SmartCAM Email Forum FAQ
This is a collection of Frequently Asked Questions from the SmartCAM Email List. It is intended to
provide answers and solutions to issues that appear frequently in the forum. It is maintained by the
List Administrator with input from the forum members. It evolves and changes and should be viewed from
time to time.
FORUM TIPS -
FORUM QUESTIONS -
PRODUCT QUESTIONS
Links to frequently requested pages:
SmartCAM Email List Information: https://lists.capalon.com/lists/listinfo/mfg-smartcam
Member Login Page: https://lists.capalon.com/lists/options/mfg-smartcam
Forum Archives: https://lists.capalon.com/lists/private/mfg-smartcam
Unsubscribe: https://lists.capalon.com/lists/options/mfg-smartcam
Subscription Request: https://lists.capalon.com/lists/listinfo/mfg-smartcam
SmartCAM Technical Bulletins: https://www.smartcamcnc.com/Technical_Support/Tech_Bulletins/ts_tnote_index.php
Tips About the Forum
Replying to posts.
When replying to a message use the 'Reply All' of your email software, but be sure to check the address list
so that the forum email is the only address present. If you wish to reply outside of the forum, use 'Reply'
and check that only the senders address is present.
Send new posts to the forum only.
Do not send your posts to the forum and another email address, especially if the other email address is already
subscribed to the forum. This causes multiple receipts for the other addressees that cannot be filtered at the
server. A common occurance of this is sending a post to the forum and to the Support Group. Send to one or the
other, or send separate emails.
Use a subject line.
When sending a new message to the forum, please include a descriptive subject line.
Prepend the subject line with the letters 'OT' if the message is not proper subject matter.
It is common to add the letters 'OT' (Off Topic) to the beginning of messages that do not pertain to the
subject matter of the forum. While we prefer not sending off topic messages, they are not censured.
Email formatting.
It is suggested that all messages to the forum be in plain text. There are many systems that do not have the
capability to display formatted text (HTML or RTF for example). This also keeps your email size as small as possible.
Attachments
There is a 40k limit to email sizes in the forum. It is best to let the people on the forum know that you have
something of interest and have them contact you outside the forum. You could also find a website to put your
attachments and let the forum know the URL to it. Also, please try to be considerate to those without high speed
internet connections.
DO NOT attach Template files. These have the extension TMP and many systems reject files
with this extension.
If you are attaching a graphic such as a screen capture, do not use the BMP format. These are very large files,
up to 20 times larger than a JPG formatted file!
Questions About the Forum
What is the SmartCAM Email Forum?
It is a group of hundreds of SmartCAM users that share ideas, tips and tricks about using SmartCAM. Other common
interests are about machining or fabricating parts, machine tool comparisons, tool and material discussions,
employment opportunities and other manufacturing related issues.
It is not a moderated forum, but is monitored. Subscribers are limited to SmartCAM users, resellers, 3rd
party service providers and SmartCAMcnc employees and if they are not, there is usually a compelling reason
that they are a member.
How do I subscribe to the SmartCAM email user forum?
Visit this page:
https://lists.capalon.com/lists/listinfo/mfg-smartcam
I forgot my password, how do I get a reminder?
Visit this page:
https://lists.capalon.com/lists/listinfo/mfg-smartcam
Enter the email address that you are subscribed with at the bottom and press 'Unsubscribe or edit options'.
I'm new here, will I be scolded by sending a question that may seem too simple?
Please check the archives or Technical Bulletins first, but unlike typical newsgroups, this group is very
hospitable. Many new members have sent messages stating that they are new and recieved warm welcomes. Others
have sent questions that have been answered many times and recieved answers, not reprimands.
What kinds of messages are considered correct subject matter?
Usually specific questions about how to do a task with SmartCAM. Other topical messages include work holding,
machining methods, coolants, unusual material machining, etc. There are also messages about employment
opportunities, whether looking for a job, or looking for talent. There are the occasional holiday wishes
and similar messages, and while we suggest that this is not appropriate we do not censure it. There are those
whose employers frown on this, but for the majority it is fine and even fun.
How do I change or view my subscriber information?
Visit this page:
https://lists.capalon.com/lists/listinfo/mfg-smartcam
and enter your email address at the bottom of the page and press 'Unsubscribe or edit options'. Follow the
instructions on the following page.
Why are my messages not appearing in the forum?
Subscriber information is based on your email address. You may be trying to send from a different account that
the server doesn't recognize. Check that you are sending from the email address that you had subscribed with.
Who do I contact for issues not covered here, or not appropriate for the forum?
For administrative issues or other subjects not relating to SmartCAM or manufacturing, please contact the List Administrator at:
List-Admin@SmartCAMcnc.com
Can I attach files to messages in this forum?
You may, but there is a 40k limit (total). It is best to let the people on the forum know that you have something of
interest and have them contact you outside the forum. You could also find a website to put your attachments and let the
forum know the URL to it. Also, please try to be considerate to those without high speed internet connections.
DO NOT attach Template files. These have the extension TMP and many systems reject files with
this extension.
If you are attaching a graphic such as a screen capture, do not use the BMP format. These are very large files,
up to 20 times larger than a JPG formatted file!
How do I view the archives?
See the top section of this page.
https://lists.capalon.com/lists/listinfo/mfg-smartcam
These archives are only for the time that SmartCAMcnc has had ownership of the forum. For archives prior to this,
from early 2000, visit this site:
https://www.mail-archive.com/mfg-smartcam@loki.sdrc.com
Why are the archives password protected?
The archives require a password and are only available to current members in order to protect your privacy. If
the archives were unprotected they would be accessible to email harvesting for the purpose of unsolicited email
(spam). It would also offer the possibility for spam to be sent direct to the forum itself.
How do I unsubscribe from the SmartCAM email user forum?
Visit this page:
https://lists.capalon.com/lists/listinfo/mfg-smartcam
and enter your email address at the bottom of the page and press 'Unsubscribe or edit options'. Follow the
instructions on the following page.
Why is the forum so quiet? Where is everyone?
This happens from time to time, but not usually more than a just a few business days. If you send a message to the
group (and we ask that you don't) asking "where is everyone" you usually get replies back with a range of answers
mostly indicating that "we're busy making parts." A quiet forum is probably a sign that all is well and everyone
is busy.
Questions About SmartCAM Products
Technical Bulletins
Many SmartCAM related questions may already be addressed here:
https://www.smartcamcnc.com/Technical_Support/Tech_Bulletins/ts_tnote_index.php
How do I suggest enhancement ideas for SmartCAM products?
Please see the Enhancement Request web page here:
https://www.smartcamcnc.com/Technical_Support/ts_sma_eform.php
Note that you must have current software subscription, your CID and Passcode.
How do I find the length of a line/profile/arc?
LENE() , LENP() - the SmartCAM Customization Guide.
Are there any tips for importing geometry from other systems?
There are several Technical Bulletins that cover this here:
https://www.smartcamcnc.com/Technical_Support/Tech_Bulletins/ts_tnote_index.php
How do I use variables defined in the application in the Code Generator?
See this technical bulletin for this and other information concerning SmartCAM variables.
https://www.smartcamcnc.com/Technical_Support/Tech_Bulletins/techbulletin.php?tbnum=209
Does anyone have a Code Generator for a --- ?
SmartCAMcnc has a list of shared code generators available here:
https://www.smartcamcnc.com/Technical_Support/CodeGen/ts_cg_index.php
Or for customers with current SSA, check here:
https://www.smartcamcnc.com/Technical_Support/CodeGen/ts_cg_sma_index.php
If you do not find one here please feel free to post your request in the forum.
