The latest version of the ShopBot Control Software is always available here for free download. This is the software that runs ShopBot CNC Tools. With the ShopBot Control Software, you can enter individual commands to move the tool or run a ShopBot Part File, a cutting file created in a CAD/CAM program such as the ShopBot Design Software Suite, to cut out a part.
If you are interested in a test drive to check out the software, the ShopBot Control Software will run in Preview Mode without being connected to a ShopBot and you are welcome to download and try it out.
VERSION 3.8.88 Includes performance improvements and new features for ATC machines.
Click to Download Sb3.8.88 (9/8/23) (~29 MB)
It is possible to upgrade most ShopBots to the latest V2xx Control Cards, though not all features will be supported on older tools. Give tech support a call to find out whether a new Control Card would be beneficial for your tool.
Download the installation program to your computer, then run it to install the ShopBot Control Software.
If your outboard Controller firmware is outdated, you will be prompted to reload it when you next run the software using
Utility › Install Firmware [UI].
Any late-breaking information will display in a readme message at the end of the installation process.
For PRT ShopBots (7/2004 - 9/2007 and early PRS, with xplor52 Control Cards [using a Dallas microcontroller]; these systems used USB communications via a serial to USB adapter plugged into the serial connector on the larger board.)
Download the installation program to your computer, then run it to install the ShopBot Control Software. If your outboard Controller firmware is outdated, you will be prompted to reload it when you next run the software. A readme file will display any late-breaking information at the end of the installation process.
v3.6.46 FINAL UPDATE of PRT Software 3/30/13 (~20 MB)
(This version is identical to 3.6.44 with the exception that some of the included file have been updated. These include files for vacuum tables, the MTC file that handles manual tool change instructions, and Copy Machine Tool for probing. This version also includes a folder with our "probe to surface translator" which was inadvertently left out of 3.6.44).
For older PRT ShopBots (2000 - 2004 with xplor 52 Control Cards [using original Atmel microcontroller]; these system used standard serial communications)
Download the self-extracting installation program to your computer, then run it to install the software. If your outboard software is outdated, you will be prompted to reload during the install. A readme file will display any late-breaking information at the end of the installation process. PRTstandard control box looks like a computer CPU either beige, silver, or black.
v3.4.27 PRT LATEST UPDATE 10/04/06 (~10 MB)
For PR ShopBots (from 1995 - 2000)
Download the self-extracting installation program to your computer, then run it to install the software. A readme file will display any late-breaking information at the end of the installation process.
ShopBot Control Software Version 2.38 (~1.2 MB)
*this version cannot be used with Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8)
It is possible to install the DOS version on a Windows XP or 2000 computer to run in PREVIEW mode only.
To do so: change the C:\windows\temp to C:\sb200 when asked where to unzip files.
This will put everything in the SB200 directory. You should then move all .sbp files to the SBPARTS directory.
(Click to download; each 12 to 20 MB)
SB3.6.44 (PRS, PRTalpha, PRT_Ver4G)
SB3.6.38 (PRS, PRTalpha, PRT_Ver4G)
SB3.6.1 (PRS, PRTalpha, PRT_Ver4G)
SB3.5.20 (PRS, PRTalpha, PRT_Ver4G)
Version 3.8.70 (maintenance update) 11/09/22 |
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-(more) Combined Max and Gantry ATC routines |
-Corrected tool bar warning Max ATC |
-New calibration routine for ATC max |
-Added a limit check to know what axis is on a switch and attempt to move off switch |
-no longer default starts new install to ShopBotEASY (though still accessible) |
-more protection against mis-keying in Keypad |
Version 3.8.52 -- Maintenance update 10/16/19 |
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- Added Macros and related routines for DesktopMAX ATC |
- Fixed Problem using Output Switch calls along with having the Keypad[SK] open in SBP programming language |
Version 3.8.50 -- Maintenance update; (FIRMWARE UPDATE REQUIRED, included; install with [UI]) 6/15/18 |
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- Enhanced PWM Laser Control (for Version 204 and later Control Cards) and fixed gaps |
- Added 5-axis tool features including use of standard calls to CustomCut files |
- Fixed missing Z prox and metric features in ShopBot Setup routine |
Version 3.8.48 -- Maintenance update 4/15/18 |
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- Improve dialogue for ATC Zeroing |
Version 3.8.46 -- Maintenance update 2/15/18 |
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- Fixed metric operation in Desktop and DesktopMAX First Setup and Squaring files |
Version 3.8.44 -- Maintenance update 11/15/17 |
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- New ATC settings for PRS4 version of ATC |
- New Settings Folder for PRS Tools with Z-Axis proximity switches; adjusts [VN] settings for Input 5 |
- Updated Setting for 5-Axis Tools; prox switch settings and rotary motor unit values |
- Fixed Limit over-ride crash continuation attempt |
- Fine tuning of Stop Pull-Up/Resume Issue w/PRSalpha tools (But, if problem persists for you; disable Resolution-Shifting in [VU] and limit Jog speeds to 14ips. This should resolve) |
- An alternate implementation of this version of software that uses slowed USB speeds for computers that are experiencing USB communications issues; called 3.8.44_slowedUSB (may limit maximum circle and keypad speeds) |
Version 3.8.42 -- Maintenance Update; FIRMWARE UPDATE REQUIRED, included; use [UI]) 6/27/16 |
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- Updates PRSalpha setting files for 15:1 indexers (older settings in subfolder) |
- Fixed typo's in Safe Height in MTC file for 4th and 5th axis |
- Added metric indexer posts for Vectric products |
- Re-organized back-up folder for CAM software postprocessors, included addition specialty posts for rotary-indexers |
- Fixed bug in file start-up (a spindle-activation falt or error) after a preceeding file was discontinued; produced error with Surfacing Tool file |
- Fixed ocassional slow-down in large files (failed re-acceleration from ramping) |
- Fixed intermittent bad plunge after resume (fault happened after stopping in a jog move) |
Version 3.8.40 -- Maintenance Update 12/15/15 |
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- Fixes problem in which a Driver Fault after C3 produces failure |
- Made Driver Fault and E-Stop messages consistent |
Version 3.8.38 -- Maintenance Update 10/30/15 |
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- Fixes run-time error generated by call to the Spindle Speed Controller and not having correct location values in registry |
- Updated 5-Axis Zeroing routines and new default setting file for recent 5-axis tools |
- Fixes an error in MTC management of drills |
Version 3.8.36 -- Maintenance Update 7/18/15 |
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- Fixes file-breaking problem that occurs with inline speed changes [VS] within an SBP or g-code file where the speeds are very slow (< 1 inch/sec or < 25mm/sec); now handled with a stack break that should be smooth. |
Version 3.8.34 -- Maintenance Update 6/18/15 |
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- Fixed memory (out or range) problem with large files having a single stack and ramps on most moves |
- Added blank shopbot.ini file to initial install to help insure "public" file rights (should auto call [UR]) |
- Added dates to history |
- Opened permission on "C:/ProgramData/ShopBot" to prevent problems saving settings; STILL REQUIRES INSTALLATION as ADMIN |
Version 3.8.32 -- Maintenance Update 5/25/15 |
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- Fixed problem with RESUME after STOP during a JOG (in which Z is below pull-up height) |
- FIxed problem with ramps/speed in first file when software has been started in Preview Mode |
Version 3.8.30 -- Maintenance Update (FIRMWARE UPDATE REQUIRED, included) 4/27/15 |
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- Fixed Handibot Settings File for initial start-up |
- Updated Laser PWM control functions (see VN and VH) |
- Added Spindle Speed info (for manual speed adjustment) in Spindle-Start Dialog |
- Fixed problem with ATC Calibration locking up |
- Updated Help Links and the coloring of several Commands in ShopBot Editor, SbEdit.exe |
Version 3.8.26 -- Maintenance Update (FIRMWARE UPDATE REQUIRED, included) 10/11/14 |
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- Fixed occasional erractic behavior after repeated Stops and Resumes (and Nudges or Command Insertions) |
- Reduced liklihood of Keypad lockup |
- Fixed erratic Stop problem that can happen when Stop happens in a short Jog (or in last fraction of a Jog) |
- Fixed several inch > mm conversion/reset glitches |
- Small Circle Definition (a rarely used parameter, previously found in VU) moved to VR to make it more readily accessible |
Verrsion 3.8.24 -- Maintenance Update 7/18/14 |
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- Provides option to disable electronic gear shifting on PRSalpha tools; this will reduce max jog speed; but prevents possible gearshift distance error due to low/slow voltage shift at driver; also allows faster digitizing/probing |
- Fixes problem of misreading Output Status on some processor types ("Unexpected Output Fault" error) |
- Fixes problem of occasional slowing on some processor types |
- Fixes bug with reading and parsing paths and long variable names |
- Work on updated zeroing routines for z prox switches and consistency over all zeoring file |
- Created protection for double hitting of Enter Button in response to start dialogues |
- Now calling Custom90 at startup so that all potential needed variables in my_variables.sbc are loaded |
- Added SetZprox.sbp/Custom8.sbc to manually set the Z prox height when not using ZZero plate, such as with Handibot |
- Changed Emergency-Stop Action on PRSalpha and PRTalpha tools to an immediated hard stop (no slowed braking) |
Version 3.8.12 -- Maintenance Update (FIRMWARE UPDATE REQUIRED; included) 1/24/14 |
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- [UR] (Reset Settings) no longer showing option to delete SbSys.Log in ; makes it more permanent; delete from C:\ProgramData\ShopBot\ShopBot 3 |
- [UR] fixed problem with running from mm for some settings files; now stays in mm if called from mm |
- Updated math precision to prevent rounding error causing shift to slow speed in some long files |
- In Keypad, Fixed Distance Moves now supported for Rotary (deg) Axes. NOTE! to avoid needing to input a separate distance for just for the rotary axis: if you are in inches, rotation will be X10 the inch distance in degrees; if you are in mm, rotation will be X0.10 mm distance in degrees |
- In Keypad, Memorized location move pull-up warning improved in comparing current Z/A location |
- In Keypad, (a new) Memorized locations will be converted to current units before the move if units do not match the recorded value. E.g. a location recorded as 2,1 in inches, will send tool to 50.8, 25.4 if the software is in mm mode. (You need to re-input older locations for this fuctionality to take effect.) |
- Fixed inconsistencies in (rarely-used) positive plunge system; we only recommend positive plunge for special situations |
- Improved spindle shut-down if communications lost |
- In C2 (Z-zero) routine; there is no longer an automatic pull up to Safe-Z height before touching off on the plate. The assumption being that you could not run the routine if you weren't above the plate. (The pull-up still occurs after each touch-off on the plate. Use [VC] to reduce the Safe-A pull-up if you do not want to pull up as high. The default value is 1.0inches/25.4mm for most tools, .5in/12.7mm for Desktops and Handibot.) Version 3.8.14 -- Maintenance Update 3/19/14 |
- Fixed some issues with conversion between metric and inches when using ShopBot Setup under [T]ools |
- Fixed highlight line location in small file display; e.g. showed up in spindle warm-up routine |
- Updated Handibot Settings file to create -.05 offsets from prox switches |
- Barcode scanner added as option in "Button" system; see c:\Program Folders\ShopBot\VirtualTools\Buttons |
- Fixed problem with FG that prevent a restart on a line before a J3 |
- Improved the handling of variables in the "SHELL" Programming Instruction and with Virtual Tool starts. See examples in Programming Handbook. |
- Added functionality for using a Z-axis Proximity Switch with C2 and C3. If you have a tool with a Z-prox use Setup under Tools to configure it to be able to re-position the cutter that was last Z-Zeroed. |
Version 3.8.10 -- Maintenance Update 11/6/13 |
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- Install includes a Settings file for the new Handibot Tools |
- Install includes BZero.sbp; MTC adds B axis tool change and fixes Change_A [VI] command |
- When using Keypad, "Fixed Distance" moves will now update location display in Keypad readout |
- Fixed location updating so that when a "Limit Switch" is hit in Keypad mode the location is correctly reported |
- Vachole.sbp subroutine Part File added to 120 and 144 size Vacuum Table folders (it had been missing) |
- Probe-2-Surface returned as a virtual tool; note that depending on file type, some editing of the first few moves may be required |
- Command Reference updated for MS vs VS "stack" features and for CP motion (not Jog) |
Version 3.8.08 -- Maintenance Update (FIRMWARE UPDATE REQUIRED; included) 8/28/13 |
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- Now allowing Input from #2 and #4 as responses to Spindle On ? question for Handibots (requires appropriate serial number) |
- #4 Input response for Standards and and Desktops also fixed |
- Modified arrow keys for Handibot tablet Z (PGUP/PGDN via Alt-ArrowUP/DN) |
- Improved error correction in probing |
- Fixed problem with Stopping at speeds of .4ips and below |
- Synced file line display of code in Console screen |
- Z pull-up error in multiple toolpath files fixed |
- Fixed problem with Preview Display of multiple toolpath files where post inserted duplicate definitions |
- Fixed problem with spindle turning off when commands entered manually from keyboard |
- Fixed protection on ShopBot Setup to allow it to function without a special Admin start; also fixed shift to metric in Setup routine |
- Fixed problem in some situation with Z-Zero not returning to correct location at end of routine |
Version 3.8.06 -- Maintenance Update 4/23/13 |
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- Fixed issues with spindle/router switching ON when call follows and initial move (e.g. surfacing routine) |
- Fixed problem with initial display when loading older PRT settings file |
- Hitting ENTER as a STOP now works in Keypad moves (Goto Move or Memory Move) |
- Changed functionality so that Control Box firmware can be updated from EASY Mode, click '?'(Help) |
- Fixed EASY Dot display when switching to EASY from Preview Mode |
- Updates to Docs re: G20 and G21 g-codes for swapping axes (see above) |
Version 3.8.04 -- Maintenance Update 3/24/13 |
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- Two primary issues addressed in this release: |
- A "slow down" in motion that happens when running a file, once started it continues (tends to occur with slower processors) |
- A period of "erratic motion" that is followed by communications disruptions and continuation problems (also primarily with slower processors) **Both problems found their way into the initial release version but did not show up in final screening; now repaired |
- All control cards should now support a hot swap; retained location when controller USB plugged into another computer (assuming not turned off) |
- Fixed bug that can occur when an axis is swapped within a file |
- Added additional diagonistic LED signal on Control Card; will cycle on and off @~8seconds when not connected to PC but functioning normally |
- [VD,,,0] and [VD,,,1] can now be used at start of a file to force file to run in INCHES or MM. Also works for G20 and G21 (the G-code verison) |
Version 3.8.02 -- Intial Release of MAJOR UPDATE (view enhancements above) |
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Functional Improvements (made possible by capabilities of the 2xx series of Control Cards; not applicable for earlier Control Cards). This is the new stuff under the hood!
Toll Free: 1-888-680-4466
Phone: 919-680-4800
Fax: 919-680-4900
ShopBot Tools, Inc.
3333-B Industrial Drive
Durham, NC 27704
USA
Office Hours
Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm EST
After Hours Tech Support
Monday–Friday: 5pm–9pm EST
Saturday–Sunday: 10am–5pm EST
Office Closure
ShopBot Tools, Inc. is closed New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Outside of normal office hours, we regularly check for support requests,
email and phone messages. To make sure we can get back to you as soon as possible,
leave a phone number or return email address where you will be available.