Re: What is Cad/ CAM, Controllers and... opinions: again?

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@egroups.com, ballendo@y... wrote:

> <SNIP>Tom,
> Thanks for your reply.

This is off the MasterControlCNC FAQ section:

4) Windows seems to lock up when I try to jog or move.

Due to the nature of the burst-mode algorithm used to pulse the
motors, windows must be temporarily stopped during motor movement.
After each line of G-Code,Windows is given an opportunity to do it's
work. Master Control looks ahead to see if the next 500mm of cut are
on several lines and will burst at least 500mm at a time on curves.
Windows will appear to be locked up during this time. You may press
pause during this time and the program will recognize it during the
next break.
(end of quote)

From this I get that the machine doesn't pause, Windows does.

Somehow the Gamers have figured out how to deal with the Windows
stuff and do real time interface. I guess my bias against DOS is
bitterness from the hundreds of hours of frustration it cost me
trying to make it work with different software and hardware
combinations. I would be more inclined to use it as a controller if
you could run in protected mode so you could still have access to the
network cards and stuff. Several of the programs won't even let you
run in that mode and require you boot to DOS or force the computer to
go into pure DOS mode with no Windows stub.

You are correct though about my perspective. Once I get my machine
up and running I may well be singing a different song. I plan on
trying EMC as well.

My goal in a twisted way is the same as yours. I love to make
things. Wheather its a 3500# sawmill or a new computer program. I
have spent lots-o-hours rebuilding machinery...most often Farm
tractors (just finished a complete restore of a 1948 Farmall Super A).
I use my shop to make things for the equipment I rebuild. I know
first hand what CNC can do. I did repairs on big CNC rigs back in
the early 80's. Worked on medium sized CNC punch presses (DiAcro)
that could move 30 Inches per SECOND! A sheet of material could cut
you in half if you were standing in the kill zone! I am fortunate to
have a lab with a Tektronix scope with a current probe to monitor the
drive characteristics of power circuits.

I want as many people that are interested in HSM and CNC to jump into
this hobby. In my preverse way I feel that the easier you make it
the more active entrants we will get.

Hey, I've got an idea. How about we come up with a list of things we
want in each of the pieces of software and use it as a formal method
of reviewing all the offerings. If we just compiled a list of
everything out there and did a check list of the essentials. I will
donate some of my time to review things from my perspective and you
can do yours...sorta a point/counterpoint. It just might force some
of these software vendors to make some much needed improvements in
their offerings. Send me a list of the things you consider "have to
have" features and "nice to have" options. I have gotten lots of e-
mail about why didn't I review this or I should look at that. All I
can say is that I have to try and make a living, stay married, and
maintain 200 acres; time is precious. I welcome any input and help
from any of the Group.

I realized when I did what I did that it would create contraversy.
You don't throw grenades without expecting some to come back your
way. What started me in my quest was that everybody I talked to had
a different opinion as to what to use and the Engineer part of me had
to ask why.

The upside of all this is that we have at least furnished some
entertainment for the crowd and maybe, just maybe got some of the
lookers to become dooers (good thing this e-mail doesn't have a spell
check).

Gotta' go paint the trailer I welded up. Life is good.