with integrated 'Speed & Feed' calculator supported.
• Tool length measurement supported.
• G28 and G30 home positions supported.
• Unwind tool for ABC rotational axes supported.
• Work position measure height supported.
• Coordinate systems supported.
• Coordinate systems edit table supported.
• Built in machining cycles supported.
• Probe measuring procedures supported.
• Points measuring supported.
• Camera supported.
• User commands supported.
• G-code scripts for flexible machine behavior supported.
• Scripting with advanced functions supported.
• Communication with external equipment via USB and/or serial port supported.
• Python scripts for external processes supported.
• GUI customization supported.
• SDK (software developers kit) available. PlanetCNC TNG offers a dedicated API. API is built-in into the version of PlanetCNC TNG. API can be used with almost all programming languages. Examples are available in C,C# and Python.

PlanetCNC TNG is a high-performance CNC system that is designed with flexibility in mind. It can be used for a variety of machines and systems that require coordinated movement of servo or stepper motors, such as mills, routers, lathes, plasma or laser machines.

The PlanetCNC TNG software works with the Mk3 series of PlanetCNC motion controllers and a PC running Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11, or Linux.

For optimal performance, a PC with 4 virtual processors (cores) is recommended, but a PC with 2 virtual processors will also work. However, it is recommended to use a dedicated computer as various services running in the background, antivirus software, and program updates can interfere with the performance of PlanetCNC TNG.

When using USB, the controller should be connected directly to the computer's root USB port, or via a USB HUB device. It is recommended that the controller is the only device connected on this HUB as all devices connected to the same HUB share the available bandwidth, and it would not be uncommon if another device connected to the same HUB would interfere with the controller, compromising the communication between the controller and PC.