G codes

[AjaxCNC]

Al, Hu & Intrusion,

You all are absolutely correct. A control manufacturer SHOULD supply a complete package for an end user's particular application. By not taking the time and effort to supply a complete solution, they are profitting at the end user's expense. And in some cases, saftey!

It's not a matter of time or resources, it's a matter of quality and pride. At AjaxCNC, we supply a fully preprogrammed CNC control for the end user's specific needs. We want our customer retrofits to be as easy and safe as possible. That means in both the installation and use of the machine.

That's why instead of developing "state-of-the-art" software to tune an obsolete motor drive like the competitors, we develope state-of-the-art hardware like digital self-tuning servo drives to compliment our cutting edge software. Tell me, would you rather have a software program that just tells you your hardware is wrong, or would you rather have a complete system that fixes it for you with the press of a single button?

I apologize if I'm getting off the subject, but the point is, it's our feeling that generic do it all controls are simply an excuse for not getting it right the first time.

[camsoft]

Ajax,

It's flattering that you feel you had to attack us in our own forum.

Let's not start spreading rumors here, so allow us to straighten out a few subjects before people start believing this.

No excuses here we are proud of the fact that we can offer our customers G code choice and many motor choices. If you choose not to that all the better for us.

Also we believe most people would agree with us.

Lets not stretch the truth too far. Your own users say when it comes to custom interlocks they say that your the same. The user is required to add interlock safeties to Ajax as well. We're no different. Most controllers are no different. You choose to use PLC's with ladder logic we choose to use the computer to do logic. The point is don't make people believe we are not interested in safety or we don't provide built in safety features. All the safety features are built in to each generic operator machine type for all traditional items. Plus the user can copy and paste from a vast library of interlock and safety routines. The current V15.3 has dozens and dozens of pre-written routines for every machine type. There are now 35 specific operator screens.

We also feel that on the subject of motors and tuning. Is that choice is best again. Being flexible is the key. We take the philosophy that it's best to be able to shop from a wide variety of manufactures. We choose off the shelf parts while you choose to make your own.

The Philosophy of CamSoft's Open PC Based Control is Serviceability, Upgradeability, Parts Supply Chain, Logic and Installation time.

From a general sense we are speaking about a philosophy that divides the models of CNC controllers into two categories. One's that are made by a manufacture that use proprietary parts opposed to the philosophy of an open, flexible PC Based control system that uses non-proprietary off the shelf , store bought Windows based computers and boards offered by multiple vendors.

Using a proprietary system means that the manufacturer is the sole source for parts and service, years from now. Usually there are no cheap parts plus service calls are expensive. The philosophy that CamSoft has is that we feel it's better to use off the shelf computers and boards that can be purchased by the end user directly from multiple sources in United States and Canada. We believe it's best to have multiple companies to shop from. That allows you to shop around if you need parts years from now. We also have dozens of service people in United States and Canada plus a few in Europe and Asia. For example if your machine goes down on a Saturday, you could literally use another office computer to get yourself going again. Ask yourself how long would it take to get a part and a service call from a proprietary controller? Also think of the cost difference in PC parts verses proprietary parts.

CamSoft systems are scaleable, meaning user upgradeable and user serviceable. We have a generous software upgrade policy. Once a proprietary controller is installed, ask about the cost to add extra linear axes, rotary axes, new pendants, graphics, more I/O , memory storage, Network connections, CAD Links or extra G and M codes.

The more complicated the machines logic gets the bigger our advantage since the PC becomes the PLC and does the logic in the computer. Generally speaking it would take only 1/2 the time to install a PC based controller over a proprietary controller that still uses physical PLC's and ladder logic. No need to trace down the old wires and decipher ladder logic PIC or PAL programs to figure out how they worked. Most retrofitters of proprietary controls that still use PLC's almost always quote thousands of extra dollars to purchase, install and program them.

We include dozens and dozens of per-written logic routines in plain text files on our installation CD. With our vast library of dozens of pre-written logic routines available to you for just about every tool changer, turret, jog stick, hand wheel, homing routine, spindle type or probe, you can relax and forget about ladder logic.

CamSoft offers a much easier logic programming method using simple commands that are referenced by terminal strip number or descriptive names. This method is preferred by installers who need to diagnose, modify and test the logic before they begin physical wiring. This is the only method that allows remote I/O logic diagnostics via a modem. We have our own I/O logic, which is much easier than learning PLC ladder logic. It even provides for very complex multiple I/O threads whereas ladder logic is sequential and only branches off. Hundreds of every type of command including IF THEN, LOOPS, TIMERS and WAITUNTIL are provided in simple to read text files that compile when the system starts. We use several manufacturers’ I/O boards to give a wide choice of inputs/outputs. CamSoft wrote its own assembler drivers to access these cards in the unprecedented 10 KHz range.

Most retrofitters of proprietary controllers may also quote new motors and drives, even if the existing motors are still working. Simply because they can't communicate or talk to or tune just any motor type. They prefer to replace the motors and amps because the signals are not the same or they would face a servo tuning problem. With CamSoft we offer a automatic self tuning program for all types of motors that are AC, DC, Brush, Brushless, PWM, Hydraulic or Stepper. Keeping your existing motors and drives would save thousands of dollars hardware and mounting cost.

We offer Windows you sell DOS and Linux these are totally different philosophy's.

Please kind in mind Ajax that you and your associates started this by posting in our forum.

Tech Support
CamSoft Corp.
(909) 674-8100
support@camsoftcorp.com
www.cnccontrols.com

[Rekd]

Lets try to stay on subject. Thanks.