Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Correct or Max voltage for Bridgeport Nema 42? + more...

audiomaker2000 wrote:

> (snip) I guess what really bites me is that the developers of these 100-300
>
> dollar apps get so darned close and then miss it.

> (snip some more) It's like they start out to see if they can make some axes
> move

(and some more)

> Again, these once "hobbyist" apps are sooooo very close to filling
> this void but they seem to fall just short (even though they keep
> improving the apps in other "fun" ways).

Sean, I couldn't agree more. I am sure there is some real needs and desires
filled by the $200 controller. The problem is just as you described, they get
close, real close, but then something gets in the way of the program coming
into its finality. So, one is stuck changing it out in the future, and often
wishing they would have just bought the better option right off the bat.

I'm afraid that the PC hobby control market will need to spend around $1K for
control. Unless of course a few things happen.

One of which, is the current "inexpensive" offerings get finished. A problem
that always creeps in, is that the very base code of the project suddenly can
not do something it needs to, and then the whole project goes unfinished
because it is way too much work to mess with. There seem to be quite a few
who are starting down this "I'm going to make a control" roadway. Not that
they can't do it, but it will likely take time to actually make it and work
the bugs out.

The second issue is the "Freeware" controls. They all seem to be missing
"something". That "something" seems to be different for everyone, and that
"something" also often means you need to know how to *program* in order to
make it do it. Even then, you must make sure it works as intended, and work
out any bugs or problems. This certainly does not sound ready for
"primetime"...... rather it sounds excellent for an electronics/motion
tinkerer ( if that's who you are, I have no problem with that- most CNC
builders though, I think, want to MAKE something with their cnc machine, not
fiddle forever making it move right).

Until someone makes it a real easy installation of such "freeware" AND
someone actually makes it work perfectly well, right off the shelf with
options to install or not install, and, without the typical "this works
now.....BUT, I'm trying to *program* it to do this and then that"
rig-a-ma-roll, ......Well, To me, spending a thousand bucks for something
ready to go that WORKS makes sense.

I know many in the group shudder at $1000 for a control. But by jiggers, bolt
it on and it works. The current $1K offerings are slightly limited, but very
soon the tables will change allowing you to buy a control for $1K that does
what it needs to do. (example: combine the I/O capability of Ah-ha with
Flashcut and Continuous Contouring, and make it run everything from Plasma to
Punch Presses to generic pick and place motion control......One program does
all.)

Chris L