PC, Dumb box and Software

I have been following the threads on the dumb box versus smart box over the
last few days with interest.
I firmly agree with Mariss about using the PC to do the calculations and
then rely on a cheap box to convert the signals. This open up questions
though about the whole train as regards conforming to most peoples needs.
If we look at what is on the market at the moment, at the bottom end we
have the p-port software like DeskNC, CNC pro and also Indexer.
Although these all work people are looking for something a little better.
More up market we have Ahha and Flashcut. Ahha uses it's own proprietary
software and a plug in card to output step and direction signals and uses
DOS as it's base.
Flashcut also uses it's own proprietary software but a real time box to
take the signal from a Windows based program and convert to S&D signals.
As regards what is being discussed the Flashcut operation looks more like
what people want.
What has to be talked about is
[1] What type of software will be used and
[2] What machines will this system go on.

Taking [1] first. Why do we need windows? References keep being made to
this but taking the fact that the PC will be a machine operating system
taking in files it can use any base system. If we look at commercial
machines they all have their own specialised system most are still DOS
based and they work OK.The boot up time of DOS over windows is far greater
and also it's stability.
I personally can't see any reason for using windows - perhaps i'm missing
something ?

Going onto [2]. From what I have seen in this list most people are using
routers or millers with a few using lathes.
Machine requirements for routers and millers are nearly the same, routers
requiring faster feed rates and a decent look ahead to prevent burning.
Lathes can be controlled by the same software with the exception of
threading. Lets not leave this out in the design stage. Out of all the
proprietary systems mentioned only Ahha has lathe threading.

This now leaves two areas of design - the software to run the PC and box.
This need to be able to handle normal G code moves for mill, router and
lathe, including threading. Have a decent look ahead and ideally a
graphical screen.
The box then need to take these outputs and send them to the machine as S&D
signals in real time. It may pay at this time to build in a plug in port
into the box to take add on cards at a later date such as lathe threading

I realise that it's a chicken and egg situation but unless they are taken
together then neither is any good without the other.
--

Regards,
John Stevenson
Nottingham, England