Contour Shuttle Pro

[J.R. Hatcher]

Just thought this might be of interest. This is a Contour Shuttle Pro II. I have 1 on my cnc wood lathe. It has got to be the best thing I have done to the lathe. A friend is running one on his cnc router, he has about 30' of cable connecting it to the computer. He can walk completely around his machine. He said it is the best thing since sliced bread. Artsoft has made a plug-in for Mach that will let you assign the 15 buttons to almost control you choose + the 2 wheels can be ajusted to your satisfaction (for jogging or moving 1 step at the time). It is even better than having a portable keyboard. I already have one waiting for my MechMate. Regards J.R. ps the caps of the 9 top buttons are removable so a label can be inserted.:cool:

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[IN-WondeR]

What is the price tag for one of those.???

[J.R. Hatcher]

On e-bay used around US $60. Other places on the internet less than $100 new.

[TomR]

I also use one of these on my cnc machine, the Mach3 plug-in works great.

You can position any axis dead on to any position using the wheel dial.

I do a lot of prepping premade prefinished raised panel cabinet doors for glass
and this tool saves me considerable time making these cutouts.

Mine has worked flawlessly for the past year.

Tom

[Kipper]

I have one too and can report it to be very good...Also a Griffin Powermate...Very poor by comparison...imho

[Greg J]

Just ordered mine.

When up and running, will report.

[J.R. Hatcher]

Greg don't load the software that comes with it (as per Art Fenerty), mach 3 has its own plugin. If you don't mind telling, how much did you pay and where did you get it? If I may make 1 more suggestion, it comes with a 5' cord, when you add the extenion, tape the USB connectors together w/electrical tape and or heat shrink tube (dust proof and to keep them from pulling apart).

[Greg J]

J.R.,

Thanks for advice. Will do.

I bought mine straight off the Contour Design web site. $110 plus shipping :o

Last night I placed my gantry on the table and the Y-car on top of the gantry. V-rollers not installed yet. But, boy, what a sight. :D

Feb or Mar, I should make my first cut. Can't wait.

[smreish]

JR and Greg,

I just got mine in!
Here's is a template of button labels to use.
Have fun....
Sean

947

[Greg J]

Thanks Sean.

[J.R. Hatcher]

I've been off line for about a week. Setting up a new computer :( and some other things. Just saw your post .......... thanks they will come in handy.

[smreish]

if you guys have any special button needs just pm or email the names of the buttons and I will add to the master sheet. Or If you like, I can send you the coreldraw file.

[lovmac]

if you guys have any special button needs just pm or email the names of the buttons and I will add to the master sheet. Or If you like, I can send you the coreldraw file.


I would love a copy of the native file, if you don;t mind sharing. Thanks!

[dmoore]

I just setup the Contour Shuttle Pro with my current CNC machine and I have to agree - the Shuttle Pro is really nice. I setup buttons for ref all, feed rate, zeroing and reset. The outer (black) rotating dial is proportional - turn it faster and the selected axis moves faster. The same applies to the inner (silver) rotating dial - instead, moving at hundredths of an inch as opposed to tens or inches at a time with the outer ring. I was completely impressed with the ability to make the finest of adjustments such as setting the Z flush with the material surface without running into it - something hard to do with the keyboard. The Mach3 plug-in was super simple - download the plug-in from the Mach3 support side, start Mach3 and pick the functions you want to assign.

On the downside - it's really flat so it's not really easy to pickup off a flat surface without using the cord. You also must select each axis, make your move and then select the next axis - unlike use of a joystick plug-in. Last is the length of the cord - about 4 feet. You will need USB extension cords.

Highly recommend - only 90$ from www.newegg.com

[Gerald D]

On the downside - it's really flat so it's not really easy to pickup off a flat surface without using the cord.

Hence this hack:
http://www.seabreezeparachutes.com/sproject/pendantproject.html

I don't like that hack, but it does indicate that the Shuttle is not untouchable and it can be modified to become more of a cnc pendant.

[Greg J]

Setup the Shuttle Pro this evening. Very simple and quick.

Don't like the flat bottom (same issue as discussed already), but, it is a handy device. It will make zeroing much faster.

[Gerald D]

Greg, could you please summarise the basic steps it needed to setup the Shuttle Pro?

[Greg J]

Here's a link for the installation instructions.

Most important: Do not install the Shuttle Pro software. Use the free software from Mach.

http://www.machsupport.com/plugins/ShuttleProInstallation.pdf

Basically, you download a dll file. It installs itself in the Mach/plugin directory. The installation instructions say to click on the dll file and the program should work (just as a check). Mine didn't but no big deal.

I started Mach3 Mill and under plugin configuration (working from memory) is the Shuttle Pro configuration. Very simple. The configuration shows a picture of the pendent with all the buttons. All the buttons have a drop down menu. Just click and press OK, and the darn thing works.

I like it when things, specially software, work. :)

[Gerald D]

Thanks Greg.

[dmoore]

Setup the Shuttle Pro this evening. Very simple and quick.

Greg - I couldn't agree more. Other than the flat shape of the Shuttle Pro, it's a really great product. You might also see my post on USB in the y-car for just this purpose.

[Greg J]

Will do David,

Still haven't figure out how to activate the "outer wheel", yet. Something to do with the pulse engine configuration ... I'll get it tonight.

[dmoore]

Still haven't figure out how to activate the "outer wheel", yet.

Assign each of the axis to a button (see below), then select that axis. The outter ring (black) should jog slow or fast depending on how far you turn it. The inside (silver) three button ring will move single steps.

I'd also recommend against using the little paper labels and plastic caps that come with the shuttle - the first time you hit it against something or drop it, the caps will pop off.

[Greg J]

Thanks David,

The inner wheel works (jog single step), but the outter wheel does nothing. I'll play with it tonight.

[DMS]

Can someone direct me to the Indian link for shuttle pro equivalent. My gamepad arrangement is temporary as this does not look professional.

[javeria]

Well the best thing would be to ask someone to mail it to you from US. the nearest place would be Singapore - but its expensive over there.

If someone can mail it to you as a gift no cost to receiver you don't even get charged the custom.

RGDS
Irfan

[skypoke]

If I may make a suggestion...

I ended up using a Logitech wireless gamepad controller. It's now set so all axis are controlled by the two joysticks,(all axis can be jogged simultaneously in proportion to the joysticks input) there are plenty of extra buttons that can be set to control pretty much anything in Mach. I will soon try to get it to initiate the z zero routine.

Not having the cord to contend with is very nice and it has worked flawlessly, cost $35.00, took about 15 minutes to program. No need for any add in programs for Mach. It's ruggedly built, meant to withstand teenager assault as they cruise the mean streets of Grand Theft Auto. Range is about 30 feet. It's really nice to be able to control the gantry from anywhere in the shop. I would think this device is readily available internationally.

Chuck

[Marc Shlaes]

Chuck,

Which Logictech device are you using? I am simply amazed that it works. I have had nothing but trouble with wireless devices at my desk let alone in the shop controlling a machine. I would love to know exactly which one you are successfully using.

[DMS]

I am already using it to control x, y z seperately in + - direction and 8 other buttons are used for other functions like ref all home toggle router on/off, cycle start, stop, resume, rewind etc. Though it is usb but I have it for four years and it is very tough build. See photo http://www.mechmate.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16077&postcount=49
But it does not look pro on pro machine, or does it ?

[skypoke]

I'm using a Logitech Rumblepad wireless controller. It has a small reciever that plugs into a usb port on computer. It comes with software for config which is all I used...didn't have to mess with changing Mach or adding plugins.

As far as looking pro, I'm a form follows function guy. This thing works great and the wireless aspect makes up for a consumer look. The fact that you can go down to a department store and buy a new controller if necessary is a plus. Plus, Logitech is known as a mfg. of quality products.

linky http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/pc_gaming/gamepads/devices/287&cl=US,EN

If you look at the specs, please note I don't have mine set up to reveal all the crashes and explosions!

Chuck

[Gerald D]

It should be easy to disguise a rumblepad to look like a pendant . . . .hack the horns and wrap in lasercut box? :)

Anyway, the reason for the popularity of the Shuttle is its wheel function, that emulates a handwheel on a milling machine or lathe. Gives very precise "dialling in" to get exactly to a marked point - supposedly a vast improvement on a joystick.

[PEU]

Speaking of wheels, I purchased a 4 axis pendant at CNC4PC ($180) (http://www.cnc4pc.com/Store/osc/product_info.php?cPath=40&products_id=160) and I use it with my CNC mill. I made an adaptor cable myself, but if you want you can buy the adapter there too.
I even modified it, drilled a hole and put a female plug connector in it so I can use a touch plate for zeroing purposes, there was a couple of unconnected wires in the pendant cable, so I used one of them :)

Once you have a pendant and a zeroing jig, you wonder why it took so long to take the buying decision :)


Pablo

[DMS]

That's it I could not spell it, the wheel function or jog dial, the problem I faced is that when I move any axis I overshoot the point or short of point. Although it is working great.
Gerald,
If we hack off horns how we gonna hold this bull. That horn also have motor in it for rumbling effect. :)

[skypoke]

Okay I'll hack the horns....and give em to the shuttle pro guys to glue on so they can pick it up from a flat surface! Seriously though, if you need to position that close such as resuming a cut after losing position, the shuttle is probably the way to go.

It is, however, possible to program a button to change your jog speed on the gamepad. You can then position to the gnat's patookas.

Chuck

[Gerald D]

Shuttle pro can be d-sided taped to a larger alu plate with flared up wings for grip......and the nose of that plate can protrude a bit to be the z-zero. There you have it.....possibly the first mention of an integrated z-zero/pendant device? :)

[PEU]

There you have it.....possibly the first mention of an integrated z-zero/pendant device? :)

Hey! read three post above and I mentioned and I also did it, mine has a detachable cable/zeroplate but serves the same purpose! :D

I even modified the default screen set to suit my needs:

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/9513/screenln6.jpg

With the rightmost panel, you can set the tool X/Y using a metallic tube attached to a transparent centering cross, like this one:

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4961/attachmentms6.jpg

And then you can use its height to set the Z

It's based on this CNCZone thread (http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56079)

[Gerald D]

Pablo, you said you have a connector on the pendant for the touchplate - that is two devices connected to each other by a cable. I am suggesting that the pendant is the touchplate - one device, no interconnectiong cable. Lay the pendant down, touch the tool down on a special part of the pendant.

Anyway, very nice work on your screen - you will have to help us do a proper router screen one day. Eg. we don't "flood" coolant, but we do have dust extraction and vacuum hold-down sometimes.

[DMS]

Pablo,

I was thinking of setting up custom mach screeen with help of screen designer for z zero routine, I read in mach and cnczone forum people are doing same. Instead of calling blue screen it is better to involve this on main screen or add a new page for this purpose.

Could you upload your customized 1024.set ?

I am still to decide whether I require single touch plate or tube as yours.

[PEU]

Anyway, very nice work on your screen - you will have to help us do a proper router screen one day. Eg. we don't "flood" coolant, but we do have dust extraction and vacuum hold-down sometimes.

I can start when you need, just tell me what isn't needed on the screen Im attaching and what needs to be added, for example coolant just activates a relay, so its just a matter of changing the button text to do something else such as enable the vacuum or dust extraction.

Attached are the required files, to use it copy the screen set in mach directory, and the bitmaps in Mach3\Bitmaps\MillBitmaps

I think its better to start a new thread, but I leave this decision to you Gerald.

[sailfl]

I have been having some problems with my Shuttle Pro 2. The buttons when pushed do not register. So if I have been in X axis and pushed the button for Y or Z and then move using the button or wheel, I am still in X. I have noticed that it has been getting progressively worse.

Yesterday, I contacted Contour Design, the manufacturer, and because it is not a year old they are going to replace the unit at no cost under warranty. They must think it is mechanical also.

[WFY]

Hi Nils,
I am not sure where I found this link awhile back. This is what I will be incorporating on my machine.

http://www.seabreezeparachutes.com/sproject/pendantproject.html

[sailfl]

Buzz,

Thanks for the link. There is a thread that includes that. Right now I am happy with the current configuration. I will wait and see if I have problems with the new one they send me.