Re: Linux vs. DOS

> I am running a Shoptask machine with some Superior 550 in/oz bi-polar
> steppers on each axis. I use one of Dan Mauch's 5 amp controllers and

power

> the CNC stuff from a 24 VDC 20 amp surplus power supply. I have been

running

> it from DeskNC DOS version. I also have DeskNC Win95 , DanCAD, and

Stepster

> all set up on the system just to see what I like. Of the group of

software

> products DeskNC DOS seems to be the most stable.
>
> I became interested in a program that would provide G42 offset support as
> the Vector (the CAD/CAM product I am using) is designed to output it's
> G-code using offsets. So, with all the software I currently have I must

go

> in and manually draw offset paths and then remove the G42 and G40 command
> from the code. A big pain, but workable. I was considering MaxNC, but

with

> all the talk about EMC on this list I though I would give it a try

before

> shelling out some more $$$ for this hobby.

I got this message when I sent my reply about the parallel port stuff.
Vector sounds similar to what I'm using as it operates the same way.
Drawing an offset path is a pain especially if you use reground tools!

> I would very much prefer if we can find a way to get it reconfigured in

the

> software as all the other programs I have installed are configured for

this

> particular setup. This particular configuration is what is specified for
> DanCAD which to my taste is better documented in how to interface the
> controller to the parallel port than any of the other software I have

seen.

I'll call Fred tomorrow and let him know what you want to do. It seems
there are two "standard" pin assignments for stepper control from the
parallel port, the DanCAM one and the one used by SuperTech for their
software. See:

http://www.super-tech.com/root/emcxyyzb.htm

Matt