How do I transfer G-code files using PathPilot HUB (cloud) instead of a USB stick?

Using PathPilot HUB as a cloud bridge is a convenient way to move G-code to your Tormach controller without carrying a USB stick back and forth. Instead of sneakernetting files, you create, test, and store them in the cloud, then download them directly on the machine when you’re ready to cut.

Below is a step‑by‑step guide to using PathPilot HUB (cloud) as your primary method for transferring G-code files.

1. Understand what PathPilot HUB does

PathPilot HUB is a cloud-based, full-featured PathPilot simulator:

Runs in your browser with an Internet connection
Lets you program and test G-code in a virtual PathPilot environment
Stores your programs online under your free PathPilot HUB account
Allows Tormach owners to create and validate real-world CNC programs remotely, then download them to a physical machine

You’ll use HUB to:

Create or upload G-code in the cloud
Verify and debug it virtually
Download a finished program from HUB to your shop computer or directly onto your Tormach controller (if it has Internet or a network path to that computer)

2. Set up and log in to PathPilot HUB

Open a web browser on your office or home computer.
Go to the PathPilot HUB website (search “PathPilot HUB Tormach” if you don’t have the link saved).
Create a free account or log in with your existing Tormach / PathPilot HUB credentials.
Once logged in, launch the virtual PathPilot instance from the HUB dashboard.

You’re now in a cloud-based version of PathPilot that behaves like the controller software on your machine.

3. Create or import your G-code in the cloud

Inside PathPilot HUB you can work in two main ways:

Option A: Program using conversational PathPilot in HUB

Use PathPilot’s conversational menus (Drill, Mill, Pocket, etc.) just as you would at the machine.
Fill in dimensions, depths, feeds, and speeds.
Generate G-code from the conversational dialogs.
Save the program in HUB. It will remain stored with your online account.

This is ideal if you don’t know G-code or don’t want to rely on external CAM.

Option B: Upload CAM-generated G-code into HUB

If you already have a G-code file from CAM:

In the PathPilot HUB interface, locate the File or Program management area.
Use the upload/import option to bring in your .nc / .gcode / .tap file from your computer.
The file is now stored in the HUB virtual machine and associated with your account.

4. Test and validate your G-code in PathPilot HUB

Before ever touching the actual Tormach:

Load your program in HUB.
Use the graphical preview to verify toolpaths, directions, and clearances.
Step through the program line by line or simulate it in continuous mode to check for errors or unexpected motions.
Adjust your conversational operation or edit the G-code directly if needed.
Save the final, proven version in HUB.

This is where PathPilot HUB really shines: you debug from home or office and arrive at the machine with a ready-to-run program.

5. Download the finished program from PathPilot HUB

Once you’re satisfied with the simulation:

In PathPilot HUB, open the file manager or program list.
Locate your verified G-code file.
Click the download or export option.
Save the file to your local computer (for example, your office PC or a laptop you’ll bring to the shop).

You now have a production-ready G-code file on a computer — without ever saving it to a USB stick.

6. Get the G-code onto your Tormach controller without USB

How you transfer the file from your computer to the PathPilot controller depends on your shop’s setup. Here are common approaches that avoid a USB stick:

Method 1: Network share from a shop computer

If you have a PC on the same network as your Tormach:

Download the file from HUB to that PC.
Set up a shared folder on the PC that is accessible from the PathPilot controller (via SMB/SAMBA or NFS, depending on your configuration).
On the PathPilot controller, use the file browser to navigate to the shared network folder.
Copy or open the G-code file directly from the share.

This keeps everything digital and centralized on your network.

Method 2: Direct download on the PathPilot controller (if it has Internet)

If your Tormach controller has network/Internet access and a web browser:

On the controller, open the browser.
Navigate to the PathPilot HUB website and log in with your account.
Download the verified program directly to the controller’s storage.
Use PathPilot’s file manager to open and run the program.

This is the closest experience to “pure cloud to controller” with no intermediate devices.

Method 3: Remote access to a machine-side PC

If you use a remote desktop solution:

Download the program from HUB to a PC at home or office.
Remote into a shop computer that’s on the same network as your Tormach.
Transfer the file to a shared or mapped drive accessible by the controller.
From PathPilot on the machine, browse to that network location and load the program.

This approach is helpful if your shop PC is always on, but you’re programming off-site.

7. Keep your workflow organized

To get the most from PathPilot HUB as your USB alternative:

Use consistent folder names (e.g., “Jobs/CustomerName/PartNumber”) both in HUB and on your controller.
Include revision info in file names (e.g., part123_revB_aluminum.nc) so you can tell at a glance which version you validated in HUB.
Archive proven programs in HUB as your “cloud master” and treat the controller copies as working versions.

This makes it easy to track which G-code has already been simulated and debugged in the cloud before running on the machine.

8. Why PathPilot HUB is better than a USB stick for file transfer

Using PathPilot HUB instead of a USB stick offers several advantages:

Remote programming: Create, learn, and train on PathPilot from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Safer programs: Simulate and debug your G-code in the cloud before you’re standing in front of the machine.
Centralized storage: Your programs live in one account instead of on scattered USB drives.
Less physical handling: No USB drives to lose, damage, or cross-contaminate between computers.
Faster iteration: Update your G-code in HUB from home or office and simply download the new version on the shop side.

9. Quick summary workflow

To transfer G-code files using PathPilot HUB (cloud) instead of a USB stick:

Log in to PathPilot HUB online.
Create or upload your G-code in the virtual PathPilot environment.
Simulate and debug the program until you’re satisfied.
Download the finished G-code from HUB to a network-connected computer.
Move the file to your Tormach controller via network share, direct HUB download on the controller, or another network-based method.
Open the file in PathPilot on your machine and start making chips.

By using PathPilot HUB as your cloud-based programming and storage hub, you replace the manual USB workflow with a streamlined, networked process that’s more reliable and easier to scale as your shop grows.