As a weekend project, I put together a command-line MTConnect client. It’s coded in C# for .NET 5.0, and I’ve published the source code on GitHub. It’s still a little rough around…
Okuma SCOUT
This is an update of an article about how to determine the installed version of THINC API. Back then, the method for checking the installed version involved searching the Windows Registry’s uninstall…
THINC App: Panel Mode
Let’s code a panel mode switcher application for Okuma THINC! An app that lets you switch panel mode from a VNC or other remote desktop application. Wait, but why? After all, there’s…
Node-RED and MTConnect
Recently I noticed a few visitors to this site were searching for information on MTConnect support in Node-RED. I’ve never used Node-RED before, but thought this would be a good reason to…
7 Basic Tips for THINC Apps
So you’re developing a THINC application to run on your Okuma THINC CNC. You’ve read the fine documentation in the Okuma Open API SDK, right? If you’re new to THINC, and you…
AWS Machine Monitoring
Although I no longer work in machining, I still follow news from the industry. This evening I was surprised to see an article on Ars Technica entitled Amazon to roll out tools…
Can I use THINC API to cycle-start my Okuma P300?
Perhaps the most common API programming question I’ve heard asked of Okuma representatives is: can THINC API be used to cycle-start my machine tool? The answer is no. But that answer makes…
A Quick Intro to Okuma THINC
What is a THINC app? In the broadest sense, a THINC app is an application made to run on Okuma OSP-P controls. This is Okuma’s line of Windows-based CNCs. Even though normal…
P/Invoking Native Libraries
You’re a VB.NET developer. You’re writing code, and you need to integrate with a machine tool, automation system, sensor, scanner, or some other bit of hardware. Lucky for you, the manufacturer provides…
Install the MTConnect Agent In Two Easy-ish Steps
A step-by-step guide to installing and configuring the MTConnect Agent, and an update to my earlier article, “Set up an MTConnect Agent in three or so steps“.