This is quite interesting - and I didn't even know there was a DOS 8.2 - does it have anything to do with OS/2 ?
I agree with the others here, the best hack would be to be able to add storage to the system. Biggest question is whether or not it would void the warranty (which I'm sure it would). On the other hand the Haas warranty for some of their new machines is only 6 months, so after that, people would be a lot more willing to experiment.
Did you see if the hardware has additional slots for daughterboards, or additional unused ports ? This could provide an easy route for implementing this.
I think the idea for the separate keyboard and mouse and editot is a goldmine too. The only thing similar is Haas' simulator which goes for $1600 new, and an old one went for $1300 on EBay a month ago. I've NEVER understood why Haas doesn't have a software package that could be loaded on the PC to similulate and test GCode before it's run on the mill - I mean how inefficient is that ??? Have some guy standing up punching codes into a non-QWERTY keyboard, using oodles of juice to do it - probably costs a dollar or more an hour in electricity alone - not to mention the lost efficiency of the mill not running and the guy having to be in such an awkward position.
I'd go for it - with an emphasis on machines that were out of warranty. I think that lightning strike might have been a good thing for you.
And BTW - what are you doing to protect your mill from another such strike ?  |