2014 Predator News

December 28th 2014 - Predator CNC Service v10.2.0.174 is released

Predator CNC Service v10.2.0.174 is now available. This new version includes several new features while fixing several bugs. This latest release makes the following improvements:

• Adds new paused state for Fanuc Focas and Okuma 15 protocols
• Adds support for Spindle 1 and Spindle 2 on appropriate Okumas
• Adds more log entries for Okuma protocols
• Improves performance for fast query values for all protocols
• Improves local:// support for checkmark validation (with OPC)
• Improves and validated Parpas support
• Improves performance when loading Predator CNC Service Manager
• Improves Fanuc Focas cycling status queries
• Improves Fanuc Focas to honor the CNC Alarm checkbox for all queries
• Improves install to prevent installation on Windows 2000
• Fixes an intermittent crash with Fanuc Focas and CNC Alarms
• Eliminates Fanuc Focas Feed and Speed override option

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.2.0.174 of Predator CNC Service from our web site at any time.

December 4th 2014 - Predator CNC Service v10.2.0.171 is released

Predator CNC Service v10.2.0.171 is now available. This new version includes several new features while fixing several bugs. This latest release makes the following improvements:

• Adds new Parpas CNC support
• Adds new green check confirmation for all Ethernet addresses
• Adds Feed and Speed override option for Fanuc Focas
• Adds Fanuc Focas Program Override support for existing states
• Adds Fanuc Focus Program override support for custom events
• Adds threshold tag support for OPC
• Adds threshold style XML support
• Improves user interface defaults and terms across multiple protocols
• Improves Fanuc Robot support with a new status tab
• Improves Fanuc Robot with 10 additional digital I/Os
• Improves Fanuc Robot performance and compatibility
• Improves MTConnect default path support
• Improves MTConnect defaults for error and unavailable responses
• Improves Windows 8 and Server 2012 support
• Fixes a bug with Fanuc Parts Counter
• Fixes a series of several small bugs

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.2.0.171 of Predator CNC Service from our web site at any time.

November 1st 2014 - Predator MDC v10.0.202 is released

Predator MDC v10.0.202 is now available. This new version makes a few improvements while fixing several bugs. This latest release makes the following improvements:

• Adds a new -ignorestartup command line option for debug purposes
• Improves Online Help with new and improved topics
• Improves MDC Service performance
• Improves MDC Service shift processing and automatic importing
• Improves Automatic incrementing of alphanumeric revisions
• Improves Fix data collection errors
• Improves Delete machine wizards with additional error messages
• Improves French, German, Japanese and Italian language support
• Improves Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish language support
• Improves SetupMDC.exe automatic Windows OS detection
• Fixes a MDC Service bug with backwards time reporting
• Fixes a bug with several report and chart filter dialogs
• Fixes a bug while resizing favorites to zero
• Fixes a bug when adding view customer status to my favorites
• Fixes a bug when adding downtime summary reports to my favorites

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.0.202 of Predator MDC from our web site at any time. Customers running v9 or older of Predator MDC should contact us atsales@predator-software.com for upgrade details and pricing.

September 26th 2014 - Predator CNC Editor v10.0.16 is released

Predator CNC Editor v10.0.16 is now available. This new version primarily replaces backplotting with a light version of Predator Virtual CNC. It also includes several new features and improvements. This latest release makes the following improvements:

• Adds Windows 8 support
• Adds new Predator Virtual CNC for backplotting
• Adds option to upgrade to higher levels of Predator Virtual CNC for solids, CAD Compare, 4 Axis, 5 Axis, Mill/Turn and machine simulation
• Adds backplot dialogs to simplify Virtual CNC preferences, job properties, machine configuration, OpenGL graphics and many more
• Adds backplot support for sub programs and subroutines
• Adds backplot support for branching (IF, THEN, GOTO, DO and WHILE)
• Adds backplot inspection support
• Adds backplot option to save the Predator Header
• Adds backplot option to Check Code
• Adds -hiderememberpassword command line arg. - Enterprise Only
• Adds -hidedatabase command line argument - Enterprise Only
• Adds importing new components - Enterprise Only
• Adds importing new reference attachments - Enterprise Only
• Adds -trace command line argument
• Adds new external resource files
• Adds new PEDITOR.INI file for backplot integration via Virtual CNC
• Adds new bar code label configuration for Summary Info Report
• Adds new command line variable \Template for the current template
• Adds new command line variable \FileFullName for the current file
• Adds new French language support
• Adds new German language support
• Adds new Portuguese language support
• Adds new Polish language support
• Adds new Spanish language support
• Adds new Installation that eliminates the pvcnc.ocx dependency
• Improves New Template wizard
• Improves Edit Template wizard
• Improves backplot graphics quality and performance
• Improves Windows 7 and Vista installation
• Improves splitter bars and scroll bars
• Improves Summary Info report with a new barcode
• Improves active window border
• Improves help about dialog
• Improves component editing
• Improves history report
• Improves error messages
• Improves online help

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.0.16 of Predator CNC Editor from our web site at any time. Customers running v9 or older of Predator CNC Editor should contact us atsales@predator-software.com for upgrade details and pricing.

September 19th 2014 - Predator Virtual CNC v10.0.1.306 is released

Predator Virtual CNC v10.0.1.306 is now available. This new version includes lots of new features and improvements while fixing several bugs. This latest release makes the following improvements:

• Adds Preview mode which does not require stock, tools and offsets
• Adds Green sphere display for the tool position within Preview mode
• Adds Preview button to the Job Properties dialog
• Adds Check Code button to the new Preview mode
• Adds Ignore unknown G & M code option with the current reverse post
• Adds Fagor N style repeat support
• Adds Offset name support
• Adds parameter DISPLAY_WARNINGS which defaults to OFF
• Improves tool animation speed to be more consistent across models
• Improves error log dialogs, error processing and keyboard input
• Improves processing of undefined G & M codes
• Improves command line operation
• Improves rotary motion with cutter compensation
• Improves macro support within the reverse post
• Improves register panel when processing cycles
• Improves backplotting arc performance
• Improves OCX with new GetAxisPos method
• Improves OCX with new EnableFeature method for mouse panning
• Improves Fanuc Lathe support for G10P0 via ChangeProgramOrigin
• Improves the maximum length of material names to 64 characters
• Improves Fanuc G54.1P# and G54-G59 style work offsets
• Improves Fanuc G10 support with L2 and L20 modes
• Improves tooling setup in job properties to display more details
• Improves numerous online help topics
• Improves RVP file format to include version number
• Improves command line operation to eliminate extra spaces
• Improves M code support
• Improves rectangular pocket support
• Fixes a bug calculating dwell time
• Fixes a bug when cutter compensation is missing a D value
• Fixes a bug when the reverse post returns specific offset values
• Fixes a bug with manual fixture changes
• Fixes a bug with backplot and backstep
• Fixes a bug with stock display within SetupSheet HTML
• Fixes a bug with canceling cutter compensation
• Fixes a series of several bugs with incorrect tab orders in certain dialogs
• Fixes a bug with cutter compensation with vertical moves while mirroring

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.0.1.306 of Predator Virtual CNC from our web site at any time. Customers running v9 or older of Predator Virtual CNC should contact their local us atsales@predator-software.com for upgrade details and pricing.

August 10th 2014 - Predator CNC Service v10.2.0.149 is released

Predator CNC Service v10.2.0.149 is now available. This new version includes several new features while fixing several bugs. This latest release makes the following improvements:

• Adds MTConnect support for multiple heads/spindles/paths
• Adds MTConnect support for local test files
• Adds OPC threshold based tag support for numeric values
• Adds Fanuc Focas v4.2 support
• Improves Windows 8 and Windows 2012 Server support
• Improves DLL sub folder support with automatic path updates
• Improves MTConnect support when the Agent/Adapter is not correct
• Improves Fanuc Backup macro variable reset support
• Improves Fanuc Backup variable support for very small & large values
• Improves Fanuc Backup macro variable comparison
• Fixes a MTConnect bug with counters and overrides
• Fixes a rare Fanuc Focas bug with machine alarm reporting
• Fixes a rare network connection bug
• Fixes Fanuc Focas bug with Windows 2012 Server by removing an API call

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.2.0.149 of Predator CNC Service from our web site at any time.

July 15th 2014 - Predator MDC v10.0.193 is released

Predator MDC v10.0.193 is now available. This new version makes a few improvements while fixing several bugs. This latest release makes the following improvements:

• Adds typing non-visible PCs in the Select PCs per Machine wizard
• Improves all dashboards sorting, refresh and active filters
• Improves the fixing of errors within the Fix Data Collection wizard
• Improves the Delete Collected Data wizard
• Improves international language resources
• Improves the performance of the Predator MDC Service
• Improves Predator MDC standard edition reports to match licensing
• Improves My Favorites when permissions prevent access
• Fixes a series of several bugs with the Fix Data Collection wizard
• Fixes a rare processing bug within the Predator MDC Service
• Fixes the MDC Service bug introduced with v10.0.185

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.0.193 of Predator MDC from our web site at any time. Customers running v9 or older of Predator MDC should contact us atsales@predator-software.com for upgrade details and pricing.

June 20th 2014 - Predator CNC Service v10.2.0.142 is released

Predator CNC Service v10.2.0.142 is now available. This new version enhances our MTConnect support while improving our logging and error handling options. This latest release makes the following improvements:

• Adds MTConnect support for Feedrate Override and Rapid Override
• Improves API error logging
• Improves COM error handling
• Improves logging when operating under a restricted Windows user
• Fixes a bug with international Windows OSes and XML
• Fixes a bug with the OPC protocol stack

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.2.0.142 of Predator CNC Service from our web site at any time.

May 13th 2014 - Predator CNC Service v10.2.0.139 is released

Predator CNC Service v10.2.0.139 is now available. This new version includes additional CNC support while improving a number of new features. This latest release makes the following improvements:

• Adds new Windows Event logging
• Adds international Windows OS support
• Adds -trace command line argument to the CNC Service Manager
• Improves Fanuc support, reliability and compatibility
• Improves Heidenhain support
• Improves XML support
• Improves CNC Service and per machine log files
• Improves test mode
• Improves install
• Fixes a couple of minor UI, install and uninstall bugs

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.2.0.139 of Predator CNC Service from our web site at any time.

May 11th 2014 - Predator Software renews Microsoft Partner Status

Predator Software renews its partner status with Microsoft for 2014. Predator Software has been actively developing Windows applications since its founding in 1994.

April 24th 2014 - Predator Virtual CNC v10.0.1.292 is released

Predator Virtual CNC v10.0.1.292 is now available. This new version makes 90 major improvements in the following areas:

• Adds Machine CNC property tabs for Patterns and Parameters
• Adds Lathe tool nose and turret selector within job properties
• Improves CNC panel via new dual cursors and interactive highlighting
• Improves Fanuc, Fagor and Siemens CNC support
• Improves graphics performance and image quality
• Improves simulation and inspection
• Improves reverse post processor
• Improves solid modeling
• Improves ActiveX control
• Improves Examples and CNC vendor specific reverse post processors
• Improves Online Help with additional topics and updates
• Fixes a series of several small bugs

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.0.1.292 of Predator Virtual CNC from our web site at any time. Customers running v9 or older of Predator Virtual CNC should contact us atsales@predator-software.com for upgrade details and pricing.

April 17th 2014 - Predator PDM v10.0.213 is released

Predator PDM v10.0.213 is now available. This new version makes several new improvements while fixing a couple of bugs. This latest release makes the following enhancements:

• Adds -events command line argument within the Enterprise license
• Adds v3.5 of the .Net runtime Installer
• Adds v7.6.6 of the Sentinel Protection Installer
• Improves Online Help with additional topics and updates
• Improves International language resources
• Improves New and Edit Vault wizard
• Improves New Vault Item wizard
• Improves New Events dialog within the Enterprise license
• Fixes a bug Edit Attachment Notes dialog
• Fixes a couple of bugs with the Revise wizard and shared files

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.0.213 of Predator PDM from our web site at any time. Customers running v9 or older of Predator PDM should contact us atsales@predator-software.com for upgrade details and pricing.

April 14th 2014 - Predator MDC v10.0.181 is released

Predator MDC v10.0.181 is now available. This new version makes a few improvements while fixing a couple of bugs. This latest release makes the following improvements:

• Adds support for fixing downtime reasons in the Reprocess wizard
• Adds support for fixing scrap reasons in the Reprocess wizard
• Adds drilldown to My Favorites & Slide Shows for Trend Analysis Charts
• Adds v3.5 of the .Net runtime Installer
• Adds v7.6.6 of the Sentinel Protection Installer to the install
• Improves online help with additional topics and updates
• Fixes a bug with View Measurements
• Fixes a bug with the Reprocess wizard

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.0.181 of Predator MDC from our web site at any time. Customers running v9 or older of Predator MDC should contact us atsales@predator-software.com for upgrade details and pricing.

March 28th 2014 - Predator CNC Service v10.2.0.127 is released

Predator CNC Service v10.2.0.127 is now available. This new version includes additional CNC support while improving a number of new features. Refer to the following details:

• Adds new Fanuc HSSB support
• Adds new Fanuc Backup support
• Adds new Heidenhain support
• Adds new install
• Adds support for Jog/Handle mode
• Adds support for up to 9999 variables
• Adds new trace log option
• Improves test mode
• Improves logging
• Improves MTConnect support
• Improves feedrate overrides, spindle overrides and rapid overrides
• Improves CNC Service Manager to be easier to use
• Improves digital input/output support
• Improves advanced machine connection support
• Fixes a series of several small bugs
• Upgrades runtime requirement from .Net v2.0 to v4.0

NOTE: Support for Windows 2000 has been dropped. Customers must upgrade to newer Windows versions to run Predator CNC Service v10.2.0.127.

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.2.0.127 of Predator CNC Service from our web site at any time.

February 26th 2014 - Predator MDC v10.0.177 is released

Predator MDC v10.0.177 is now available. This new version makes 23 improvements while fixing a number of bugs. This latest release makes the following improvements:

• Adds manual font size adjustments for My Favorite Charts
• Adds RulerFontSize for Automation files, slide shows and My Favorites
• Improves View Job Status display on different screen resolutions
• Improves New Measurement Dimension wizard
• Improves Edit Measurement Dimension wizard
• Improves Hours Summary Chart Title
• Improves Cycles and Parts Chart Title
• Improves Trend Analysis Chart Title
• Improves Custom Commands within New Events
• Improves refresh performance with New Events
• Improves New Events to allow 2 second refresh rates
• Improves the Machine Dashboard to allow 2 second refresh rates
• Improves dashboard resizing and layout with different sizes
• Improves Online help with additional examples and new topics
• Improves Predator MDC Service with new configurable transaction logs
• Improves Predator MDC Service with faster transaction performance
• Improves View Machine Status performance
• Improves View OEE Status performance
• Improves Report Machine Status performance
• Improves Predator MDC Service to only allow one instance per network
• Improves Predator MDC Service with improved error handling
• Improves Windows's Event reporting
• Improves real-time processing when shifts span midnight
• Fixes a bug with help button/F1 issues on several dashboards
• Fixes a rare bug with Fix Data Collection errors
• Fixes a bug to allow closing several dashboards via the File menu
• Fixes a bug to allow Select Criteria on all reports
• Fixes a couple of bugs with the Machine Timeline chart
• Fixes a bug with saving the Show Idle Time option

Customers on software maintenance can download v10.0.177 of Predator MDC from our web site at any time. Customers running v9 or older of Predator MDC should contact us atsales@predator-software.com for upgrade details and pricing.

February 10th 2014 - Predator Software acquires Sharper Solutions

Beaverton, Oregon & Steubenville, Ohio — (BUSINESS WIRE) — February 10, 2014 — Predator Software Inc. has completed the acquisition of Sharper Solutions, one of the US’s leading suppliers of DNC, MDC and PDM manufacturing software. Sharper Solutions will provide additional field service, application support and sales expertise.

“Predator Software brings to Sharper Solutions increased financial strength, unparalleled expertise in shop floor control and automation with a 20 year history of making technology accessible to manufacturers worldwide. Through sharing our expertise, this transaction will improve how we service and support manufacturers. We are excited to come together and further the vision, development and implementation of Predator technology for digital manufacturing,” said Glenn Sharp, Sharper Solutions owner and founder.

Headquartered in Steubenville, Ohio, Sharper Solutions adds 6 experienced individuals to the Predator team. “The acquisition of Sharper Solutions is an important step in Predator Software’s continued expansion and commitment to the manufacturing and fabrication marketplace. Together we look forward to accelerating the development of more comprehensive shop floor control solutions,” said Jim Abbassian, president of Predator Software. “We welcome the Sharper Solutions employees, customers and partners to Predator Software.”

About Predator Software

Since 1994, over 115,000 manufacturers in over 40 countries rely on Predator solutions to network, monitor, control, revise, verify, organize, manage and automate their shop floor and improve productivity. Predator software and hardware products accelerate manufacturing companies in achieving their JIT, Lean Manufacturing, OEE, Six Sigma and ISO 9000 goals. Find out why so many manufacturing companies rely on Predator every day. For more information visit www.predator-software.com

© 2014 Predator Software Inc. All rights reserved.

January 1st 2014 - Predator Software Turns 20

Back in 1994, Jim Abbassian and Tim Anderson founded Predator Software to automate the shop floor of manufacturers with world class applications. A lot has changed in the last twenty years, but the vision remains the same.

Predator Software is an industry leader in shop floor control or SFC. Predator's SFC technologies include CNC networking, machine monitoring, document management, data collection, machine simulation and verification, tool and gage crib management, traveler management and robotic cell manufacturing.

Predator Software, located in Beaverton, Oregon, is focused on the development of applications and solutions that empower manufacturers to be leaner, more competitive and productive. From our experienced and dedicated staff to our own internal systems for development, testing, sales, and support, Predator Software is committed to investing in the resources it takes to remain the recognized industry leader in shop floor automation technologies.

We are very proud of turning twenty and for the many accomplishments made during the last two decades. We are very grateful to our customers, employees and vendors who helped us get here. We look forward to the next 20 years.

Sincerely,

Team Predator

Pictured from left to right: John, Ken, Joshua, Jim, Bob, Dale, Len, Daniel, Mike, Jerry, Mark, Morgan, Dale, Cheryl, Jennifer and Mike.

NOTE: Not pictured: Tim, Steve, Josep, Arthur, Ray, Neil, Kevin, Mark, Glenn, Joe, Sarah and Elizabeth.