Re: configuring Vector-Cam for EMC

> Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 22:09:07 -0500
> From: Ray Henry <rehenry@...>
> Subject: Re: Hobby/hsm configurations for Vector
>
>
> I sent several pages of the RS274NGC document to Fred Smith - off list.
> Didn't figure that everyone wanted to see that much junk. If you want a
> copy contact me off list. You can get some good EMC programming info at
> http://www.linuxcnc.org in the handbook.
>

Got the info, thx. If there are not too many objections, I will post a few
comments and observations as I go through the process. Configuring a CAM
system is kind of a mystical thing. It always involves compromises between
the controller, the CAM system, and the experience and judgment of the one
making the configuration decisions. For example many people will never use
G81 for drilling cycles, they just learn G82 and always use it, etc. Many
things are also affected by the physical machine. Obviously a lathe is
different from a mill, but with a mill many things come into play that may
be available within a controller, but not physically available on the mill.
A good example is the ability to vary the spindle speed, under program
control. Understanding that I do not have a spare Pentium sitting around,
not the minimum 2 weeks of personal time (probably 12-15 hours per day too
;-) ) to devote to acquiring a comfortable skill with EMC and Linux, I will
have to rely on those that have one & their willingness to test the
configurations to 1) determine that at least some of the configuration
decisions are usable, 2) that at least some of my mistakes are found, and 3)
that I have a closed loop, with corrections being made available to those
who want to use the driver.

One consideration is that I do allocate a maximum amount of time that I can
invest in a project like this. That means that the final result may not
include every single possible EMC coding twist and language nuance. Knowing
the time constraint, I try to pick the most significant items, those that
are mandatory to getting a usable program, and also, because I have been
doing this for so long, a few "example" tricks that help users to get a leg
up in making their own flavorings. If there are missing "mandatory" items
please let me know.

Best Regards,

Fred Smith
IMService

imserv@...
Phone: 248-486-3600 or 800-386-1670
Fax:248-486-3698