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CNC12 Software Setup Guide

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing the Avid CNC12 Control Software and configuring your PC for use with the Avid CNC EX Control System.

The Avid CNC Centroid Profile Manager is a powerful piece of software that manages your individual software profiles. Each profile features a fully working version of CNC12 software and all the associated settings. If you want to have a stable profile and one that you play around with new settings, using the profile manager to switch between them makes the process simple. Just close CNC12, power cycle the controller, and then launch the new profile.

1. Download and Install the Software

Begin AvidCNC Centroid Profile Manager Install

  • Click on the installer to run it. Windows will ask if you would like to make changes to the computer. Click "Yes" to allow the necessary changes and continue.
  • Follow the prompts on the screen to begin installation. Please read all of the screens and messages during the process and proceed accordingly.

Complete AvidCNC Centroid Profile Manager Install

  • After all steps of the installer are complete, click "Finish" to exit the installer. If you do not wish to open the profile manager at this time, unselect the checkbox on this page before clicking "Finish".

2. Hardware Setup

  • Plug in your Ethernet cable directly from your PC to the Ethernet port on your Avid CNC EX Controller.
  • Power on your Avid CNC EX Controller.

Note

It is recommended to use a shielded Ethernet cable for connecting your control PC to the EX Controller. If you purchased your EX Controller from Avid CNC, a 10' shielded Ethernet cable was included.

3. Load a Profile and Run the PC Tuner

PC Configuration Note

The PC tuner will automatically detect the CNC Electronics, though during setup it is recommended to disconnect all other Ethernet devices from the controller computer. If using a laptop, it is ok to use a wireless connection for internet access during this process.

PC Configuration Note

If you are using the Avid CNC Profile Manager to edit an existing profile or import a saved profile, and have already set up your computer to connect to the CNC Controller, it is not necessary to repeat this step.

Creating your Profile

For a new setup, the first step is to download the default profile. The default profiles are specific to the main cutting process of the machine, either Router or Plasma. If you have a dual purpose machine, you'll want to download both the Router and Plasma profiles and set each up separately. Download the Profile you need from Avid CNC Machine ProfilesAvid CNC Machine Profiles - (/support/instructions/software/downloads/cnc12).

AvidCNC Centroid Profile Manager Icon

  • Open the Avid CNC Centroid Profile Manager using the icon located on your desktop.

Profile Manager - Create New Profile

  • To load a new profile, or to import a profile you previously exported, click on the "New" button in the top right corner of the window.

Profile Manager - Import Profile

  • Click "Yes" to import one of the default Avid CNC Profiles. When the File Browser opens, find the profile you downloaded earlier and select it. Click "Open" in the file browser to continue to the next step.

Profile Manager - Import Zip

  • Create a name for your profile and then click "Import Zip" to continue.

Note

If you are setting up a dual use router/plasma machine, you will need to create one profile for plasma and one profile for router.

Profile Manager - Finish Profile Import

  • Click "Yes" to finish creating the profile.

Running the Centroid CNC PC Tuner

Profile Manager - PC Tuner

  • Click on the icon highlighted above to open the Centroid CNC PC Tuner.

PC Tuner - Run All

  • On the main screen of the Centroid CNC PC Tuner, click on the button in the bottom right corner of the screen labeled "Click to run all PC Setups and Windows Checks".
  • If you would like to make a restore point for Windows click "Yes" on the pop-up window. This will save your PC settings so you can revert to them later if you choose.

Note

We recommend running all setups and checks during initial setup for the best performance. If individual checks need to be run at a later time, they can be individually selected by clicking the check boxes on the left hand side of the PC Tuner.

PC Tuner - Proceed

  • When the PC hardware and software checks are complete and you will see the "Proceed with remaining Checks" button appear, click on it to continue.

PC Tuner - Review Changes

  • You will have an opportunity to review a Tech Bulletin, if you wish, that will provide more detail about the PC optimizations made by the PC Tuner.
  • Close the Centroid PC Tuner Software to return to the Profile Manager.

4. Applying Updates

Update files are different from Profiles, and are only needed in special cases. When an update is available, you can import it over the top of an existing profile while maintaining your machine configuration. During the update process, compatibility with your existing profile is checked and a backup of that profile will be made.

You can download updates from Avid CNC Profile UpdatesAvid CNC Profile Updates - (/support/instructions/software/downloads/cnc12).

Profile Manager - Apply Update

  • Click on the profile you want to update so it is highlighted, and then click on the "Apply Update" button.
  • Find the update you downloaded and then click "Open" to install the update.

With your PC now configured for use with the Centroid CNC Control software, continue to the Avid CNC Centroid Configuration GuideAvid CNC Centroid Configuration Guide - (/support/instructions/software/cnc12Configuration/).