Need Help!- Can't create a PATH/POCKET in EZTRAK

[toyonpeak]

Will a later version of EZTRAK software solve my issue?
My EZ TRAK SX came with disc labeled "ver 2.25/4.43". I don't understand what the 2 numbers refer to and I thus I don't know if I have a version 2.x or a 4.x. Not that it matters to me, but apparently, the version I have does not support "POCKET" command. In the MDI screen, the 'up arrow' rectangle is blank = not as described in the manual as "'up arrow' POCKET". Since I could not get into the pocket feature from the MDI screen, I tried creating a PGM file in my PC text editor which included the PATH and POCKET parameters from the example in the manual. The program would not load. When I tried to edit the PATH line in the program at the mill, it changed it to a POCKET program screen that I had never seen before, which described a pocket with zigzag, inout, and border variations (that I could not change from where I was). When I went back to the program list, the PATH line was removed/replaced by the POCKET line - and also would not load. Question is: how to I get to a PATH program line, or the POCKET zigzag, in/out, Border screen from the MDI?
From many posts, it seems it would be foolish to try and install version 6 on my machine - but that is the only version I have seen for sale. Can I buy or scrounge an older (but newer than mine) version that will improve my situation?
Also, Is there a list of EZTRAK program commands somewhere other than in the EZTRAK programming and operation manual?
Thanks

[machintek]

Do you have POCKET in DO EVENT?

George

[toyonpeak]

George,
Thanks for responding to my post. I do not have 'POCKET' as a choice on the Do Event Menu, but I can do a Rectangular Pocket or a Circular Pocket from within the (5) M RECT or (6) M CIRC Do Event screens. This matches what it says about these program screens in the manual.
But in the MDI programming screen, this is where my display and function is different than the manual, the manual says I should have a POCKET choice - to use for an irregular pocket, by pressing the UP ARROW key which should be labeled as "'Up Arrow' POCKET", but it only shows the arrow, and pressing it goes nowhere. On the MDI screen, I am also missing F1 HELIX, but this is explained in the manual because I only have a 2 axis machine. Not explained, though, is that I am also missing what the manual shows as the F3 DWELL button (shows only F3 and does nothing), and the (-) WKSHFT button which shows nothing at all so pushing it is impossible.
Any advice would be helpful.
Also, is there a way to enter Text lines in a program that will display during milling at the top of the screen? As during a tool change pause, or a pause after rapid movement. I would like to be reminded what depth cut I should use when I get to a milling or drilling point..?
Thank you

[machintek]

There were MANY versions of EZTRAK software all the way to a BETA version 7.
Version 2 probably dates back to about 92 or 93 and was used with the SX version that booted from a floppy and not from a hard drive. Probably a 386 processor was what it came with.
Yes it would be mill rectangle.
But you should be able to create a path which can have any shape you want it to with any radius you want where ever you want. Then you call the path up and define the tool diameter and feeds etc. You can also repeat the path thus lying on the first pass as to end mill diameter to keep it away from the wall and the correct diameter for a finish cut. that is how I used to do it.
Later software would allow DXF file import, could do an arc of holes, arc slot, etc.
This required a hard drive and a newer BMDC.

George

[toyonpeak]

Thank you George,
Yes, my machine is a 386 and loads from a floppy (which I replaced with a USB Floppy Emulator which has made it a lot easier and more reliable to transfer programs from pc to mill and back).
Do I understand you to say that my machine will only run my current version 2.x and can not update?
I know I can create a path full of milled lines and arcs, and I have used your trick of mis-informing the machine of my actual cutter diameter to easily widen a cut or finish an edge. But if I could find a way to label a sequence as a "PATH", I might be able to use the POCKET zigzag routine I came across by accident (not thru MDI commands). Any ideas of how to create a PATH program line? i.e. what the EZTRAK parameters are for PATH and POCKET?
Thanks for your help so far.

[machintek]

I have not played with a EZTRAK in many years. Just fixed one Friday but not had to teach or write a program in years.
You can go up to a floppy with version 3.02 which autoexec looks to see if there is a hard drive. If yes, it will load the hard drive, if not it will create a RAM drive and load the software there.
In MDI there may be a key to start a path. If invoked, a lot of command disappear because all you can do is a linear move, radius move, blend line, and blend arc, etc
Then you do a path stop or end. I need a machine to play with. I know of one still still running that software but I am off next week and will not be anywhere near it.

George

[toyonpeak]

George,
I very much appreciate your attention. Have a Great Week!

Lorne