Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Driving the parallel port in WindowXP

Kory Hamzeh wrote:

>Sebastian,
>
>Thanks for the input. EMC looks like the right way to go, but I just
>don't see that many robust CAD programs for Linux. I don't want to use
>two machines or do a dual boot setup. Maybe I just haven't searched
>enough yet. What do most people use in Linux?
>
>
>

I use a separate machine and Bobcad. Actually, I wun Bobcad on Win2000
under
Linux, using the vmware program. But, that is besides the point. I
have one computer
with lots of memory and a high-end LCD screen, and run both Windows and
Linux
applications on it. I have another machine with a slow CPU, limited
memory, and
a crummy old 14" CRT for the milling machine. And, other than a few
desktop tools
like a calculator and text editor, it doesn't do much but machine parts.

Actually, I have written a bunch of small programs that write the G-code
for simple
tasks like machining slots and circles in instrument panels. So, I
don't use CAD at
all unless the geometry gets complicated. I have some of these routines at
http://jelinux.pico-systems.com/gcode.html

>My main purpose is to design a CAD application that simplifies the whole
>design process for simple operations. For example, if I want a quarter
>circle milled, I just want to be able to position to cutter at the
>center and tell the software "cut a quarter circle with a diameter of X
>here". One of the problem I see with current CNC software is that it
>takes a just as long to do something real simple as it would take to do
>something more complicated.
>
>
>

This particular operation I haven't done, yet, but a number of similar
things have
been added to EMC as "scripts". That is our attempt at conversational
programming.

>I also wanted to write a visual, easy to use rotary table driver to make
>gear cutting, etc. simple and fool proof.
>
>
>

That should be quite easy to implement within EMC.

Jon