IndexerLPT vs. Mach2 was Flashcut and Mach2 was Re: Bridgeport CNC...

Hello Chris,

Well, as it happens, I have 2 seats of indexerLPT...

One with the HAM-Hardware Assist Module-(WIN ver), the other without
(DOS ver).

The problem with making a comparison of IXLPT and Mach2 is that IX is
exactly what it says, an indexer. Not a complete control.
Whatever "front end" you put on it is going to have a LOT to do with
how well it compares with M2. I have the Ability systems HPGL
converter, and Crawford millworks TOOL front ends, as well as a few
I've done myself over the years. I don't have the new Gcode front end
Ability sys offers.

(The TOOL front end is VERY good, was sold as a replacement for the
orig Digital Tool S/W. Don't know if it is still available. What
makes it nice is that it "is about" getting the work through the
machine and the parts made, not about watching a CNC screen.)

Here's what I can say. IX runs better on a slower machine than M5, M1
or M2. IX does NOT have backlash compensation, AT ALL. (When asked,
Art Volta, the developer of IX, said, just use ballscrews. Machines
shouldn't have backlash.)

If we're JUST talking CVV, I have to give the nod to M2, having used
both. But IX is the 2nd best CVV available to the hobbyist, IMO.
(Implementing the Queue of IX can be a PITA for continuous motion
like found in a 3d mold. For toolpaths with frequent "breaks", it's
easy.)

Interestingly, BOTH IX and M2 use device driver level "engines" which
CAN be accessed directly. So with EITHER program you can create your
own front end(GUI). Art F has made it easier to use his engine (and
MUCH less expensive!) by pairing the M2 User interface with the
engine at one price ($150). Last I checked, IX plus the Gcode
controller was gonna be about 700 bucks...

Hope this helps,

Ballendo

P.S. Both guys are named Art and both their products ARE, IMO. (Volta
gets the win over Fenerty, for CNC relatedness, but ArtofCNC beats
Ability sys...<G>)

P.P.S. Which IX front end do you run?

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, datac@l... wrote:
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, ballendo@y... wrote:
>
> > And nobody, but nobody CAN TOUCH the Mach2 trajectory planning
and
> > CVV... At least not anything NEAR the hobby level, or even at the
> > inexpensive commercial...
>
> Ballendo,
> I'm waiting to hear from an IndexerLPT convert(to mach). I want to
> have an objective view as to CVV between those two.
>
> Flashcuts Version1 CVV didn't come close to Indexer in my opinion,
> especially in speed capability, but acceled everywhere else. One
must
> remember though that CCV was pretty much ADDED to their base code.
>
> Flashcuts Version 2 CCV is quite a bit better, But I have a hunch
the
> new indexer would outrun it in this area.
>
> Still can't beat the good things you mention about what they did
right
> though. I have not made the switch to Mach largely because of the
look
> and feel.... I actually prefer FC's terminology, traditional look
and
> techniques. I can stick anyone in front of it and they will
understand
> what the heck they are doing in short order.
>
> You hear of a great Indexer/Mach comparison, I'd like to hear about
it.
>
> Thanks,
> Chris L