CadCamSystems & Machining
Software Support Answer Page

Delcam Support Documents List

These support documents are in Adobe PDF format.
Click on the Adobe Reader button if you need to download Adobe Reader to view the files.

Access CadCamSystems Support FTP site XP

Access CadCamSystems Update FTP site XP

COM Register PS-Exchange

Creating custom toolbars for PowerSHAPE

Form Tools in PowerSHAPE

Hardware for use with Delcam

How can I get notified when Delcam releases software updates

Install FLEX file

Install PAF file

Install PAF file for FeatureCAM

Install Sentinel Driver 7.3.2

Installing CopyCAD 7

Installing PowerINSPECT 4.1

Installing PowerSHAPE 7.0

Installing PowerSHAPE 7.240

Installing PowerSHAPE 7.440

Installing PowerMILL 7.0

Installing PowerMILL 8.0

PM7 Customising Setup Sheets

PowerMILL Shortcuts

PowerMILL Tool Library Options

PowerSHAPE-e

PowerSHAPE shortcuts

Reading a PAF file

Rest Roughing

Sentinel Drivers & Exchange 5.3

Setting up PowerMILL Defaults

Setting Up PowerShape Defaults

Setup for multiple versions of PowerMILL

Software contact information

Solving PAF Problems

 

Answers to your Frequently Asked Support Questions

GENERAL

• Q: How do I get the latest Sentinel driver?
• A: You can download the latest recommended Sentinel driver here, Sentinel Driver 7.3.2.zip. Read the installation instructions in our Support Document "Installing Sentinel Driver 7.3.2". By downloading from our site instead of the SafeNet site, you know you're getting a driver we've tested and found to be stable.
  
 

• Q: How do I get to the Cad Cam Systems FTP sites?
• A: Cad Cam Systems has 2 ftp sites for customer use. There is a support site where you can upload large problem files for us to work with you on. There is also an update site for you to download the latest versions of Delcam software if you are having a problem accessing the Delcam Maintenance site. Follow these instructions "Access Cad Cam Systems Support FTP site" or "Access Cad Cam Systems Update FTP site".
  
 
• Q: I am planning on buying a new computer. What recommendations do you have on what to buy?
• A: If you stick to the name brand computers, you should be OK. If you are in the Rockford area, the company INTERSERVE makes a great duel processor computer for PowerMILL. The most important thing to consider is the video card. Cards with the nVIDIA chipset work the best and are the only supported cards. Also, all new releases of PowerMILL and PowerSHAPE are on DVD so a DVD drive is recommended. See our "Recommendations for Computer Hardware" for more information.
  

• Q: I have many versions of Delcam software on my computer. Should I get rid of them? How?
• A:It is wise to keep the last 2 major releases on your computer. Since all Delcam software (except PowerInspect) installs in separate directories, uninstalling old versions is easy. Uninstalling PowerMill 4.5 will not affect PowerMill 5.0. Uninstalling PowerShape 5.5 will not affect PowerShape 5.6.

  Delcam is in the process of changing the install directories for their software so depending on the release, there are different ways to remove the software. I am just going to cover the three most used pieces of software. If you have a question on some of the other Delcam installs located in the start menu that have a duplicate entry then just call the support line and we will be happy to help you clean off unneeded software from your computer.

  PowerShape:
  All releases of PowerShape before 5.6 are installed by default in the ‘C:\dcam\product’ area on the drive. These installs have a uninstall program that can be run from the Start menu under Start/Programs/Delcam/PowerShape/PowerShape####. For release 5.6 to current, it is installed by default in the ‘C:\Program Files\Delcam\PowerSHAPE ####’ folder. The uninstall has been moved to the “Add or Remove Programs’ in the Control panel.

  PowerMill:
  All releases of PowerMill before 6.0 are installed by default in the ‘C:\dcam\product’ area on the drive. These installs have a uninstall program that can be run from the Start menu under Start/Programs/Delcam/PowerMill/PowerMill####. For release 6.0 to current, it is installed by default in the ‘C:\Program Files\Delcam\PowerMILL ####’ folder. The uninstall has been moved to the “Add or Remove Programs’ in the Control panel.

  PS-Exchange:
  PS-Exchange can be installed under ‘C:\dcam\product’ area or under ‘C:\Program Files\Delcam’ depending on if was installed from the CD or from the a separate install file. Both of these installs have a uninstall program that can be run from the Start menu under Start/Programs/Delcam/PS-Exchange/PS-Exchange ####.

• Q: How can I make sure I am running the latest version of Delcam products?
• A: All Delcam products now have an option to check for updates. It is located under the Help option on the main toolbar. This will check for the latest update on the Internet so you must be connected to the web to use this option. If an update is available, you will be directed to the maintenance page to enter your information to access your account. Follow the instructions on that page to locate your information. If you have problems accessing your account call Cad Cam Systems support staff at 815-399-4433 x2.
  

• Q: How can I get notified when Delcam releases software updates?
• A: Every few months, Delcam releases updates to fix known problems in the software. Cad Cam Systems & Machining recommends users update their software as the new versions are released. To find out how to get e-mail update notification from Delcam, read this document.

• Q: How can I update our company's contact information with Cad Cam Systems & Machining?
• A: Knowledge is power, and we want to help you stay strong. We have valuable information we need to communicate to the correct person at your company. Be assured, we only use the contact information you provide in the way you specify and we never give it to anyone else. Please download our Contact Information sheet, complete it and fax it back to Jeanne at 815-399-4491.

(Return to top)

PAF/FLEX & DONGLES

• Q: What is a PAF?
• A: PAF stands for Product Authorization File. It is a license file that you must have correctly installed on your computer to run Delcam software. It contains encoded information that informs the software what licenses you own and what versions you are authorized to use. Each computer with Delcam software must have a PAF installed.
  

• Q: What is a flex license?
• A: A few of our customers use a flex license instead of or in addition to a PAF for their Delcam licenses. A flex file is a network license which allows customers to use the number of seats of software purchased anywhere on their network.

• Q: What is a dongle?
• A: A dongle is a small piece of hardware required to be in place for your PAF or flex license to work. Each dongle has an identifying Delcam number stamped on it. Each dongle number is associated with a specific seat (or seats) of software in your license file. If you are using a PAF license, you need the correct dongle on each computer running Delcam software. If you are using a flex license, one dongle goes on the server. A dongle can be either a parallel dongle, which goes in your computer's parallel port, or a USB dongle that goes in the (you guessed it!) USB port.
  

• Q: How do I know when my PAF will expire? Why does it expire? What do I do next?
• A: When you first purchase Delcam software, a temporary PAF is issued as a security measure. This will usually expire in about 60 days, and then your software will not run. A warning box will start popping up about 30 days ahead of expiration. If your PAF is going to expire, please contact Jeanne at 815-399-4433 x100 to arrange a solution. When your software is paid in full, you will get a permanent PAF. This permanent PAF allows you to run the latest version you've paid for as long as you have the software. If you open your PAF in a text editor (like Notepad) you can see some dates, etc. although a lot of it is in code. See the following question to read the PAF.

• Q: How do I read the dates in my PAF?
• A: If you open your PAF in a text editor (like Notepad) you can see some dates, etc. although a lot of it is in code. Your PAF contains information that tells you which seats are temporary licenses, which seats are permanent licenses and when the maintenance contract is paid through (and therefore what versions of software you can use.) See this "Reading a PAF file" for more information.

• Q: Do I need a special driver for a USB dongle?
  
• A: USB dongles require a sentinel driver to run. The current sentinel drivers are included on the installation CDs for PowerSHAPE and PowerMILL starting with version 6, so if you used the installation CD/DVD these drivers should be in place. If you still need help with drivers, read our "Install Sentinel Driver" support document for step-by-step help.

• Q: How do I install a PAF file for PowerMill and other PowerSoution software?
  
• A: On your computer, browse to this folder 'C:\dcam\config\pass'. Follow the instructions in "Install PAF file".

• Q: How do I install a paf file for FeatureCAM?
  
• A: Since FeatureCAM has become a Delcam product, the security system has changed. You no longer have to type in a code. Instead, you need a digital PAF file that you copy to a directory on your computer hard drive. Follow the instructions in "Install PAF for FeatureCAM".

• Q: How do I install a Flex file?
  
• A: On your network server, browse to this folder 'C:\dcam\config\pass'. Follow the instructions in "Install FLEX file".

• Q: How do I solve my PAF problem?
  
• A: We've created "Solving PAF Problems" to help you troubleshoot your license problems. It also includes a list of information to provide to Cad Cam Systems Support Staff when you contact us for help.
  

(Return to top)

POWERSHAPE

• Q: Are there any special instructions for installing PowerShape 7.440?
  
• A: We have created a "Installing PowerSHAPE 7.440" to assist our customers with the basic install procedure.

• Q: When I run PowerShape, I have to go into the options and change a lot of the options to what I want to use before I even start to model. Is there a way to set this up as a default?
  
• A:The file 'NEW_MODEL_MASTER' is the file you need to change. "Setting Up PowerSHAPE Defaults" goes through the steps to do so all the defaults are set to what you want. We have some of the most commonly used settings listed but all of them can be changed and saved as default.

• Q: I just installed PowerShape on a new computer and when I run the software it has an error of "You do not have all the licenses to run PowerShape". How can I fix this?
  
• A: First make sure you are logged into the computer as administrator or a user with administrator rights when you install PowerShape. Verify that the PAF file is up to date and in the proper location. Also check to see if the Sentinel driver is installed and running by looking in the Device Manger under 'Hidden devices/Non-Plug and Play Drivers'. If you do not see Sentinel in the list then you need to reinstall the driver. View "Install Sentinel Driver 732" for the steps.

• Q: I have multiple versions of PowerSHAPE on my computer. Should I get rid of them? How?
• A:It is wise to keep the last 2 major releases on your computer. Since different versions of PowerSHAPE install in separate directories, uninstalling old versions is easy. Uninstalling PowerShape 5.5 will not affect PowerShape 5.6. Delcam is in the process of changing the install directories for their software so depending on the release there are different ways to remove the software. All releases of PowerShape before 5.6 are installed by default in the ‘C:\dcam\product’ area on the drive. These installs have a uninstall program that can be run from the Start menu under Start/Programs/Delcam/PowerShape/PowerShape####. For release 5.6 to current, it is installed by default in the ‘C:\Program Files\Delcam\PowerSHAPE ####’ folder. The uninstall has been moved to the “Add or Remove Programs’ in the Control panel.

• Q: Are there any shortcut keys in PowerSHAPE?
  
• A: Yes, there are some very useful shortcuts in PowerSHAPE to make viewing and selecting faster and easier. Read "PowerSHAPE shortcuts" for more details.

• Q: How do I create custom toolbars for PowerSHAPE?
  
• A: With PowerShape 7.2, we have the ability to create custom toolbars that will give access to any function in PowerShape. Read "Creating custom toolbars in PowerSHAPE" for instructions.

• Q: Are there any special instructions for installing PowerShape 7.0?
  
• A: We have created a document to assist our customers with the basic install procedure.

• Q: What is PowerSHAPE-e?
  
• A: PowerSHAPE-e is the same software as full PowerSHAPE, except started in evaluation mode. PowerSHAPE-e has all the functionality of a full seat of PowerSHAPE, with unlimited saves and no timed expiration. However, PowerSHAPE-e only saves its data in an encrypted format that won't interact with a purchase licensed copy of PowerSHAPE, and has no export options. Models created in PowerSHAPE-e can only be read by PowerSHAPE-e. To learn more about this software, read our PowerSHAPE-e support document or visit Delcam's PowerSHAPE-e website.

• Q: What rules do I need to follow when I create a form tool in PowerSHAPE?
  
• A: There are certain rules that must be followed when creating an allowable .dgk profile for a form tool in PowerSHAPE. Read our Form Tools in PowerSHAPE document to learn more.

(Return to top)

POWERMILL

• Q: Are there any special instructions for installing PowerMILL 8.0?
  
• A: We have created a document to assist our customers with the basic install procedure.

• Q: When I run PowerMILL is there a way to set the default values for creating the toolpaths?
  
• A: There is a file called 'pmuser.mac'. This macro is run every time PowerMILL starts. "Setting up PowerMILL Defaults" explains how to customize your pmuser.mac. It also helps you set up the 'Environmental Variable' that has to be done on a new computer install.

• Q: What are the options for storing tools in PowerMILL? What are the pros and cons of each format?
• A: You can store tools in PowerMILL using a Database, Template or Macro format. Read PowerMILL Tool Library Options for more information.

• Q: How can I run multiple versions of PowerMILL with out the startup macro having errors when I switch versions?
  
• A: This has always been a problem with new versions of PowerMILL Every time they change the forms or how you enter the values into the software, the macros have to be changed. Most users like to install the new version and use the old version until they get used to the new interface in the new version. This is done because you still have to be productive while learning the new software. We have addressed this issue with a solution outlined in this document that allows multiple versions of PowerMILL to have its own macro area. This way you can upgrade your macros for the new version while keeping them for the old release to remain productive.

• Q: I have many versions of PowerMILL on my computer. Should I get rid of them? How?
• A: It is wise to keep the last 2 major releases on your computer. Since all versions of PowerMILL install in separate directories, uninstalling old versions is easy. Uninstalling PowerMill 4.5 will not affect PowerMill 5.0. Delcam is in the process of changing the install directories for their software so depending on the release, there are different ways to remove the software. All releases of PowerMill before 6.0 are installed by default in the ‘C:\dcam\product’ area on the drive. These installs have a uninstall program that can be run from the Start menu under Start/Programs/Delcam/PowerMill/PowerMill####. For release 6.0 to current, it is installed by default in the ‘C:\Program Files\Delcam\PowerMILL ####’ folder. The uninstall has been moved to the “Add or Remove Programs’ in the Control panel.

• Q: Are there any shortcut keys in PowerMILL?
  
• A: Yes, there are some very useful shortcuts in PowerMILL to make viewing and selecting faster and easier. Read our support document for more details.

• Q: Do you have any tips for Rest Material Roughing in PowerMILL?
  
• A: Through many conversations with Delcam engineers and our own experience, we've gathered tips into a Rest Material Roughing in PowerMILL support document.

• Q: Are there any special instructions for installing PowerMILL 7.0?
  
• A: Read our support document Installing PowerMILL 7.0 for help with the basic install procedure.

• Q: Do you have any tips for customizing setup sheets for PowerMILL 7?
  
• A: Delcam support engineers have put together "PM7 Customising Setup Sheets" to help you with this task.

(Return to top)

PS-EXCHANGE

• Q: How do I COM register PS-Exchange?
  
• A: If you download a new version of software, then re-install from the DVD, you may need to COM register your PS-Exchange. Read COM Register your PS-Exchange for more information.

• Q: When I try to use my PS-Exchange, I get paf error 51. What do I do??
  
• A: You may be using an old version of the sentinel driver needed to run Delcam products with a dongle. Read Sentinel Driver & Exchange 5.3 for more information.

PowerINSPECT

• Q: Are there any special instructions for installing PowerINSPECT 4.1?
  
• A: We have created a document to assist our customers with the basic install procedure.

CopyCAD

• Q: Are there any special instructions for installing CopyCAD 7.0?
  
• A: Read this Installing CopyCAD 7.0 Support Document.