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Delphi (Win32)
Advanced Delphi (Win32)
Coogara Consulting
ShopBot Remote Pro
ShopBot Remote Pro allows control of your
ShopBot CNC router
from a mobile device.
privacy policy
Read the
privacy policy
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Overview
Overview
Server software download
Server software download
Server configuration
Server configuration
App configuration
App configuration
Advanced server configuration
Advanced server configuration
Note:
this is a new product that replaces the previous ShopBot In Control software. It requires the new server software that you can download from this page (see the download tab).
I am a ShopBot Desktop owner and have created this for my own use. I hope it will also be useful to you. If you have problems let me know via the Contact page. And if there are additional features you would like to see just let me know. A consensus of suggestions may make it into a new version.
Devices you can use
Android
The Android app is available from
Google Play.
A
free/light Android version
is available so you can test how some of the functions work:.
Get the free version here
Apple
The Apple app is available from
the App store.
A
free/light Apple version
is available so you can test how some of the functions work:.
Get the free version here
All you need to do to get going is install the server process. It will run on the same computer to which you connect your ShopBot. Next, download the app for your mobile device and register the device with the server process.
Win/Mac ShopBot Desktop Monitor
A desktop monitor is available for both Mac and Windows. It displays the job progress from your ShopBot on your desktop.
In no way does the purchase of the desktop monitor software enable or activate functionality in iOS or Android apps. It is purely a desktop aplpication for monitoring CNC job progress.
When you purcahse ShopBot Remote Pro mobile app, for Apple or Android, the Desktop Monitor is free (see the App configuration tab above). If you are are using the free version of the app, or don't use the mobile app at all, the desktop monitor can be purchased separately at:
the Coogara shop
In no way does the purchase of the desktop monitor software enable or activate functionality in iOS or Android apps. It is purely a desktop aplpication for monitoring CNC job progress.
Download the server
I recommend that you start by downloading and running the server. The software should run problem free on Windows XP and later. I have not had the opportunity to test on Windows 95 or 98. If you try it, please let me know so these details can be updated.
The download includes simple instructions for installation - they really are simple - there is nothing to it.
Download the server V3.4.6953 (Jan 14 2019)
ShopBot 3 Control Software
What versions of the ShopBot control software can this be used with? I have tested it with versions 3.6.x and 3.8.x and both appear to work fine.
How it works
ShopBot IC Server runs in the Windows tray:
Double-click the icon to display the properties dialog:
Note the warning
: the server process diercts instructions from your mobile device to the ShopBot control software. It is therefore essential that, after configuring any part of the ShopBot IC Server, you
click on the ShopBot control software to make it active
. Otherwise you will not be able to send instructions to your machine.
For your convenience, allow it to start with Windows by checking the "Start with Windows" box. In the unlikely event you need to change the port, ensure that your mobile device uses the same port.
Swap X and Y Axes
If you want the up/down left/right buttons in the App to switch the axes they control, check this box.
Broadcast job progress
In paid versions of the App, the job status can be shown on your mobile device. There is also a desktop program available, to paid users, that displays job progress. If you don't want to broadcast job progress to registered devices, uncheck this box.
Skin
Change the appearance of the server by choosing a skin.
Configuring your iOS or Android Device
On your mobile device, start by going to the Settings screen by using the button in the top-right corner and clicking Settings.
On the settings screen, enter the IP address of the computer on which you are running the server.
Click the button to register with the server. At this point you must go to the server to respond to the prompt.
Once the device is approved it can be used to control the ShopBot.
Remember:
the ShopBot Control software that runs the ShopBot must be the active application to receive information from the remote control. Just click on it to make it active.
Diagnostics
The server offers some diagnostics to assist in diagnosing issues and just for stickybeaks. Right-click the server tray icon and choose Diagnostics:
The log shows messages and instructions issued from a mobile device.
Custom commands
The Server can be used to configure custom commands for your App to load.
Note that this feature is only available in the paid version of the App
. The free version includes only a couple of special buttons.
From the tray icon, right-click and choose Custom Commands:
From this screen custom commands can be added, edited and removed. The order of the commands can be changed and then reloaded by your App.
Enter the text that will appear on the button in your App. Next, specify the command that will be sent to the control software. This is usually one of the standard two-character ShopBot commands. Most commands do not require input. However, in come cases you may want to execute a command that requires input. Check the "Requires input" box. When a button in your App is clicked, and it requires input, the App will display an input box in which the command value can be entered. If you provide a default value, the input box will be pre-filled with this value. Finally, some commands execute immediately on your ShopBot. This is sometimes undesirable. You may want to be shown a confirmation message on your device before the command is executed. Check the "Confirm command" box to enable this behaviour.
Once you have finished editing the commands the updated commands can be reloaded in your app by choosing Load Custom Buttons from the app menu on you rmobile device.
Note:
It is always necessary to hit Enter in the App for commands that require input. This is a safety measure to ensure you are satisfied with the command before it is executed.
Commands not sent to the ShopBot
Check your settings to make sure the IP address is correct. Click the ShopBot Control software to make sure it is active. Make sure you have no firewall issues for the port the server process is using to communicate with mobile devices.
Check the Commands Sent diagnostics shown below. If your commands are being received they will appear here. If they are not controlling your ShopBot then the issue is probably that the ShopBot Control software is not active. Click on it to ensure it is the active application.
Improving the product
Let me know what features you want in future versions. You can contact me via the Contact page.
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