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

Carlos,
I am pretty sure that Ability has no formal method that would allow someone
to run a Demo of the product. I feel that is a problem for those who tend to
be the first using it.

In regards its comparison to FlashCut, I am pretty confident that the actual
motion, and its ability to smoothly run thru mixed geometry will exceed
FlashCut's CURRENT 16 bit offering. I have had Indexer on the same machine as
FlashCut (same drives,motors etc.) and it did run much smoother. As I have
mentioned before, this does not suprise me because FlashCuts current version
never was designed with Contouring built in it. Contouring was "fitted" into
the existing program in their earlier days. Under that fact, FlashCut works
amazingly well. So I would suspect that with FlashCut at just over 1K and
Indexer at just over $700, it will be a very good value.

Do not however forget that FlashCut will have a 32 bit version out soon. You
can bet your bottom dollar that it will be a very different program than the
first one! :-)

Sure, the 3 LPT ports are a bit of a pain not to mention the Dongle
protection device. Frankly, I would have to admit that at a certain point, I
too would not want to create a program that every Tom, Dick and Harry could
copy and use as many times on as many machines as they want for free. What
are spare Parallel ports these days anyhow ? $10 each if that. Whoopee.

Ability's next move in this regard would be beneficial if they could redirect
the communication to a dedicated PCI or older ISA Card. Then you could ditch
the dongles and use your computer in not such a strict stand-alone sense.
Less wiring, and happier users would be the outcome. Think About the AH-Ha
card. The last time I used their product they had a card with a 37pin D-Sub
connector that communicated to the drivers cabinet. This seemed like great
plenty of connectability as I recall.

FlashCut's copy protection comes in a similar form to a dongle, just less
offensive sounding..... In their case the Signal Generator conected to a
Serial Port. One must simply conclude up front that any computer setup as a
Control With Indexer should be dedicated for that use. Of course if you never
need to print or plot to another device, Or you do not need to use a CAM
program with a dongle you would be OK. I know I could not run a Dongle
protected software with the "un-dongled" Indexer. That was unfortunate and
one of those problems with tying all of the ports up. At least with 90,000 +
step capability via an old 486, You sure do not need much of a computer !

I think the "Main Interface" is displayed there right on the first page of
the G-Code Link. If you have used the HPGL interface, you may recall that the
main page does not show the typical controls found in competitors GUI's. At
least with the older interfaces, you "Called to the fore" any corresponding
information windows like Jog, Home, position Etc. They would stay residing
over the Main window until you closed them. I am interested in whether they
have implemented "Jog" buttons right on screen so you do not need to use one
LPT port for a mechanical jog box. However, I made a few of those handheld
boxes for jogging and they were quite handy. So it is a horse apiece the way
I see it.

Art sent an E-mail to me today with quite an interesting explanation of
Contouring. While agreeing that some programs use the term loosely in that
ANY program that successively runs thru short line segments and mixed
Geometery can use the term Contouring, (even if only at the instantaneous
start/stop motor settings) Indexer does a lot more than that. I tend to agree
from seeing it run compared to other controls I have experimented with.

He pointed out, to the best of my reading and understanding ability, that
Indexer Indeed applies an issue that has been brought up here. That being
"Vector Rate" IS applied to the actual Contour (surface where tool makes
contact) and not the Toolpath (centerline of tool). How interesting ! I have
noticed tool diameter comp is implemented. I did not notice if Backlash was.

So, I think it will be a very interesting to see how things turn out with the
new G-Code interface.


Chris L

Carlos Guillermo 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