Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] GE 1050CM control

Harlan Gustafson wrote:

> Jon:
> You've got me thinking EMC or other modern "soft" control program. Is EMC
> the way to go or are there other packages that would be better or easier?

I'm an EMC convert. It is not for everybody, but I really don't think it is any
more trouble than many of the other programs, which have their own
difficulties.

>
> Even if they are not freeware? I've heard about "OpenCNC" but that is
> expensive($15k for 5-axis). How about Master5, Win PCNC, AHHA, or TurboCNC?
> I'm a C programmer and I really don't want to have to reinvent the wheel
> but if I have to I'd rather do it in the public domain with help hopefully
> from people like you and Ray Henry. So, maybe EMC is the way to go. What
> does anyone else think?

If you are already fluent in C, make, your favorite Unix editor, etc. then you will
be way ahead on the learning curve.

As far as performance, options and very smooth motion, EMC is very good.
I haven't used the others, but I have seen them at the NAMES show and other
places, and our EMC systems did VERY well in comparison.

The one thing EMC lacks right now is hard threading. There are other ways
to handle this, so it is not a big problem on a milling machine. It is a pain
on a lathe, however.

Jon