Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Whither goest DOS?

ballendo wrote:

> Put another way, how long do you think a dos based controller could
> be successfully offered "out there" in the real world beyond CCED?

There's the question I am wondering. I know a lot of fellows really like
their DOS control. Older computer, little ram, etc. But, do these guys have
no need for a good G-code editor or toolpath simulator ?

I would not even consider anything less than my dedicated Control computer be
a Windows Computer. At a moments notice, I can toggle in and out of an
Excellent G-Code text editor. I often want to tweak up a program just a
little especially when I am going to do repetative runs. The better I can
execute the path on the machine, the faster it will be the next time I run
the same job.

How about that really quick piece of code you rambled up by hand and sent
over to the Control via ethernet ? Might it be real nice to just pop open
that Toolpath Verification program and run it thru there before hitting the
start switch, No?

And, what about an old file you have not used in a long time? I do not know
about you, but I have not seen a decent DOS file manager in my life.

I made the change to Windows control and have not looked back because it is
far more productive overall. What does it take to do it ? Well, $200 bucks on
ebay can buy you enough parts to build a lowly Celeron machine. I bet some
spend that real easy just running back and forth to their "other" computer,
Or waiting for that floppy to load, or even reading all those famous CRC-101
errors so common with "Shop" floppies.

Windows based controls are really coming on strong now. And affordable !
How long will the DOS control last ?
Well, I hope the DOS control programmers are planning ahead !

Chris L