CAM software for Redt Magic machines
How to use DeskProto with the Magic CNC milling machine
The Magic CNC engraving machines by Redt Inc are meant for jewelers, being very well suited for machining wax models.
We have received many questions about how to connect DeskProto to this machine, which is not straightforward. Still: once you know it, the trick it is easy !
The Magic 7 by Redt Inc: a small footprint machine,
offering both 3-axis machining and rotation axis machining.
offering both 3-axis machining and rotation axis machining.
Step 1
The machine comes with a software suite for 2D engraving, called MagicArt. For DeskProto users the magic trick is that you need not use this software suite, but instead use a program by Redt called NC Spooler. This program can be downloaded using this link to the Redt website: NC_Spooler.zip (53 KB).
Installation is not needed: the ZIP file contains a program called NC-Spooler.exe that you can just run. If MagicART V4.41 (or newer) is installed a download is not needed: run NC Spooler via menu Tool > "Run NC Spooler".
Step 2
Important is that you need to configure the program before you can use it:
First select the correct COM port. This is only possible when the Magic USB Driver has been installed.
Next configure this port, via menu Tool > "Communication Port Configuration...". Here you need to select XON/XOFF for handshake (leave the other two options unchecked), and 115200 for Baud rate.
In order to use the NC-Spooler program, the COM port's number, baud rate and handshaking method need to have been correctly configured.
Step 3
The Magic machines need NC Data files (*.dat) in the correct format, so in DeskProto you need to select the machine called "REDT - MAGIC-7" (in the Part Parameters). You then can save an NC file to be sent to the machine (in the illustration above the file testfrank.dat).
Next you need to load the correct cutter, and to set the correct zero point for that cutter on the machine (X, Y and Z). Use the instructions as supplied in the Magic Instruction Manual (in chapter "Origin Setup")
Step 4
And finally: in NC-Spooler use the command Add NC Data files... to add your NC file to the list on the left side of this dialog. Next click on this filename to select it (make it blue), and press button Transmit to start machining!
You can watch a DeskProto tutorial video that shows this complete process: the Magic 7 basic ring video.
Additional inforation
Some of the questions on this machine were whether or not it is compatible with the 123WaxRing system that we offer for jewelry wax models
The answer is a clear No, sorry about that. The 123WaxRing fixture is mounted on the rotation axis, and the machine then needs to cut 3-axis (XYZ) toolpaths over this fixture. This is not possible for the Magic-7 machine, as the rotation axis is not mounted on the working table of the machine, and thus cannot move along Y.
When your PC is running Win7 or Win8 you need to take care as an incorrect USB driver may cause serious problems. Possible errors include:
- the machine stops suddenly
- at the end of the NC file the spindle keeps running
- the machine's display shows error message "No Support" and the machine stops
- the cutter makes strange movements, not present in the NC file.
In 2012 Redt support team has found that the Magic USB driver was incorrectly updated by Microsoft's automatic update service for Windows. The solution was to roll-back the USB driver to the one dated 2009. Important detail is that the error may again be present after connecting the machine to a different USB port on your PC ! Note that this information from 2012 may not apply to your machine: in case of questions contact your Magic reseller.