MACH3 PARAMETERS & VARIABLES

PARAMETER DEFINITION
Parameters are values / settings stored in Mach3 controller software. A user defines all
the settings of a machine (ie; a profile named MyMill) to the software and the profiles
are stored as individual xml files. All the user default settings are used on start-up.
Parameters are numbered and may be logically grouped in a series of numbers. Some of
the numbers are specific to the users machine and some are used by the user in
programming ( ie; Macro’s). Some parameters are read only. The ranges of parameter
number is 0 to 10320 but there other ones outside that range.
NOTE: Parameter values have developed / changed as Mach was developed thus
there are differences in the values from the early days.

A parameter used in Gcode is called a variable in Mach. A variable is just a letter name
which can store / hold a number for use in an expression and there are different types.

Mach3 Mill Manual ( excerpts from section 10 )

10.4.2 Parameters
A Mach3 machining system maintains an array of 10,320 numerical parameters. Many of
them have specific uses. The parameter which are associated with fixtures are persistent
over time. Other parameters will be undefined when Mach3 is loaded. The parameters are
preserved when the interpreter is reset. The parameters with meanings defined by Mach3
are given in figure 10.1

10.5.3.2 Parameter Value

A parameter value is the hash character # followed by a real value. The real value must
evaluate to an integer between 1 and 10320. ( note it is whole number no 20.2 etc) The
integer is a parameter number, and the value of the parameter value is whatever number
is stored in the numbered parameter.
The # character takes precedence over other operations, so that, for example, #1+2 means
the number found by adding 2 to the value of parameter 1, not the value found in
parameter 3.

Of course, #[1+2] does mean the value found in parameter 3. The # character may be
repeated; for example ##2 means the value of the parameter whose index is the (integer)
value of parameter 2.

10.5.4 Parameter Setting

A parameter setting is the following four items one after the other:
/a pound character #
/a real value which evaluates to an integer between 1 and 10320,
/ an equal sign = , and
/a real value. For example "#3 = 15" is a parameter setting meaning "set parameter 3 to
15."

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A parameter setting does not take effect until after all parameter values on the same line
have been found. For example, if parameter 3 has been previously set to 15 and the line
#3=6 G1 x#3 is interpreted, a straight move to a point where x equals 15 will occur and
the value of parameter 3 will be 6.

Mach3 is based on the Fanuc 6 system type a16, but the exact Mach3 numbers and
variables may be slightly different than the reference to Fanuc’s system in the reference
section of this write-up.

SOME METHODS TO FIND VALUES

1. Use MachProfile" program by K. Dietz.

Just compare two different XML's to see the difference.

2. Display the current value of a variable.

Goto top menu bar select OPERATOR then go down to Gcode VAR monitor.
Move the window over to where you want it . On the left input what # variable you
wish to see . As the #variable changes it updates the values.

3. Use a macro to find information. Examples as posted are in the reference section
Two macro’s can be found in the “Mach Tool Box” under subject listing:

Macro, Parameter Value Report by vmax549

Macro, Fixture offset values by vmax549

The macro’s are in the reference section of this write up.

NOTE: Modify the macro for both range and directory as needed.

5. Find the numbers listed in:

- Mach3 Mill or Lathe manual’s
- Wiki
http://www.machsupport.com/Mach3Wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

- Mach3 Macro Programmers Reference Manual

6. Links ( Artsoft Forum):

Members Docs
VB "Parameters" list
Poppabear 3/31/2009
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,11056.0.html
Mach_VB_parameters.doc

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 Members Docs
UPDATE to Mach Specific VB routines
Poppabear 3/31/2009
http://www.machsupport.com/forum/index.php/topic,11061.0.html
UPDATE_to_Mach_Specific_VB_routines.doc

VARIABLES
-1 to 33 are local variables, there value can only be used within the current g-code file,
-100 to 149 and 500 to 531 are global and can be used over any number of files.
-In the later versions of Mach variables 500 to 600 are global variables.
-G52, G92 and all the G54-G59 fixture offsets position data is stored in #2500 range
-Tool offset data is stored in the #2000 range.
-Use vars 99ABC where ABC is the OEM DRO number.
Yes indeed, #99802=0 does zero the Z axis DRO. Works for #9980n for n=0 TO
5.
In addition, #99800=#99802 transfers the Z axis value into the X axis DRO. Full Read and
Write.
-1-500 are open
500-600 are open and are persistant Mach saves them on shutdown to the xml.

Just a word of warning :-

#2001 onward are used by Mach3 as data locations for tool offsets, you may get strange
results if you use them. #100 to #149 and #500 to #531 are user variables #1000 and
over are system read only use. That said you can write to them to set system values.
0-499
500-600 persistent
601-1999
2000-2003 G31 data
Graham and others

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Groupings of variables from the Mach3 Mill Manual ( figure 10.1)
#5161 – #5166 G28
#5181 – #5186 G30
#5191 – #5196 Scale
#5211 - #5216 G52/G92 offset
#5220 Current Work Offset
#5221 – #10306 Work Offsets
Parameter / variable list from figure 10.1 in the Mach3 Manual.
( List is updated to remove error in the manual)

5161 G28 home X

5162 G28 home Y
5163 G28 home Z
5164 G28 home A
5165 G28 home B
5166 G28 home C
5181 G30 home X
5182 G30 home Y
5183 G30 home Z
5184 G30 home A
5185 G30 home B
5186 G30 home C
5191 Scale X
5192 Scale Y
5193 Scale Z
5194 Scale A
5195 Scale B
5196 Scale C
5211 G92 offset X
5212 G92 offset Y
5214 G92 offset A
5215 G92 offset B
5216 G92 offset C
5220 Current Work offset number
5221 Work offset 1 X
5222 Work offset 1 Y
5223 Work offset 1 Z
5224 Work offset 1 A
5225 Work offset 1 B
5226 Work offset 1 C
5241 Work offset 2 X
5242 Work offset 2 Y

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5243 Work offset 2 Z
5244 Work offset 2 A
5245 Work offset 2 B
5246 Work offset 2 C
5261 Work offset 3 X
5262 Work offset 3 Y
5263 Work offset 3 Z
5264 Work offset 3 A
5265 Work offset 3 B
5266 Work offset 3 C
5281 Work offset 4 X
5282 Work offset 4 Y
5283 Work offset 4 Z
5284 Work offset 4 A
5285 Work offset 4 B
5286 Work offset 4 C
5301 Work offset 5 X
5302 Work offset 5 Y
5303 Work offset 5 Z
5304 Work offset 5 A
5305 Work offset 5 B
5306 Work offset 5 C
5321 Work offset 6 X
5322 Work offset 6 Y
5324 Work offset 6 A
5325 Work offset 6 B
5326 Work offset 6 C

And so on every
20 values until
10281 Work offset 254 X
10282 Work offset 254 Y
10283 Work offset 254 Z
10284 Work offset 254 A
10285 Work offset 254 B
10286 Work offset 254 C
10301 Work offset 255 X
10302 Work offset 255 Y
10303 Work offset 255 Z
10304 Work offset 255 A
10305 Work offset 255 B
10306 Work offset 255 C

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REFERENCE SECTION
MACRO TO FIND PARAMETERS
NOTE: These macros should be put in the Macros directory for the screen set you
are using. Confirm

'Macro Parameter Value Info

textFilePath = "C:\Mach3\ParamValueInfo.txt"
Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set objTextFile = objFSO.CreateTextFile(textFilePath)
Dt= Date()
Tm= Time()
objTextFile.WriteLine("ParamValueInfo")
objTextFile.WriteLine(" Date: " &Dt &" Time: " &Tm)
Num=0
Do Until num=10320
num=num+1
N = GetVar(num)
If N <>"0" Then
objTextFile.WriteLine("Parameter# "& num &" * "& N & Chr(13) & Chr(10))
Else
End If
Loop
objTextFile.Close
Dim sCOMMAND As String
sCOMMAND="print c:\mach3\ParamValueInfo.txt"
Shell("c:\wi

'Macro Fixture Offsets

textFilePath = "C:\Mach3\FixOffsetInfo.txt"
Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set objTextFile = objFSO.CreateTextFile(textFilePath)
Do Until num=10320
Num=5222
num=num+1
N = GetVar(num)
Dt= Date()
Tm= Time()
If N <>"0" Then
objTextFile.WriteLine("Parameter"& num &" * "& N & Chr(13) & Chr(10))
Else

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End If
Loop
objTextFile.WriteLine("**")
objTextFile.WriteLine(" Date: " &Dt &" Time: " &Tm)
objTextFile.Close
Dim sCOMMAND As String
sCOMMAND="print c:\mach3\FixOffsetInfo.txt"
Shell("c:\winnt2\system32\cmd.exe /c" & sCOMMAND)
End

FANUC MACRO VARIABLES

Have a look here, mach3 is based on the Fanuc 6 system type a16, i.e. it has no
conditional commands or loops and no I/O commands
http://www.machinetoolhelp.com/Applications/macro/macro_variables.html
Graham

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This list gives the codes to be used in calls of SetOEMDRO and GetOEMDRO to access
all DROs.
If you are using a version of Mach3 prior to 1.90 then to access data in this list that are in
the range 800 upwards you will need to refer to the deprecated calls (e.g. SetDRO) and
corresponding codes.

command: (FROM Mach3Wiki)

SetOEMDRO
GetOEMDRO
Function OEMCode
Jog Inc Inc DRO 1
Pulse Freq DRO 2
Slow Jog % DRO 3
X min DRO 4
Y min DRO 5
Z min DRO 6
A min DRO 7
B min DRO 8
C min DRO 9
X max DRO 10
Y max DRO 11
Z max DRO 12
A max DRO 13
B max DRO 14
C max DRO 15
X G92 Axis Off DRO 16
Y G92 Axis Off DRO 17
Z G92 Axis Off DRO 18
A G92 Axis Off DRO 19
B G92 Axis Off DRO 20
C G92 Axis Off DRO 21
Queue Depth DRO 22
Time Scale DRO 23
PWM Base DRO 24
Torch Correction Speed DRO 25

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Torch Height Corrorrection DRO 26
Torch Height Max DRO 27
CPU Load DRO 28
Encoder 1 (X) position DRO 29
Encoder 2 (Y) position DRO 30
Encoder 3 (Z) position DRO 31
Tool length offset 32
X axis Ref Sw DRO 33
Y axis Ref Sw DRO 34
Z axis Ref Sw DRO 35
A axis Ref Sw DRO 36
B axis Ref Sw DRO 37
C axis Ref Sw DRO 38
True spindle DRO 39
Worst Case DRO 40
Tool X Offset DRO 41
Tool Z Offset DRO 42
Tool Dia DRO 43
Tool Tip Rad DRO 44
Touch Correction DRO 45
Current Fixture Number DRO 46
Part X Offset DRO 47
Part Y Offset DRO 48
Part Z Offset DRO 49
Part A Offset DRO 50
Part B Offset DRO 51
Part C Offset DRO 52
CPU Speed DRO 53
Safe Z DRO 54
Overidden Feed Rate DRO (read only?) 55
Pulley DRO 56
Max Spindle Speed on current pulley DRO 57
Velocity per Rev DRO 58
X Scale DRO 59
Y Scale DRO 60

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Z Scale DRO 61
A Scale DRO 62
B Scale DRO 63
C Scale DRO 64
Lowest Torch Correction DRO 65
Threading Entrance Angle DRO 66
Max Entrance Points DRO 67
Rotational Time Error DRO 68
Entrance Trigger DRO 69
Time Correction Derivative DRO 70
Interrupts per spindle rev DRO 71
Current Spin Counts DRO 72
Spin Adder DRO 73
Spindle Speed Override DRO 74
Stock Size DRO 75
Laser X Grid DRO 76
Laser Y Grid DRO 77
Repetitions DRO 78
Lower Z-Inhibit By DRO 79
Z-Inhibit DRO 80
Port Bit-test DRO (diagnostic) 81
Anti-dive limit DRO 82
X Machine Coord DRO 83
Y Machine Coord DRO 84
Z Machine Coord DRO 85
A Machine Coord DRO 86
B Machine Coord DRO 87
C Machine Coord DRO 88
Blend factor DRO 89
Number of spindle disc slots DRO 90
G73 Pull-off value DRO 91
Tangential lift threshold angle DRO 92
Tangential lift Z level DRO 93
reserved 94
reserved 95

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reserved 96
CV Feedrate DRO 97
Feed override increment value DRO 98
??? Spindle ratio DRO 99
Encoder 4 position DRO 100
MPG 1 count DRO 101
MPG 2 count DRO 102
MPG 3 count DRO 103
Rapid feedrate DRO 104
Diameter of current tool DRO 105
Tip direction of current tool DRO 106
Tool nose radius of current tool DRO 107
X offset of current tool DRO 108
Z offset of current tool DRO 109
X wear offset of current tool DRO 110
Z wear offset of current tool DRO 111
Tool turret angle of current tool DRO 112
Velocity of MPG 1 DRO 113
Velocity of MPG 2 DRO 114
Velocity of MPG 3 DRO 115
Angle of taper to be cut with MPG tapering DRO 116
Spindle speed as surface speed DRO 117
Angle of rotation of X/Y coordinate system (cf G68) 118
Laser grid spacing DRO 119
Number of incremental jogs that can be buffered DRO 120
Minimum spindle speed on current pulley DRO 121
Feed rate ignoring that set in F word DRO 122
Tool post offset (between front and rear posts DRO 123
Current velocity of MPG 1 DRO 124
Current velocity of MPG 2 DRO 125
Feedrate for use with MPG step jogs DRO 126
Error between Encoder 1 and abs X position DRO 127
Error between Encoder 2 and abs Y position DRO 128
Error between Encoder 3 and abs Z position DRO 129
Time (uSec) in interrupt handler DRO 130

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SLS Dist - laser position measurement DRO 131
Axis 6 Tripcount - system debug use only DRO 132
??? Engine lookahead DRO 133
Count of actual pulses output on X - debug use only DRO 134
Count of actual pulses output on Y - debug use only DRO 135
Count of actual pulses output on Z - debug use only DRO 136
Count of actual pulses output on A - debug use only DRO 137
Count of actual pulses output on B - debug use only DRO 138
Count of actual pulses output on C - debug use only DRO 139
Actual count from encoder 1 - debug use only DRO 140
Actual count from encoder 2 - debug use only DRO 141
Actual count from encoder 3 - debug use only DRO 142
Actual count from encoder 4 - debug use only DRO 143
Actual count from encoder 5 - debug use only DRO 144
Actual count from encoder 6 - debug use only DRO 145
ModBus input 64 DRO 146
ModBus input 65 DRO 147
ModBus input 66 DRO 148
ModBus input 67 DRO 149
Softlimit X Maximum DRO 150
Softlimit Y Maximum DRO 151
Softlimit Z Maximum DRO 152
Softlimit A Maximum DRO 153
Softlimit B Maximum DRO 154
Softlimit C Maximum DRO 155
Softlimit X Minimum DRO 156
Softlimit Y Minimum DRO 157
Softlimit Z Minimum DRO 158
Softlimit A Minimum DRO 159
Softlimit B Minimum DRO 160
Softlimit C Minimum DRO 161
Distance from front to rear toolpost DRO 162
Encoder 1 position (in units) DRO 170
Encoder 2 position (in units) DRO 171
Encoder 3 position (in units) DRO 172

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Encoder 4 position (in units) DRO 173
Part X radius/diameter for Touching to tooltable DRO 175
Part Z location for Touching to tooltable DRO 176
reserved DRO 177
Machine X coord - X Work Offset DRO 178
Machine Y coord - Y Work Offset DRO 179
Machine Z coord - Z Work Offset - Tool length DRO 180
Machine A coord - A Work Offset DRO 181
Machine B coord - B Work Offset DRO 182
Machine C coord - C Work Offset DRO 183
X Cont. Pnt. coord (Machine - Work - G52/G92) DRO 184
Y Cont. Pnt. coord (Machine - Work - G52/G92) DRO 185
Z Cont. Pnt. coord (Machine - Work - Tool len. - G52/G92) DRO 186
A Cont. Pnt. coord (Machine - Work - G52/G92) DRO 187
B Cont. Pnt. coord (Machine - Work - G52/G92) DRO 188
C Cont. Pnt. coord (Machine - Work - G52/G92) DRO 189
X axis home location used by G28 DRO 190
Y axis home location used by G28 DRO 191
Z axis home location used by G28 DRO 192
A axis home location used by G28 DRO 193
B axis home location used by G28 DRO 194
C axis home location used by G28 DRO 195
X axis Distance to Go DRO 196
Y axis Distance to Go DRO 197
Z axis Distance to Go DRO 198
A axis Distance to Go DRO 199
B axis Distance to Go DRO 200
C axis Distance to Go DRO 201
Overriden spindle speed DRO 202
Current pulley reversed direction 203
Current X offset of Turn tool 204
reserved 205
reserved 206
reserved 207
Encoder X reading corrected by offsets 208

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Encoder Y reading corrected by offsets 209
Encoder Z reading corrected by offsets 210
X soft limits Max 211
y soft limits Max 212
Z soft limits Max 213
X soft limits Min 214
y soft limits Min 215
Z soft limits Min 216
Spindle Seconds CW 217
reserved 218
reserved 219
Brains exe time (ms) 220
Probe Radius 221
Sub Program depth 222
Rapid Override 223
Number of macros currently running 224
X DRO 800
Y DRO 801
Z DRO 802
A DRO 803
B DRO 804
C DRO 805
X Vel DRO 806
Y Vel DRO 807
Z Vel DRO 808
A Vel DRO 809
B Vel DRO 810
C Vel DRO 811
Blended Velocity DRO 813
Elapsed DRO 814
Estimate DRO 815
Curr Line no DRO 816
Spindle requested DRO 817
Feedrate DRO 818
Motion Mode (G0, G1, G2 etc) DRO 819

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Feedrate Override (FRO) 821
Tool number DRO 824
Rot A diameter DRO 825
Rot B diameter DRO 826
Rot C diameter DRO 827
Jog Inc DRO 828
X Fixture Off DRO 830
X Fixture Orig Off DRO 830
Y Fixture Off DRO 831
Y Fixture Orig Off DRO 831
Z Fixture Off DRO 832
Z Fixture Orig Off DRO 832
A Fixture Off DRO 833
A Fixture Orig Off DRO 833
B Fixture Orig Off DRO 834
B Fixture Off DRO 834
C Fixture Orig Off DRO 835
C Fixture Off DRO 835
Current Tool length DRO 836

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