A new list ?

This is just a quick remark to Bertho:

No, I think it should be on another list. That is because most of
it would be to pass source code, comments, design, etc.
This will just be of interest to those that would work on it.
Sure, would not leave this list, - but this is as you can
understand a bit different. Let say there was pages of source code
and comments on this, - for those that just want to work with the
mechanical things, it would just create confusion and a lot of
frustration. Any progress and general ideas, would end up in this
community, but you would not be bothered with software design
details.

The gCAD project is something I have to find out about. They may
have someone interested. But my idea was a sort of integrated
environment with EMC. That is a package that with sum up
CAD/CAM/EMC, and work together. Instead of using a CAD program,
send it to a G-code conversion and editing package, and then send it
to EMC.

I would also like to use the EMC to read whatever you do, - and run
it the other way. Together with a bunch of features. I would even
like to include an input from a camera. You could actually watch
your machine work, at your workstation in the office. There is so
many things you could do, - but this is far down the road.

For now, who can do programming and would like to help out ?

It all is just the beginning of something, - just an idea. But such
a project must be controlled and coordinated. I am not much of a
programmer, and I could only help out a bit.

Here is how I would imagine it:

A draft up of the program interfaces and API. Then subdivide
different parts to different people that would work on specific
parts,
then assemble it - test it, debugging, new rework, new features,
- it is a difficult task. A software house have a bunch of
programmers, - and defined parts to work on. It also have
leadership.

I will ask again, how many in this group can do programming ? How
many have time to take part in it ?

That is why I also raised the question: Is there any University we
could get help from ?

I sent my Email you read to NIST and Varkon. We need any help we
possible can get.

Does any of you hold a degree in programming ? What University or
College do you come from ? Do you know of anyone we could contact ?

As you see, at the moment I just have questions, but if there is a
will, there is a solution. But coordination is a key word.

And don't misunderstand me please, - I know a lot of you are full of
knowledge, but you may not have enough without some help along the
way. That is perfectly all right, but this guiding is needed from
someone that have done such things before.

There is also other problems, we would need to drop a lot of our
own ego, and be able to work towards a common goal, without ending
up with people that wants to go different ways. For people like
Fred, it is much easier, - they have a job, and get paid for it.
But just think about what they have been doing, - they didn't do it
overnight. How many man hours would such a task take ?

As I said, I have a lot of questions, and I am insane to just
bring this thing up. I am already at the point of regretting I
have done it. Why ? I hate to disappoint other people, but you
must understand that this is more than one mans job.

On the other side, - Varkon is working, so much of the work is
done. But what I have suggested is not just another CAD program,
but a full manufacturing package.

A good start would be if each and everyone who could help with
something, would comment on this. Even if just knowing someone who
knows someone - who could be interested. ( why do I always have to
stick my neck out ? )

All of you are a bunch with inventing and good ideas - starts you
thought processing ! How can we handle this.

( Bill Gate would probably not sponsor us :)

//ARNE