Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: what is POSTPROCESSOR? a fundamental question

Tim Goldstein wrote:

>
> Open most any PC computer and that is what modern controllers look like
> inside for the most part. If you are using EMC, Mach1, TurboCNC, CNCPro,
> DeskCNC, etc the controller is your PC.
>
> Most controllers do not take DXF code. They take the G-code that was
> generated from your CAM program or post processor.

Thanks, Tim. So a post processor is just something that provides
G-code. I have a CNC xy table and I just type the G-code lines
into my computer using a compiler program that interprets the
G-code and sends the pulses out the parallel port. I guess I am
my own post processor. This means that any program that can
translate DXF to G-code is all that is necessary. Then I can
port that G-code set into my compiler so I don't have to type it
in manually.

It sounds like all the programs you mention are just programs
that take G-code and send it to specific pins on a parallel
port. So, any machine that is controlled via a parallel port on
a computer has no need of any program called a "post processor"
that is specific for a particular machine, a priori. So long as
that machine has motors and drivers, any computer can control any
machine so conceived. (Note, I'm not talking complexity here.
Just the basic rudimentary XY. I know that adding Z, A, B, etc.,
increases the complexity of the lines of G-code.)

JerryK