Group cnc software database wasRe: SOFTWARE

Hello list,

I need your input!

I just set up a database on the group website to give a location for
what I proposed in my response to Woodknack.

That is, a comprehensive listing of cnc software. It is meant to be a
STARTING point for an investigation by either new or experienced
folk, and includes fields for:

TITLE (including version where appropriate; as when functionality
across the 3 defined categories changes)

USE(S) (described as 1=Cad, 2=Toolpath/CAM, and 3=Motor control)

PRICE (using the F/$/$$/$$$/$$$$/etc. for Free/$1-9/$10-99/...)

MANUFACTURER / AUTHOR

LINK / URL (if the link is complete, it IS "clickable"

I added two listings as examples. Group members can add listing(s) by
going to the group home page, click on database, click on cnc
software; then click add record.

I can see that this will not deal with certain types of "gray areas"
between product functions. But I think it could be a very useful tool
for the group. Currently the database creator(Ballendo),Tim and Bill
can edit listings. ANY MEMBER can ADD listings.

Please have a look, (and provide your input!)

Ballendo

P.S. Some Questions:
1)How should we describe a MOTOR CONTROL program (3) that can import
a non-native file (DXF,HPGL) and treat it as a toolpath, but which
does not allow toolpath creation or modification??? Or allows
some "massaging" of the imported file, but not toolpath creation?

For example, Flashcut imports dxf "intelligently", so is it a 2,3 or
just a 3. My thoughts are that since flashcut allows editing of the
resulting gcode, it is doing the work of toolpath (and will suffice
for some), so I would give it the "2" as well as the "3". Master5 is
another example of a gray area; Does it include "toolpath"
functionality? Well yes, but not with the same sort of control that
FLashcut has... So should there be a distinction?

2)Do those in other countries have a dollar sign key? (I really don't
want to see numerical prices on htis list, as small changes make
their inclusion insignificant and misleading. The $'s method gives
some room for interpretation, and relative cost is easily apparent
between products)

3)The CAD section could easily overwhelm the database! Should there
be "grounds" for including a s/w pkg. in this listing as
being "appropriate" for cnc? What should decide?

4) I think the beauty of a list like this will be to keep it simple,
and go for complete-ness of entries (Get ALL the cnc software; even
the high-end stuff), but do NOT try to have all the answers here.
Just enough to know if further investigation is necessary by defining
some broad categories, and provide an easy route to get to any
additional info... Your thoughts?

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "ballendo" <ballendo@y...> wrote:
<snip>
P.S. To give you a bit of a starting point, here are a FEW popular
> choices: (the numbers 1,2,3 are references to the programs' ability
> to do the steps outlined above)
>
> NOTE: This is not meant to be a comprehensive list, or in any
> particular order. BUT it WOULD BE a useful thing to HAVE such a
list
> available to the group?, and as comprehensive as we could make it!
> Maybe with a F/$/$$/$$$/$$$$/$$$$$ (dollar signs for digits; like
> income, defining 'x-digit' pricing) like restaurant listings?
>
> (others mentioned above left off this SHORT, INCOMPLETE list)
> Intellicad (1)free
> Vector (1,2)
> Master5 (2,3)
> Ace converter (2)
> Flashcut (2,3)
> CncPRO (3)
> AhHa artisan (2,3)
> EMC (3)
>