Re: CPNC

Ok, I have stirred up a real hornets nest with this one. Lots of good
comments, but lets try to move on.

1) There is a class of work for which a good CPNC program is the best
answer. There is also a large class of work for which a CAD/CAM approach
is the best answer. I own over 20 hammers, and every time Ive tried to
use the wrong one for a job I mash my finger or spoil the work. Computer
Programs are tools, and Ive got a lot of them. No one can ever have to
many tools.

2) I aim to build a very good CPNC program. I have looked at AcuRite and
it has lots of good features, but I dont want to spend $13k for them. I
have a good start at a program in VB, but the limits imposed by windows,
and some early design choices I made, make it hard to expand.

3) I intend to develop CPNC in Tcl/Tk which will allow it to run on
Windows, Mac and Unix/linux. The motor driver code will be carefully
contained so that a specific module can be written to drive INDEXER.LPT,
FlashCut(if they open the spec), EMC, PicServo, etc.

4) I will create a web site to hold all the CPNC stuff. This list will
get perodic posts when interesting new levels are reached, but we will
not do the complete exchange of design and code on this list. I hope to
have the web site up in a week or so, I'll post here when its ready.

5) Anyone interested in doing part of the code please contact me. I will
try to coordinate so all bases are covered, and no needless duplication.

6) I will post a 'product requirements' document here next week for
comment. Not to debate if CPNC is a good thing, but to refine what CPNC
will do.

ron