The latest version of HSMAdvisor v2.8.3 is now available as a plugin for Mastercam 2025

As always you can get the latest version here:
https://hsmadvisor.com/hsmadvisor_for_mastercam

The other week we have released HSMA v2.8.1

Here is what's different:

• Install-time License Setup added
  https://hsmadvisor.com/help?article_id=5417_silent-or-automatic-installation
• Main window resize performance improvements
  Fixed occasional incorrect element re-floating.
• Cloud Status added on the Tool Library Drop-down
• Opening HSMA window outside of visible bounds fixed
• Upgraded to .NET 4.8
  Use default TLS protocol to avoid "server not reached" or "unable to establish secure connection" errors
• Added Countersink tool
• Fixed and improved the critical drilling speed calculation
• Various bug fixes and improvements

As always you can get the latest update over here: HSMAdvisor.com/download

A new version of HSMAdvisor has just been released!

This minor update adds the Portuguese language and fixes the Language upload feature.
Thanks to TribeJoint - www.instagram.com/tribejoint/ for providing the translation!

Also, minor tweaks were made to improve drill chip load calculations for tiny and very large drills.

In related news. Big work is currently happening with expanding and improving the HSMAdvisor's Material Database.

You can download the latest HSMAdvisor Update over here: https://hsmadvisor.com/download

Cheers!

Tonight I released the latest version of HSMAdvisor and the plugin for Mastercam 2022, 2021 and 2020

Most of the issues reported by our users have either been fixed or otherwise addressed.

It has bug fixes and an improved tool creation routine.

Additionally, the Tool Path Write dialog now has an option to disable the toolpath regeneration and the actual values that will be written in the toolpath:

The Save button saves the current state of checkboxes as default.

Mastercam plugin can be downloaded here: https://hsmadvisor.com/hsmadvisor_for_mastercam

The latest standalone HSMAdvisor version is available here: https://hsmadvisor.com/download

It has some back-end improvements plus additional materials.

Please let me know if you have any feedback or questions!

The long-awaited feature, that has been available on FSWizard for some time now is now available in HSMAdvisor as well!

It is currently in the MVP stage, but now when you log in to HSMADvisor Cloud on both the FSWizard and HSMAdvisor (sharing is only allowed within the same account), the cloud tools are automatically synchronized between the two apps.

Check out the latest version here: https://hsmadvisor.com/download

To enable cloud libraries in HSMAdvisor, please Register and/or Log-in to the HSMAdvisor Cloud in Settings or by clicking on Actions->Cut Cloud->Log-in in the Tool Database tab.

Then select the Tool Library you want to sync with the cloud and go to Actions->Tool Library.
Enable the "Sync with HSMAdvisor Cloud" option.

Synced tools are now available on both apps:

Also, a couple of materials were added:

• AISI431, 1.4057, X17CrNi16-2 (QT800 and QT900)
• Aluminum 3.1645; EN AW-2007
• AISI4820 (1.6587, 18CrNiMo7-6)

Please make sure to send me any feedback you have on this or other issues!

Good day!

I just uploaded HSMAdvisor v2.4.2

It has a lot of improvements. For a full list of changes, please check the latest release here: https://hsmadvisor.com/?page=Download

We are going to host Black Friday sale this November 26-28.

So if you were planning on purchasing something from HSMAdvisor web store, mark a date in your calendar!

https://hsmadvisor.com/?page=Buy

All non subscription HSMAdvisor and FSWizard licenses will be at significant discount!

The latest version of HSMAdvisor is available on the Downloads page:
https://hsmadvisor.com/?page=Download

It has a couple of big improvements, such as improved feeds for endmills smaller than 1/2" in diameter. Tool display now more accurately shows how HSMAdvisor perceives your radiused tool and material engagement.

Also fixed a problem with the Scallop Calculator. It now doesn't affect the DOC, but only sets your WOC to whatever stepover you calculated.

Huge thanks to everybody who made suggestions, reported issues, and even simply asked questions!

Cheers!

Inhouse Solutions has released their latest version of MasterCAM 2022 just this past Monday ...

I am sure it has lots of improvements, which I didn't yet have time to explore because I was busy porting the HSMAdvisor plugin to the latest version.

Without further adieu. Please download the HSMAdvisor hook for the latest Mastercam over here:
https://hsmadvisor.com/?page=HSMAdvisor_for_MasterCAM

As usual, please report any issues or suggestions to our support forums and/or my email!

Cheers!

Ever since getting my benchtop CNC running, I have not been very happy with the lack of manual control over overrides and buttons.

This DIY Engineering video gave me a great idea: build one myself.

I wanted the smooth speed and feed overrides, so I decided to not go with HID device, but instead with a full serial control paired with a custom plugin on the UCCNC side.

Here is the Fusion design of the enclosure:

And here it is 3D-Printed.
Acrylic face engraved from the back side and painted.
And all buttons and controls mounted:

All I have to do now is wire the Arduino board, program the plugin, and test it!

Update:

Here is the video of the pendant in action:

1. PCB Design

Design notes:

• All resistors used were 10K
• Speed and Feed potentiometers are 10K
  Their pinout goes Wiper->ground = 0%, Wiper -> +5V = 200%
• Axis and Handwheel Increment rotary switches are 4-position and their pinout goes like this:
  Axis select 1-X, 2-Y, 3-Z, 4-A, C-Common (+5V)
  Handwheel Increment 1-0.0001, 2-0.0010, 3-0.0100, 4-0.1000, C-Common (+5V)
• All function buttons such as Jog +/-, M1, M2, etc are sending +5V signals to the digital pins D2-D12
• D13 digital pin is connected to a LED indicator and is used to tell the user that the Pendant is allowed to send signals to the plugin.

Design files:

• Electronics Design: https://a360.co/3NGWRTP
• https://a360.co/3NLhfDk
• https://a360.co/3JObaVh 

2. Enclosure Design

https://a360.co/3fG3jgI 

If you don't have a 3D printer and/or a CNC Mill, please contact me and I will send you a 3d-printed enclosure and the 3d-printed or milled acrylic face plate:

• 3D-Printed Black PLA Enclosure (shown in pictures): 30$ + shipping
• 3D-Printed Black PLA Face Plate (optional): 15$ + shipping
• CNC Milled and Engraved unpainted (clear) acrylic Face Plate (shown in pictures): 30$ + shipping

3. Arduino Setup

• Install the Full Firmata library onto your Arduino Nano (Or any other Ardiono that supports USB Serial Communication): StandardFirmata sketch used for Arduino NANO is also added to the release package

• Please note that you might need to install Arduino USB Driver in order for your Arduino to work on the target computer!

4. UCCNC Setup

• Download the latest LEETArduinoPendant from the releases and extract it to your PC.
  https://github.com/swindex/LEETArduinoPendant/releases
• Copy the LEETArduinoPendant.dll plugin file to the C:\UCCNC\Plugins directory!
• Copy the Solid.Arduino.dll file from the Solid.Arduino release folder to the C:\UCCNC directory.
• Please note that you might need to install Arduino USB Driver in order for your Arduino to work on the target computer!
• Launch UCCNC.exe, go to Settings->Configure Plugins, and mark the LEET Arduino Pendant plugin as Enabled and Call startup
• After everything is installed, Arduino is connected and UCCNC is running, press the "Enable" (+5v to D2-B-ENABLE ) button that will tell the plugin that the pendant is ready to send signals! D13 (LED+) will then have a continuous +3.3V signal alerting you of that!

Hardware Acquisition (Amazon)

Fusion F360 desing files Size:2.55 MB