re: LPT/XQ Ability Systems question

Ken,

Have used them for years.

You either write a "converter" from your input dialect to their
proprietary, but openly spec'd command structure.

Or, you use their HPGL "front end".

Or one of several others. Crawford Millworks used to sell a good one
called "Tool"(their market was to retrofit the Digital Tool machines,
the first few hundred of which ran IndexerLPT, often unknown to the
user. Another one is called something like cncV117 from a person
named Andrew in Australia??. MicroSystems of Buckhannon, in VA. makes
an IndexerLPT "front end" that is used by the CNCcrafter folk.Called
the cncController. Art (at ability) probably knows more.

IndexerLPT Likes: The ability to run "under" windows. The constant
vector velocity "queue"(much improved in the window product). The
complete and clear manual. Pendant functions. Good TECHNICAL support.
6 axis capability.

Dislikes: No backlash compensation. Uses three p-ports to do what
could be done on one!(OK,maybe 2) When asked why,Art Volta,the
programmer said it was done for "symmetry"!?! Command names are
verbose.(ok for some, but I don't type well.) The "native" commands
use A,B,C,D,E,F as axis names. I'd like x,y,z, and the abc are
confusing to me if I'm not paying close attention. The DONGLE in the
WIN version. Called a HAM(hardware assist module), it is probably a
result of the aforementioned digital tool situation. Ability was paid
for FAR FEWER digital tool s/w pkg's than were shipped!(As I said,
most of them had no idea indexerLPT was running their machine).

And finally,IMO, suggestions are met with a "take it or leave it, its
cheap,whaddya want, we're the experts" attitiude.

Hope this helps.

Ballendo

>Does anyone here have any experience with
>the LPT/XQ (Windows) or LPT (DOS) indexer
>programs from Ability Systems? I'm especially
>interested in how conversions go between whatever
>you're using for design to the LPT code which
>is apparently proprietary.