Quick Start • DWC5100
DWC5100 — Getting Started
This page covers the first setup steps for your DWC5100: Assembly & Setup, OmniControl (PlanetCNC TNG) installation, Firmware & License, Homing, and Vectric CAD/CAM installation. If your machine includes an ATC, select your configuration below and the page will update automatically.
This page will automatically update the download link, What’s Included,
and ATC setup steps based on your selection.
Assembly & Setup
Commercial unit placement + cooling prep
- This is a heavy commercial machine — use appropriate lifting equipment and help when positioning.
- Position the machine on a level foundation (no benchtop setups).
- Use the leveling feet to level the machine in both directions before continuing.
- Re-check level after final placement and any floor settling/adjustments.
- Fill the cooling tank with a minimum of 4 gallons of distilled water or RV antifreeze.
- Do not use tap water.
What’s Included: Use this checklist to confirm your shipment.
Standard (No ATC) STD
- (1) DWC5100 unit
- (1) 6-foot USB cable
- (1) Flash drive with software setup files
- (1) 4-inch dust hood
- (1) 60° V-bit
- (4) Hold-down clamps
- (1) Spanner wrench for changing tools
- (1) ER-20 spindle nut
- (1) ER-20 1/8 collet
- (1) ER-20 1/4 collet
- (1) ER-20 1/2 collet
- (1) Water tank for cooling system
- (1) Coolant pump for cooling system
ATC Units (Rear-Mount or Gantry-Mount) ATC
Includes everything in the Standard list, plus:
- (8) ER-20 1/4 collets
- (8) Tool holders
Compressed Air Required (ATC units): Connect compressed air to the machine to supply proper pressure
for the pneumatic ATC system before attempting any ATC testing.
Optional add-ons: Any additional accessories you purchased may be included and will vary by order.
Step 1 — Install OmniControl (PlanetCNC TNG)
Software that runs the CNC
USB Flash Drive Contents (Standard):
Files
Vectric Registration and License Info.txtPlanetCNC License Key Code.txt
Folders
DWC SetUp & Information(Vectric setup files & more)5100 complete(OmniControl Profile)PlanetCNCWin_<Latest_Release>(PlanetCNC installer)
If your USB contents do not match, use the official download links below.
- Insert the USB Flash Drive into your PC.
- Verify its contents match the USB Flash Drive Contents listed above.
-
If the contents do not match, download the correct setup files:
If the
PlanetCNCWin_<Latest_Release>folder is missing, download PlanetCNC from planet-cnc.com/download.html. - Open the
PlanetCNCWin_<Latest_Release>folder and runPlanetCNC_Installer.exe. - If Windows blocks it, click More Info → Run Anyway.
- During install, uncheck auto-open (do not launch immediately after install).
- For the next steps, it helps to have two File Explorer windows open side-by-side.
- In one window, open the
5100 completefolder. In the other, openC:\Program Files\PlanetCNC. - From
5100 complete, copy theProfilesfolder intoC:\Program Files\PlanetCNC. - In the
C:\Program Files\PlanetCNCwindow, navigate to your Desktop folder. - From
5100 complete, copy the5100_OmniControlshortcut to your Desktop. - Close both File Explorer windows.
- On your Desktop, right-click
5100_OmniControl→ Properties → General tab → check Unblock (if prompted). - Click Apply, then OK.
- At the CNC, connect the USB cable with the machine OFF.
- Double-click the
5100_OmniControlshortcut to open OmniControl. - In OmniControl: File → Settings → Connection → double-click your USB PlanetCNC board/serial option.
Safety: Keep the machine OFF until firmware + license steps are complete.
If you’re not at the machine yet: You can install PlanetCNC and copy profiles/shortcut now.
Complete the “connect USB + select your controller” step when you are at the CNC with the USB cable connected.
Firmware & License
Finish setup and confirm the green status light
Firmware Update
- Go to Machine → Controller → Firmware Update.
- Run the update and wait for success.
Activate License
- Go to Help → License Management → Licenses.
- Import the key code from your USB license file.
- Ready state: bottom-right status light is solid green.
Goal: Solid green status light = all systems go.
Homing (Verify Limit Switches)
Confirm switches are working properly
- With the machine powered and ready, perform a Home cycle in OmniControl.
- Verify each axis travels toward its home position and stops correctly when the limit switch is triggered.
- If anything does not behave as expected, stop and contact support before continuing.
Note: Limit switches are included with this unit and settings are preconfigured at the factory.
ATC Setup & Test (Rear-Mount / Gantry-Mount)
Load tools, connect air, then test
- Connect compressed air to the machine to provide proper pressure for the pneumatic ATC system.
- Install your router bits into the tool holders.
- Load tool holders into the rack. (Tool rack slot locations are configured at the factory.)
- Follow the OmniControl ATC test procedure to verify tool changes are operating correctly.
Important: Do not attempt ATC testing without compressed air connected.
Step 2 — Install Vectric CAD/CAM
Design & toolpath software
- On your USB Flash Drive, locate
Vectric Registration and License Info.txt. - Copy the Registration URL and paste it into your browser.
- Complete the registration form and click Submit.
- Check your email for an automated response from Vectric Ltd.
- Click the link in the email to finish account setup and create a password.
- Log in to your Vectric V&Co account dashboard.
- Click Your Software → then click the Click for Details button.
- Download the Vectric installer.
- Run the installer → follow prompts.
- At the end of install, use the Machine Setup prompt to download your Machine Post Processor and Tool Database files.
- Launch VCarve or Aspire when finished.
Video: The updated Vectric install video will be linked here once the new version is published.
Need Help?
We’ve got you
If you run into any issues during setup or installation, contact support and we’ll help you get up and running.