PathPilot Interface Overview

In This Section, You'll Learn:

How PathPilot is organized, and where you can access each tool or feature.

About PathPilot

PathPilot is a combination hardware and software system that you use to control your machine. The controller hardware runs the PathPilot software.

The PathPilot interface is divided into sections: the Notebook section is in the top half of the screen, and the Persistent Controls section is in the bottom half.

Figure 1: Sections in the PathPilot interface.

Notebook Section

Figure 2: Notebook section.

The areas displayed in the Notebook section change depending on the activity that you're doing. Activities are grouped into the following tabs:

Main Tab

Figure 3: Main tab.

By default, the Main tab is active when you power on the PathPilot controller. From the Main tab, you can do the following activities:

Access G-code files that are already loaded into PathPilot, and open or close them.
For information, see “Load G-Code”.
Send G-code commands directly to the machine using the Manual Data Input (MDI) Line DRO field.
For information, see “Manually Enter Commands”.
In a G-code program, do tasks like finding specific terms in the code, reading the code, or viewing the generated tool path.
For information, see “Read G-Code”.

File Tab

Figure 4: File tab.

From the File tab, you can do the following activities:

Transfer G-code files into the PathPilot controller.
For information, see “Load G-Code”.
Edit G-code files.
For information, see “Edit G-Code”.
Load .nc files into PathPilot to run a program.
For information, see “Load G-Code”.
Move files within the system.
For information, see “Load G-Code”; “Manage System Files”.

Settings Tab

Figure 5: Settings tab.

From the Settings tab, you can do the following activities:

Change the network name with which you're using PathPilot.
For information, see “Change the Network Name”.
Change the screen's layout orientation (landscape or portrait).
For information, see “Change the Screen Orientation”.
Configure PathPilot for the accessories you're using.
For information, see “Enable the On-Screen Keyboard”; “Enable the USB M-Code I/O Interface Kit”; “Use a USB Camera”; “Specify the Tool Change Method”; “Select the Spindle Type”; “Enable the Door Lock Switch Kit”; “Specify Probing and Tool Measuring Options”; “Use the RapidTurn Interface”; “Specify the 4th Axis Rotary Type”.
Turn on feeds and speeds suggestions when using conversational programming.
For information, see “Enable Feeds and Speeds Suggestions in Conversational Routines”.
Specify the way in which you want to use a G30 move.
For information, see “Limit G30 Moves”.
Identify the available G-code modes that you can use.
For information, see “View Available G-Code Modes”.

Offsets Tab

Figure 6: Offsets tab.

From the Offsets tab, you can do the following activities:

Make and restore backup files of your settings.
For information, see “Create Backup Files”; “Restore Backup Files”.
Import and export .csv files of your tool table.
For information, see “Import and Export the Tool Table”.
Work with a table of tool descriptions and tool offsets.
For information, see “Set Tool Length Offsets”.
Use an Electronic Tool Setter (ETS) to measure tools.
For information, see “Set Tool Length Offsets”.
Preset a G30 position.
For information, see “Use a G30 Position”.
Read the currently programmed work offsets.
For information, see “View Work Offsets”.

Conversational Tab

Figure 7: Conversational tab.

From the Conversational tab, you can do the following activities:

Use different functions to create simple G-code programs in PathPilot.
For information, see “Use Conversational Programming”.

Probe Tab

Figure 8: Probe tab.

From the Probe tab, you can do the following activities:

Configure and control a probe to help perform certain functions.
For information, see “Use a Probe with PathPilot”.

Status Tab

Figure 9: Status tab.

From the Status tab, you can do the following activities:

View diagnostic machine information.
For information, see “Troubleshooting”.
Read error messages.
Configure your internet connection.
For information, see “Enable an Internet Connection” (Optional).
Update or install a previous version of PathPilot.
For information, see "Manage PathPilot Versions".

Persistent Controls

Figure 10: Persistent Controls section.

The areas that display in the Persistent Controls section don't change (unlike the Notebook section). They display regardless of the activity you're doing. Activities are grouped into the following areas:

Program Control Area

Figure 11: Program Control area.

From the Program Control area, you can do the following activities either before starting or while running a G-code program:

Reset the machine.
For information, see “Bring the Machine Out of Reset”.
Start, stop, or pause a G-code program.
For information, see “Start a Program”; “Stop Machine Motion”; “Use the Feed Hold Function”.
Turn coolant on or off.
For information, see “Operate the Coolant Pump”.
Use overrides to change the feed rate, spindle speed, and maximum velocity.
For information, see “Use the Feed Rate Override Function”; “Use the Maxvel Override Function”; “Use the Spindle Override Function”.
Manually control a G-code program.
For information, see “Use M01 Break Mode'; “Use Single Block Mode”.

Position Status Area

Figure 12: Position Status area.

From the Position Status area, you can do the following activities either before starting or after running a G-code program:

Reference the machine axes.
For information, see “Reference the Machine”.
Create work offsets.
For information, see “Set Work Offsets”.
Understand how you're jogging the machine.
For information, see “View the Active Axis to Jog”; “View the Current Machine Position”; “View the Distance to Go”.
Quickly determine which G-code modes are active.
For information, see “View the Active G-Code Modes”.

Manual Control Area

Figure 13: Manual Control area.

From the Manual Control area, you can do the following activities either before starting or after running a G-code program:

Move the machine axes.
For information, see “Jog the Machine”.
Change the spindle speed or feed rate.
For information, see “Change the Spindle Speed”; “Change the Feed Rate”.
View or edit information about the current tool.
For information, see “Change the Tool Number”; “Use a G30 Position”; “View the Tool Length”.

Keyboard Shortcuts

The following table lists the keyboard shortcuts in PathPilot.

Keyboard Shortcut	Use to...
Alt+E	Edit the currently loaded G-code program (from any tab in the PathPilot interface)
Alt+Enter	Use the Manual Data Input (MDI) Line DRO field
Alt+F	Use the coolant function
Alt+R	Start a program
Esc	Stop a program
Shift+Alt+E	From the Main tab, quickly edit a G-code program with conversational programming
Space Bar	Feed hold the machine

Manage PathPilot Versions

You don't need to install updates sequentially. You can update from any previous version to the current version of PathPilot. Depending on what you want to do, refer to the following sections:

"Download and Install an Update File from the Controller"
"Install an Update File from a USB Drive"
"Install a Previous Version of an Update File"

Download and Install an Update File from the Controller

Confirm that the PathPilot controller is powered on and out of Reset mode.
Downloading and installing an update file requires an Internet connection. From the Status tab, confirm that the Internet button LED light is on. (To configure the network, select the LED light.) Then, select Update.

Figure 14: Update button on the Status tab.

From the Software Update dialog box, select Check Online.

Figure 15: Software Update dialog box.

Select Install.

Figure 16: Install button on the Software Update dialog box.

The update file is downloaded, and a notification dialog box displays.

From the dialog box, select OK.
The update file is installed on the PathPilot controller.
Follow the on-screen instructions to restart the PathPilot controller.

Install an Update File from a USB Drive

From the PathPilot support center, download the most recent PathPilot update file.
Transfer the PathPilot update file to a USB drive.
Put the USB drive into the PathPilot controller.
Confirm that the PathPilot controller is powered on and out of Reset mode.
From the Status tab, select Update.

Figure 17: Update button on the Status tab.

From the Software Update dialog box, select Browse.

Figure 18: Software Update dialog box.

From the Browse dialog box, select USB.

Figure 19: Browse dialog box.

Select the desired update file, and then select Update.
The update file is installed on the PathPilot controller.
Follow the on-screen instructions to restart the PathPilot controller.

Install a Previous Version of an Update File

Confirm that the PathPilot controller is powered on and out of Reset mode.
From the Status tab, select Update.

Figure 20: Update button on the Status tab.

From the Software Update dialog box, select Browse.

Figure 21: Software Update dialog box.

From the Browse dialog box, select Previous Versions.

Figure 22: Browse dialog box.

Select the desired update file, and then select Update.
The update file is installed on the PathPilot controller.
Follow the on-screen instructions to restart the PathPilot controller.

Looking for more information?

This is a section of the 1100MX operator's manual. To view the whole manual, go to Tormach document UM10586.

If you have additional questions, we can help. Create a support ticket with Tormach Technical Support at tormach.com/how-to-submit-a-support-ticket for guidance on how to proceed.

1100MX Knowledge Base