GENERAL

• 1.   Sentinel Driver: How do I get the latest Sentinel driver?
• Sentinel Driver: How do I get the latest Sentinel driver?

• Sentinel Driver: You can download the latest recommended Sentinel driver here, Sentinel Driver 7.6.zip. Read the installation instructions in our Support Document "Installing Sentinel Driver 7.6". 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.

   

• 2.   CCSI FTP sites: How do I get to the Cad Cam Systems FTP sites?
• CCSI FTP sites: How do I get to the Cad Cam Systems FTP sites?

• 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 on with customers. There is also an update site for customers to download the latest versions of Delcam software if they are having a problem accessing the Delcam Maintenance site. They can both be accessed most easily with a free software program called FTP Commander. Download this file freeftpcommander.zip the follow these instructions "Access Cad Cam Systems FTP site" . If you are unable to use FTP commander, e-mail support@cadcamsystemsinc.com for alternative instructions.

• 3.   Installation Check Utility: What is it and how can it help me?
• Installation Check Utility: What is it and how can it help me?

• We have created a utility program for users and system administrators to aid in the setup and configuring of a computer to run Delcam software. This utility can be used on a new computer or an old computer to check and create the items needed to run Delcam products. This program was written by CadCamSystems Inc and is tailored for use for customers of CadCamSystems Inc.
  This program will:
  

  • Check for the proper security directories
  • Install the security file
    
  • Install the sentinel driver if it does not exist
    
  • Set the environmental variable for using PowerMILL’s User Menu
    
  • Create standard directories for PowerMILL use
    
  • Install PowerTOOLS
    
  • Install FTP Commander to access the CadCamSystems FTP site for support and updates

  Download the Installation Check Utility program.  Run the ICU.exe file.

  View the Help file.

• 4.   Windows 7: What Delcam Products work on Windows7 OS? Should I get the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows7?
• Windows 7: What Delcam Products work on Windows7 OS? Should I get the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows7?

• If what you have now is working and:
  - Your computer hardware is less than 5 years old
  - Your OS is Windows XP, Vista or Windows7
  - You're good to use Delcam products released through 2010.

  If you are purchasing new hardware, order a 64-bit computer with Windows7 64-bit Professional OS installed. This is the platform Delcam will be supporting in future releases.

  We see no advantage to upgrading your OS unless you get new hardware.

  Delcam does not support* the "Home" version of any operating system.
  

  *NOT Supported means: The software was NOT designed or tested to run on that OS. It will probably work, but may have issues that Delcam will not resolve.

  The main issue to understand is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of software, hardware and drivers. There's a lot of general information explaining this issue in this article on Microsoft's web site http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions.

  Cad Cam Systems has written a support document "Windows7 and Delcam Software" with more technical information.

• 5.   Hardware recommendations: I am planning on buying a new computer. What recommendations do you have on what to buy?
• Hardware recommendations: I am planning on buying a new computer. What recommendations do you have on what to buy?

• 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 "Hardware for use with Delcam" for more information.

• 6.   CCSI Power Tools: What are they? How do I get them?
• CCSI Power Tools: What are they? How do I get them?

• CCSI PowerTools are a collection of small programs developed exclusively by the support team at Cad Cam Systems to help our customers. You can use them to perform certain tasks in PowerMILL that are cumbersome or nonexistent. We provide these tools at no cost to CCSI customers currently on maintenance. Read this PDF file "CCSI Power Tools" for information on tools included. To get the software download the zip files, install and follow the instructions in the PDF to request a password.

  PowerTOOLS V14 works with PowerMILL versions 2012 and 2012-R2

  PowerTOOLS V2013 works with PowerMILL versions 2012-R2 and 2013

• 7.   Multiple versions: I have many versions of Delcam software on my computer. Should I get rid of them? How?
• Multiple versions: I have many versions of Delcam software on my computer. Should I get rid of them? How?

•  

  Since all Delcam software installs in separate directories, you can have several older versions left on the computer. This should not cause any problems. If you want to remove any older versions of software, you can uninstall them.  

  To uninstall, go to the “Add or Remove Programs’ in the Control panel. Select the program to uninstall.
  Uninstalling older versions of software should not affect your other versions of the software. Sometimes when uninstalling PowerMILL, a user will no longer be able to create G-code or lose the ability to import Iges files. This is because the links to the programs that preform those functions gets removed during the uninstall. To correct this, only uninstall old versions before you install a DVD version. Selecting Ductpost and Exchange during the install will correct the missing links.

  
  If you have a question on some of the other Delcam installs located in the start menu that have duplicate entries then just call the support line 815-399-4433 x2 and we will be happy to help you clean unneeded software from your computer.
  

• 8.   Updates: How can I make sure I am running the latest version of Delcam products?
• Updates: How can I make sure I am running the latest version of Delcam products?

• 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 Delcam Customer Download Center to enter your information to access your account. Follow these instructions.

  If you have problems accessing your account call Cad Cam Systems support staff at 815-399-4433 x2.

• 9.   PAFWizard: How can I get the PAFWizard program?
• PAFWizard: How can I get the PAFWizard program?

• The PAFwizard can check the dongle, check the Sentinel Driver, see if the PAF file can be found and is installed correctly and that you have an up to date version. It can also download the latest version of the PAF file. Download the PAFWizard.

• 10.   Windows 8: What Delcam Products work on Windows 8 OS?
• Windows 8: What Delcam Products work on Windows 8 OS?

• Delcam products will only be available as 64-bit installations for Windows 8. Only versions 2013 and above will be compatable for Windows 8.

  CADCAM Systems is getting ready for Windows 8 and has it installed on a computer. We are in the process of testing and learning about all the changes needed to support this system.
   
  If you plan on purchasing a new computer before Feb 2013, choose Windows 7-64 bit as the operating system.

  Cad Cam Systems has written a support document "Windows 8 and Delcam Software" with more technical information.

PAF/RMS & DONGLES

• 1.   PAF: What is a PAF?
• PAF: What is a PAF?

• 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.
   

• 2.   RMS: What is a RMS license?
• RMS: What is a RMS license?

• A RMS file is a network license which allows customers to use the number of seats of software purchased anywhere on their network. It must be installed on a network computer that acts as the flex server.

• 3.   Dongle: What is a dongle?
• Dongle: What is a dongle?

• 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.
   

• 4.   PAF Expiration: How do I know when my PAF will expire? Why does it expire? What do I do next?
• PAF Expiration: How do I know when my PAF will expire? Why does it expire? What do I do next?

• 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.

• 5.   Reading a PAF: How do I read the dates in my PAF?
• Reading a PAF: How do I read the dates in my PAF?

• 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.

  Warning: Editing your PAF can result in the PAF not working, and is a violation of your Delcam license agreement.

• 6.   Install sentinel driver: Do I need a special driver for a USB dongle?
• Install sentinel driver: Do I need a special driver for a USB dongle?

• 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.

• 7.   Install PAF: How do I install a PAF file for Delcam software?
• Install PAF: How do I install a PAF file for Delcam software?

• On your computer, browse to this folder 'C:\dcam\config\pass'. Follow the instructions in "Install Delcam PAF File".

  These instructions are the same for FeatureCAM products and PowerSolution (PowerMILL, PowerSHAPE, etc.).

  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.

• 8.   Update RMS: How do I update a RMS Server?
• Update RMS: How do I update a RMS Server?

• The server based license file is known as the RMS. Anytime there is a change in your license (Examples: renew your maintenance, add new software, change dongles) you will receive a new RMS file by E-Mail. Together with your dongle the RMS will enable you to run your Delcam products on your network.  Follow these instructions to "Update RMS license".

• 9.   PAF Wizard: How do I solve my PAF problem with the PAF Wizard?
• PAF Wizard: How do I solve my PAF problem with the PAF Wizard?

•  The PAFwizard can check the dongle, check the Sentinel Driver, see if the PAF file can be found and is installed correctly and that you have an up to date version. It can also download the latest version of the PAF file. Download the latest version of the PafWizard.

• 10.   Dongle Leash: How do I keep my dongle secure?
• Dongle Leash: How do I keep my dongle secure?

• It is important to keep your dongle safe and secure. Your dongle is required for your software to run. If it is damaged, it will be a day or two before we can get you a replacement dongle. If your dongle is lost or stolen, Delcam will not replace it.

  To keep your dongle secure, we have developed a "dongle leash" to mount your dongle inside your computer case. Our support document "Dongle Leash" has the details.

POWERSHAPE

• 1.   PowerSHAPE 2013: How do I install the latest DVD version of PowerSHAPE?
• PowerSHAPE 2013: How do I install the latest DVD version of PowerSHAPE?

• We have now created install instructions to assist our customers with the basic install procedure for the DVD and downloaded releases.

  After downloading PowerSHAPE 2013 from either the Delcam Update site or from our FTP site, you can follow these instructions to install PowerSHAPE on your computer.

   "Installing the download version of PowerSHAPE 2013"

   

   If you are installing PowerSHAPE from the DVD, you can follow these instructions.

   "Installing the DVD version of PowerSHAPE 2013"

   

• 2.   Old versions: How do I install older versions of PowerSHAPE?
• Old versions: How do I install older versions of PowerSHAPE?

• We have created these downloadable install instructions to assist our customers with the basic install procedure.

   "Installing PowerSHAPE 8"

  "Installing PowerSHAPE 2010"

  "Installing PowerSHAPE 2011 R2"

  "Installing PowerSHAPE 2012"

• 3.   PowerSHAPE defaults: How do I set PowerSHAPE options to default to my personal settings when I start the software?
• PowerSHAPE defaults: How do I set PowerSHAPE options to default to my personal settings when I start the software?

• The file 'NEW_MODEL_MASTER' is the file you need to change. "Setting Up PowerSHAPE Defaults" goes through the steps to set the defaults 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.

• 4.   Parasolids in PowerSHAPE: Do you have any tips on using Parasolids in PowerSHAPE?
• Parasolids in PowerSHAPE: Do you have any tips on using Parasolids in PowerSHAPE?

• PowerSHAPE 2010 is the first version to use Parasolid as the modeling kernel for all solid operations. Existing models that were created using the PowerSHAPE kernel from version 8 or earlier will continue to work in PowerSHAPE 2010.

   

  Read our support document "Parasolids in PowerSHAPE" for tips on using Parasolids, both advantages and cautions.

   

• 5.   PowerSHAPE error: 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?
• PowerSHAPE error: 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?

• 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 7.6" for the steps.

• 6.   Shortcut keys: Are there any shortcut keys in PowerSHAPE?
• Shortcut keys: Are there any shortcut keys in PowerSHAPE?

• Yes, there are some very useful shortcuts in PowerSHAPE to make viewing and selecting faster and easier. Read "PowerSHAPE shortcuts" for more details.

• 7.   Custom toolbars: How do I create custom toolbars for PowerSHAPE?
• Custom toolbars: How do I create custom toolbars for PowerSHAPE?

• In PowerShape, 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.

• 8.   PowerSHAPE-e: What is it?
• PowerSHAPE-e: What is it?

• 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 ourPowerSHAPE-e support document or visit Delcam's PowerSHAPE-e website.

POWERMILL

• 1.   PowerMILL 2013: How do I install the latest version of PowerMILL, either the DVD or downloaded version?
• PowerMILL 2013: How do I install the latest version of PowerMILL, either the DVD or downloaded version?

• We have now created install instructions for the DVD and downloaded releases.

  After downloading PowerMILL 2013 from either the Delcam Update site or from our FTP site, you can follow these instructions to install PowerMILL on your computer.

   "Installing the download version of PowerMILL 2013"

   

   If you are installing PowerMILL from the DVD, you can follow these instructions.

   "Installing the DVD version of PowerMILL 2013"

• 2.   Older versions: How do I install older versions of PowerMILL?
• Older versions: How do I install older versions of PowerMILL?

• We have created these downloadable install instructions to assist our customers with the basic install procedure.

  "Installing PowerMILL 2010"

  "Installing PowerMILL 2011"

  "Installing PowerMILL 2012"

   

• 3.   New PowerMILL set-up: I am setting up a new computer for PowerMILL. Do you have any guidelines?
• New PowerMILL set-up: I am setting up a new computer for PowerMILL. Do you have any guidelines?

• Read our support document "New Computer Setup for PowerMILL" for complete instructions to follow these steps:

   

   

   

  1. Install PowerMILL from DVD

  2. Create the security directories for the PAF file

  3. Run PAFwizard to check dongle and sentinel driver.

  4. Environmental variable

  5. Create the pmill4 dir

  6. Directories in pmill4

  7. Install any service packs

• 4.   PowerMILL defaults: When I run PowerMILL is there a way to set the default values for creating the toolpaths?
• PowerMILL defaults: When I run PowerMILL is there a way to set the default values for creating the toolpaths?

• 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.

• 5.   Tool library: What are the options for storing tools in PowerMILL? What are the pros and cons of each format?
• Tool library: What are the options for storing tools in PowerMILL? What are the pros and cons of each format?

• You can store tools in PowerMILL using a Database, Template or Macro format. Read PowerMILL Tool Library Options for more information.

• 6.   Multiple versions: How can I run multiple versions of PowerMILL with out the startup macro having errors when I switch versions?
• Multiple versions: How can I run multiple versions of PowerMILL with out the startup macro having errors when I switch versions?

• Most programmers like to install a new version of PowerMILL but 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. With each new version, some macros have to be updated.  We have a solution outlined in "Setup for multiple versions of PowerMILL" that allows multiple versions of PowerMILL to have its own macro area. This way you can upgrade your macros for the new release and keep the old macros working with the old release.

• 7.   PowerMILL shortcuts: Are there any shortcut keys in PowerMILL?
• PowerMILL shortcuts: Are there any shortcut keys in PowerMILL?

• Yes, there are some very useful shortcuts in PowerMILL to make viewing and selecting faster and easier. Read "PowerMILL Shortcuts" for more details.

• 8.   Rest Roughing: Do you have any tips for Rest Material Roughing in PowerMILL?
• Rest Roughing: Do you have any tips for Rest Material Roughing in PowerMILL?

• Through many conversations with Delcam engineers and our own experience, we've gathered tips into a Rest Material Roughing in PowerMILL support document

PS-EXCHANGE

• 1.   COM register PS-Exchange: How and when?
• COM register PS-Exchange: How and when?

• 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.

• 2.   PAF error 51: When I try to use my PS-Exchange, I get PAF error 51. What do I do?
• PAF error 51: When I try to use my PS-Exchange, I get PAF error 51. What do I do?

• You may be using an old version of the sentinel driver needed to run Delcam products with a dongle. Read Sentinel Driver & Exchange for more information.

FeatureCAM

• 1.   Eval Mode: FeatureCAM is running in evaluation mode on new computer install. How can I fix it?
• Eval Mode: FeatureCAM is running in evaluation mode on new computer install. How can I fix it?

• On a new computer install, several items must work together to allow FeatureCAM to run with your licence. This document will help you Start FeatureCAM the first time.

• 2.   FeatureCAM 2013: How do I install the latest version of FeatureCAM?
• FeatureCAM 2013: How do I install the latest version of FeatureCAM?

• Read this "Installing FeatureCAM 2013 DVD" Support Document.

• 3.   Older versions: How do I install older versions of FeatureCAM?
• Older versions: How do I install older versions of FeatureCAM?

• We have created these downloadable install instructions to assist our customers with the basic install procedure.

  FeatureCAM 2012 Installation

  FeatureCAM 2011 Installation

  FeatureCAM 2010 Installation

• 4.   Starting FeatureCAM the first time.
• Starting FeatureCAM the first time.

• If you are having an issue getting FeatureCAM to run on a new computer, follow the guide lines in this document, "Starting FeatureCAM the first time".

POWERINSPECT

• 1.   PowerINSPECT 2012-R2: How do I install the latest version of PowerINSPECT?
• PowerINSPECT 2012-R2: How do I install the latest version of PowerINSPECT?

• We have now created install instructions to assist our customers with the basic install procedure for the DVD and downloaded releases.

  The last DVD release was version 2012-R2.

   If you are installing PowerINSPECT from the DVD, you can follow these instructions.

   "Installing the DVD version of PowerINSPECT 2012-R2"

• 2.   Old versions: How do I install older versions of PowerINSPECT?
• Old versions: How do I install older versions of PowerINSPECT?

• We have created these downloadable install instructions to assist our customers with the basic install.

   "PowerINSPECT 2012 Installation"

   "Installing PowerINSPECT 2011 R2"

   "Installing PowerINSPECT 2011"

   "Installing PowerInspect 2010 R2"