Welcome To Panel Pro news where will discuss new features and review old ones.
We will migrate the tips and tricks into this area.
We will announce new entries into out drawing library here.
Panel Pro computer set up
The Panel Pro requires a Windows 10 or 11 computer to operate AvCAM in a Panel Pro connected or offline situation. Buller Enterprises, Inc. encourages the Panel Pro owner to install AvCAM in as many computers as required to support the Panel Pro. Please comply with your CAD programs license requirements for CAD installations.
If the computer can comfortably run Windows 10 or 11 with 8-12gb of ram, it will likely run AvCAM.
The requirements are slightly different for Panel Pro control or offline use.
Use For Panel Pro control:
We recommend a desktop computer with a wired keyboard. Wireless keyboards use an rf band shared by many other devices and may result in sluggish or no control of vital Panel Pro movement. The computer MUST have a numeric keypad. It MUST have a mouse that includes a mouse wheel.
Avoid using a computer loaded up with games and other junk. At a minimum delete unused programs. Preferably a new computer or one with a clean Windows installation is preferred.
Mouse set up:
Windows 11. go to settings – Bluetooth & devices – mouse
Set scrolling to multiple lines at a time.
Set lines to scroll at a time to one.
Keyboard set up:
AvCAM uses function keys F1 – F12 for various control functions. Most keyboards have alternate tasks programmed to the function keys. For instance volume control etc. To toggle between the programmed functions and the raw function keys, press the fn key and the Esc key simultaneously. Your keyboard may be different. If it is, research your documentation to change the function key operation.
Monitor:
use a wired screen. DO NOT cast or project to another device
Location:
the keyboard should be at about 28” high so the users right hand can be on the keyboard while the users left and can reach to the middle of the Panel Pro on the controller side of the machine. A monitor that is 17” or larger is adequate. A huge screen is not required, but should be easily readable from the users seated position. A standing position or location other than in front of the SC3 controller will not provide an adequate sight line to line up panels and tools.
Windows explorer set up:
Windows 11: view menu – select details. View menu – show – have file name extensions and hidden items checked.
During Panel Pro operations, there will be a high demand for cpu time while the cutting or measuring process is taking place. Things like Windows update or other activities could make the Panel Pro response sluggish or unresponsive.
While performing any Panel Pro operations that involve movement, limit the number of open programs, particularly those that would use network or disk operations. Keep your computer updated when not using the Panel Pro functions so Windows is not doing an update when you are trying to use it.
Use in an office environment:
For the drawing process, have one or two large monitors. A lap top computer simply does not have the screen space for drawing.
Your normal office set up should work fine, although the Windows explorer set up is good to find the dxf files as some file names may exist under different extensions such as dxf and dwg or other CAD program specific extensions.
Grease Zerks
The Grease zerks for the linear bearings in the Panel Pro 5925 and 6126 utilize a m6 x .75 or 1 thread depending on the bearing manufacturer. Using a standard grease gun, sometimes the chuck (the part of the grease gun that comes in contact with the zerk) either does not connect well so you have this great gob of grease on the outside that does nothing except make a mess. Or does not release and you tear out the grease zerk from the bearing as it is threaded into a very thin sheet at the end of the bearing. At this point bad words are spoken, grease guns are thrown, etc.
Since the existing zerk threads are stripped out, what do you do? Go to your favorite farm store and get some 1/4 x 28 grease zerks. they will thread into the stripped out 6mm hole.
Next thing is get a good grease fitting. Lock N Lube has one that attaches without leaks and disengages easily.
The next challenge is getting into small spaces like the bottom of the z axis. Use the Lock N Lube needle dispenser.
the tip of the needle pokes into the grease zerk where the grease goes in.
This will eliminate most of the bad words that are spoken when it is time to grease. Grease the 12 zerks once a month and dry the rails with a rag wet with WD40 after use.
Panel Alignment Tabs
Make alignment tabs to align a previously cut panel blank or painted panel for engraving
Click here for the dxf make out of .090 or so scrap.
Cessna 182G
New panel available 1964 182G full panel.
This is available for Panel Pro owners by email request. Please include your company name and Panel Pro serial number in the request.
4824 ball screw snap ring repair.
The Panel Pro 4824 did not have home switches. The user can select Settings – Hardware – Use machine home. When checked, this selection allows the user to manually place the x axis at the right hand mechanical stop and the Y axis at the stop farthest away from the user (upper right hand corner). When machine home is set, AvCAM knows how far it can travel and will stop before contacting a hard stop. When the user elects NOT to use machine home, AvCAM has no idea of where it is within the travel limits and will hit a hard stop. Usually this is not a problem, although position awareness has been lost. Occasionally It can pop out the snap ring that keeps the ball screw from sliding through the motor end bearing. This results in a lot of play and out of round holes. The motor and coupler will need to be removed to gain access to the snap ring. Sometimes applying a left and right force by hand will reveal a clunking sound that is indicative of free play which cannot be tolerated that can be traced to s snap ring out of its groove.
If the Snap ring has popped out of its groove, contact us for a snap ring repair kit. This is a heavy duty collar that has a lip that locates in what’s left of the snap ring groove as well as a clamp that will keep it from slipping off. Simply replacing the snap ring will not work as the edges of the shallow groove will be rounded off.
Another thing that can happen is that the coupler that connects the motor to the ball screw can break. In later designs we replace that with a different type of coupler. Contact us for a replacement.