Heidenhain G-code or conversational?

[bigtoad170]

Just wanted to pick some experienced brains. I have a series II interact II tnc151. I'm a newbie to cnc experienced manual machinist. I started programming this control in ISO format right away because I thought it would be better to learn the G-code in case I needed to learn a different machine I would have a easier transition period than only knowing the heidenhain format. So far all is good I can run programs and make good parts in ISO. What I want to ask is

1.Am I missing out on something not learning the heidenhain conversational after looking at the manuals and forums it has me sort of convinced that it may be faster and easier and more capabilities?

2.Will it be hard to grasp the heidenhain after getting used to the G-code?

3.Will there be a longer transitional period say that My 9-5 job changes and need to learn something like a Haas or Fanuc if I get used to the heidenhain?

4.Should I just try it and figure it out for myself?

[gus]

Heidenhain is much quicker for casual use, programming at the machine.G code is more useful with cad cam.

[kdhBOSS5VRAM]

It took me a while to get used to the conversational Heidenhain after only using Fanuc and the old BOSS control but after a while I realized it is easier to do at the machine and probably easier to do if you've never programmed before. To do the G-code programming on it seemed pretty cumbersome. All the Heidenhain controls we have (probably ten of them) we use it on. After a while you end up with so many kinds of controls and formats we pretty much just have specific posts for each machine but we've always kept the Heidenhains in the conversational format. Definitely if you do a lot of programming from the machine that's the way to go.

[windy]

you will get used to it...

I used to work on Hitachi Seiki 10 pallet machines G codes that was 7 years ago,after 3 years use, could just about use them now, at the new place we have cincinnati, haas,hardinge, heller, miyano and a couple of others. all use g code you can just about remember but the panels are different especially when worn .
on the other hand we have a bridgeport 600 Ive used, I have just bought a 412 and getting help from someone who used a earlier non carousel model over 6 years ago. he got on the 412 and programmed straight away. there were a couple of buttons different but he was still quick.

the advantage of the Heidenhain system is when you select a function its conversational in that you are prompted for co ords, speeds, feeds, mcodes etc.
on the 412 it also has the option to switch to iso , but I think I will persevere with its own system at the moment.

[bigtoad170]

Thanks guys I will definately be programming at the machine so I'll try the conversational to see if it will be quicker and easier for me

[RMARCH]

conversational is much easier and has some great canned cycles.

[CNCRim]

I choose conversational, it can get the job done most of the time except instrucate geometry..... but that's is rare. In short conversational.

[greg b]

I reckon its a good idea to use both functions as both have there advantages i think conversational is quite quick and easy to learne and has great canned cycles as one member already stated but i think code can probably be expanded a bit more and as you said most machines will operate in g code if you need to swap.Its also good to keep small programs already in the memory so all you have to do is modify them to,if you need do fast one offs.

[dicksonhof]

I run gcode for many years BOBCAD very easy runs great. then again its hard to beat vcarv pro this is a conversational program.