re:Re: Indexer-G-Code Update

Carlos,

Do you know if he provides any method of feedrate override? In my
converstaions with Art over the last few years that's something he
intended to have, but never seemed to get around to. IMO, without
that capability he doesn't have much of a controller.

FWIW, I bought Indexer quite a few years ago. At time of purchase I
was promised FREE upgrades to my DOS version, I think he indicated
upgrading to Windows would be around $25, hah!!! I should have
gotten that commitment in writing.

Also FWIW, I've found Indexer to be very reliable. It does
everything promised. I've used it in a couple of auxiliary axis
applications on my CNC's.

thanks,

Doug

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Carlos Guillermo" <carlos@v...> wrote:
> 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@y...]
> Sent: Friday, December 28, 2001 8:10 AM
> To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y...
> 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!