re: CNC UI (V hj vs. conversational prgmmg)

Ballendo,

Just took a look at ShopBot and examined the .sbp files. Don't know
from a brief look why they just didn't use gcode!

JZ, .5
M2, 10, 5
MZ, -.5

These are simple replacements for:

G0 Z 0.5
G1 X 10.0 Y 5.0
G1 Z -0.5

So you really just have the same thing. Reinvented the wheel. Is that
part of what you're after? Yeah, we can do that. I saw that they have
a .cfg file for Vector CAD/CAM. So Vector can generate the ShopBot part
code. I also got that you could use a "conversational" input (fill in
the boxes) to generate the part file, or run the 'bot immediately, I
would guess. Is this part of what we're after?

I'm wondering if there is a way to use Vector for the "conversational"
part, and command immediate cuts. I think it can "export" to another
machine, which could be like the MDI input of the controller program
(the MaxNC or CNCpro). OK, I'll think about this some more. Maybe we
just need to add a "machine control" screen to Vector! I understand
that there is some DLL style connectivity coming up for vector. Vector
(or your favorite CAD) could then a "module" in your machine control
system. Once the gcode is in the NC window, you "send" it to the "MILL
CONTROLLER" window. Yeah, that's it.

Alan

> Ballendo wrote:
> Now we would/could do this in CAM(vector), but there it is, on/at the
> control! I hope Ron G or Art fenerty or anyone else writing a control
> looks at their S/W. manuals available online at:

> http://www.shopbottools.com
>
> If you know the syntax, you just put in the code; if you don't, a
> conversational input is easily available (on an as needed, where
> needed basis) You "slip" from one mode of interaction to the other,
> effortlessly. Nice. Easy. Powerful.
>