RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] re:Re: Indexer-G-Code Update

Hi Ballendo -

I was able to access the website fine today. The G code
interpreter looks promising. I asked Art for a demo so I could
check out the interface before I buy. However, I'm not expecting
much, since last time I spoke with him he said I'd have to pay
full price before I could even check out the beta version. The
pricing does sound steep at first glance, but if the performance
is in the same class as Flashcut, then it may be reasonable. I
was disappointed that the main screen is not shown on the website
(there must be one, right?). My biggest gripe so far is the need
for so many LPT ports. I'm rigging up my system for 4 axes, which
means I would need 3 LPT ports if I also want to use the feedhold
and joystick features. Is it possible to find a PCI card that
integrates all these lines into one cable with a special
connector? I guess that wouldn't be practical with the dongle
requirement.

I think the mention of only 3 axes being graphically displayed was
referring to the toolpath display. I would hope the main
interface could show the position for all axes. Also, I hope that
I-LPT and the G code interface won't each require a dongle.

Carlos Guillermo
VERVE Engineering & Design

-----Original Message-----
From: ballendo [mailto:ballendo@...]
Sent: Friday, December 28, 2001 8:10 AM
To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] re:Re: Indexer-G-Code Update

Carlos,

The ability systems site loads slowly, and peiodically seems
unavailable (in my experience over the years). I was able to view
the
site this morning. Even slow on a wideband connection...

Re: the IX gcode controller: It looks like an impressive piece of
work! Indexer has "historically not supported backlash comp
internally; I wonder if this control incorporates it? Indexer
also
provides only 2 axes of movement per parallel port, and an
additional
port is needed for typical "manual" controls like feedhold and
joystick.

The site sez only 3 axes are graphically displayed, but additional
axes are possible. Huh? So you won't see the coords for your 4th
axis?

The windows version requires a HAM (Hardware Assist Module, we'd
call
it a dongle! It is provided/included with purchase)

At $349 for the IX'er; and another 349 for the Gcode controller
program, it's a 700 buck control.

Hope this helps.

Ballendo

P.S. I've used ability systems products for years. Like the
others,
where they are wonderful, they are REALLY wonderful(CVV is very
good), where they aren't, Ya better be sure ya don't need what
aint
there!