RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: [turbocnc] Re: High-level g-code language?

HI Alex, Code Susie,

I have a screen in my STEP4 controller program that uses a set of parameter
entry "boxes" to build up and generate Gcode commands. The commands can be
logged. No iteration, but feed rate, linear, rapids, arc's, canned, Mcodes,
jogs, POCKETS, MDI, startup code, comments and time stamps are selectable.

Other parameter entry boxes appear as needed to get the details of the
operation selected.

I also have a built-in tool path draw screen, which allows me to view tool
paths for either mill or lathe.

I can't see trying to use a "programmers" language to just write gcode. A
conditional (if nnn then xxx) is useful and will allow branching and loops.
Add to that variables, and it's enough. See TurboCNC.

Anything past that, and you're better off DRAWING IN CAD, and creating tool
paths.

I did write some rotary table milling programs with loops and variables.
But that's about the only exception. And that was because I haven't yet
bought the "4th axis" module for Vector CAD/CAM. If I need to generate
complex code, then Vector is the most productive.

Do I need to use Vector to just square up a block of stock? No, I can use
the pocket routine I mentioned. Or MDI.

On the lathe (or even on the mill), I've found that if I need to repeat a
few steps over and over again, with only a slight change (like in Z), then I
rely on MDI. Once I've written a few lines, they can be easily repeated or
slightly edited in MDI. My MDI works like "DosKey", an old DOS utility that
saves all the lines typed into the command line, and allows you to scroll
back one or more lines. Thus, I have a "history" of commands at my
fingertips.

Alan KM6VV

> -----Original Message-----
> Subject: Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: [turbocnc] Re: High-level g-code
> language?
>
> On 4 May 2005, at 5:21 pm, Codesuidae wrote:
> > I liked the idea of using an existing scripting language, and it
> > occurs
> > to me that it doesnt' really matter what it is, for this purpose they
> > are pretty much all equivalent. Since I'm a Delphi (pascal)
> > programmer,
>
> I think it's an exciting idea, but do you not think a domain specific
> language might be more appropriate than a general purpose language?
> Or how about a Logo interpreter which can plot to either screen or g-
> code?
>
> I've been planning to have a go at coming up with something myself
> after converting my Taig micro-mill to CNC.
>
> --
> ------------ Alex Holden - http://www.alexholden.net/ ------------
> If it doesn't work, you're not hitting it with a big enough hammer
>