Shark Control Panel 2.0 Launch

[Tim Owens]

To Our Valued Customers,

The Shark Control Panel 2.0 will not be released today. Despite our best efforts, the distribution and registration process is not yet defect free. I’d rather delay the release for a few days and take the time to make sure it is functioning the way we intended, rather than handing over something that may not work properly.

The anticipated release of the Shark Control Panel 2.0 will now be Monday, October, 21, 2013. It will be available for download from the Next Wave Automation Downloads page. If you are an existing Shark Mako or Black Diamond owner, you received with your shipment the registration key you will need to enter to activate the software. If you also own a touch plate or touch probe accessory, the Shark accessory registration key(s) you received for use with the Shark Control Panel can also be used to activate that functionality in the Shark Control Panel 2.0. There is no need to repeat the registration process in order to use these accessories with this software.

We will have instructions for those Shark Mako and Black Diamond owners who have misplaced this code and need to retrieve it on Monday with the release.

The Shark Control Panel 2.0 (SCP2) is an option. We will continue to maintain and make improvements to the ‘free’ Shark Control Panel. Many Shark owners may choose not to purchase the SCP2 as they may not feel the need for the additional capabilities it brings to the Shark system. This is no different than our knowing that not all of the Shark owners have purchased a touch plate or touch probe.

Initially, the SCP2 adds a 2D display of the toolpath, with a display of the gantry position while the job is running. If you own the touch plate accessory, the SCP2 also provides a ‘Virtual Zero’ capability. The Virtual Zero (VZ) functionality of the SCP2 enables you to account for inconsistencies in material thickness and slight warping of the material. The VZ functionality can also help account for some variations in Shark machine setup (machine setting on a surface that is not flat for example).

While I’ve stated this in across several different posts, I think it is worth re-stating:

1. The Shark Control Panel 2.0 is an option. You can continue to use the Shark Control Panel 1.5.x (and future versions) that have enabled Shark owners to create a wide variety of projects for the last 5 years without deciding to purchase this software.
2. This software was included in the purchase of the Shark Mako and Black Diamond models as a part of the limited edition sales packages Rockler created.
3. The Virtual Zero function of the Shark Control Panel 2.0 requires ownership of the Touch Plate accessory.
4. You will be able to purchase the Shark Control Panel 2.0 from the Next Wave Automation (NWA) store at the NWA website.

Again, I apologize for the delay in fielding the Shark Control Panel 2.0. We greatly appreciate and value our customers. Thank you for your continued support and patience. Once you receive the SCP2, we believe you will think it was well worth the wait.

Sincerely,

Tim Owens
President
Next Wave Automation