Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CNC scripting stuff....

HI cs,

... For people who like working with code. Exactly right! I guess I'm in
that category.

There are times you want to "generate" a set of surfaces or cuts, and you
can do it "with the math". I did a "timing belt pulley" Gcode generation
program that way, and I want to do cams also.

Gears, pulleys, the "ruler" or calibrated dials are good examples.

Have you considered an interpreter for executing your Pascal? That could
make your generation of an algorithm and execution of it possible in a
single program.

About the time the C language started to make it onto the PC, first by
Lifeboat, and then bought out by Microsoft, there was a "Cterp" (?) C
language interpreter program available. A library of C core routines to
allow parsing and executing C statements. The typical controller program is
a Gcode interpreter. I suppose any controller program with a built-in
editor could be considered this way. I'd be inclined to combine a C
interpreter with a controller "core". (I'm partial to the C language!) ;>)
(I know I didn't throw away Cterp, I'll have to look for it).

In fact, my first robot was controlled by a tiny BASIC interpreter program
that I "extended" to accept simple move commands (turn X degrees, move FWD
XX inches, etc.). Same idea, 20+ years later!

And with TurboCNC in Pascal, you've got a "natural" controller core
available to you. Strip out the Gcode parser, substitute a Pascal
interpreter with your "additions", and you've got it. You'll be saving your
"script", I would suggest having the ability to save generated moves in
Gcode as well

Alan KM6VV
P.S. First Name?

>
> Correct. It is a tool for people who like working with code. Obviously
> it isn't intended as a replacement for a general CAD/CAM solution. It
> is a platform for developing tools to do repetitive tasks that may vary
> from run to run. For example, a task such as engraving lines on a
> ruler. In this example the length and resolution (down to 8ths, or
> 32nds? 10ths?) may vary from part to part. Instead of a single program
> to do that specific task, a script can be written with this tool to
> handle all the variants.
>
> Since the core routines are part of the script the overall system is
> extremely flexible. Core behaviours can be extended by anyone with the
> desire and skill to do so. With the addition of something like the
> G200X to handle machine movement, it could directly control the machine
> (I'm excited about the possibility, which is why I mention it :) ).
>
> cs
>