LEAD Controller
Leading Edge Industrial’s full-featured CNC motion control software for interfacing with our HX Series II product line.
The best part: its free!
LEAD Controller Software User Manual
Learn how to use and configure our full-featured CNC machine control software!
Hardware Requirements:
| CPU: | Intel Pentium D 830 (2005) or better |
| Processor Speed: | 266 MHz |
| Required RAM: | 2 GB |
| Disk Space (minimum): | 0.5 GB |
| Screen Resolution (minimum): | 1000 px X 786 px |
Currently Supported Client Operating Systems:
Windows
- Windows 10 (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Windows 8.X (32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM)
- Windows 8 (32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM)
- Windows 7 SP1 (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Windows Vista SP2 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Mac OS
.DMG Coming Soon!
Linux
- Executable Coming Soon!
Download the LEAD Controller Now!
Version 1.03 Released 03/05/20
Version 1.03 Released 03/05/20
Version 1.03 Released 03/05/20
Patch Notes:
- Version 1.0.3 – 2020 March 5
- Added multiple tool change capabilities for running a file on the lathe machine
- Added BETA version of a visualizer for mill machine users
- Updated the “Check” function
- Version 1.0.2 – 2020 Feb 16
- Fixed a bug with how a tool change is handled.
- Version 1.0.1 – 2019 October 1
- Updated code behind the program’s main form
- Fixed one bug with the serial connection
causing program to freeze - Changed the check button function and
how it works - Introduced short verbiage when Grbl sends
an alarm code so you know what’s wrong - Changed the connect/disconnect logic under
the “Tools” menu - Added an “About” menu option
- Added “G-codes” and “M-codes” menu options
- Added a “New File” menu option
- Fixed one bug causing the buttons in the lathe
fixture offsets window to not work - Fixed one bug with the override commands causing
errors with Grbl - Added a soft limits feature for jogging in the
settings window - Added another window for adjusting fixture
offsets (G54-G59) - Made the homing button click perform the unlock,
reset, and homing command so you may start by only
selecting the “Home” button
- Version 1.0.0 – 2019 Feb 4
-
- Initial release by Leading Edge Industrial
-
LEAD Controller FAQs:
Why won't my HX Series II Benchtop CNC machine connect to my computer?
A: If your computer does not detect the machine upon plugging in the USB A-B cable, you will need to download a VCP (Virtual COM Port) driver. This driver is essential for allowing USB devices to appear as communication (COM) ports on your computer. Download the driver that corresponds to your computer’s operating system and follow the installation instructions for the driver. The link to the FTDI VCOM driver can be found here: FTDI Virtual COM Port Drivers
I am able to send manual data (MDI) commands, but I can't run a program.
It is important to execute the [Cold Start Routine] on each and every machine start-up.
To perform the [Cold Start Routine]:
- Upon initial connection to the CNC machine via the LEAD Controller:
- An alert window will notify the user to perform the [Cold Start Routine].
- Click [“OK“] to clear this alert.
- On the function command line (located on the center-bottom of the LEAD Controller) press the following buttons, in this order:
- Click [“Unlock“].
- Click [“Reset“].
- Click [“Home“].
These commands, executed in this order, perform the [Cold Start Routine] and properly primes the machine for operation.
Additionally, these commands will need to be executed to properly clear a machine alarm state.
Both the [“Start”] and [“Run From Line”] functions will work correctly, after successfully executing the [Cold Start Routine].
My HX8410 VMC and/or HX710 TC [HX Series I Product Line] doesn't work with the LEAD Controller.
NOTICE: A firmware update is required to use the HX Series I product line with our LEAD Controller.
The LEAD Controller software requires our “LEIv1.1f” firmware. If you have difficulty viewing the work coordinate system (WCO)/machine coordinate system(MCO) or are experiencing issues with fixture offsets being updated, please contact us directly to obtain the required firmware update files and installation materials.
You may check the machine firmware by doing the following:
- Open LEAD Controller and Connect to your machine
- Enter the “Settings” Menu (Main Menu Bar > Tools> Settings)
- Log in using the Administrative Username/password and/or your locally assigned Username/password
- View the “Version:” field
- If this field is blank and/or reflects any value other than “LEIv1.1f”, your machine will need a firmware update.
LEAD Controller Tutorials:
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