Welcome to the coding forum!

[Evodyne]

Hi all!

This forum was set up after a group of site users, who happen to be programmers as well, began discussing various projects that might be usefull to the CNCzone family as a whole. Things like teaching aids, CAD/CAM, post processors, calculators, etc.

We discussed the need for a place to discuss how we might approach writing software for specific issues. In responce, the CNCzone adminstrator created this forum, Coding, as a place where algorithims, coding issues, and software solutions can be discussed.

Non-programmers are invited to join in as well. We would like to get your ideas for software that would make CNC more enjoyable/profitable.

Welcome aboard!

Evodyne

[rippersoft]

I would like to lend a hand here if I can. I am a career database programmer, some C/C++, Basic, Xbase, SQL Server, MySQL. It seems to me that the bulk of any of these programs is data. I also specialize in life cycle methodologies and the documentation of requirements/specs, testing, manuals, etc. Let me know.

[Evodyne]

Originally Posted by rippersoft I would like to lend a hand here if I can. I am a career database programmer, some C/C++, Basic, Xbase, SQL Server, MySQL. It seems to me that the bulk of any of these programs is data. I also specialize in life cycle methodologies and the documentation of requirements/specs, testing, manuals, etc. Let me know.

Rippersoft,

Good to hear from you! As I said, this forum came about due to a few of us thinking that we could provide some usefull tools, utilities, and maybe even full-fledged programs for the site. Please see the threads that led to this here and here.

This is very new and completely unstructured. No bosses, czars, or anyone else to dictate who can and can not help, etc. All are welcome. Even non-programmers, as we are hoping they can help with ideas for projects and lend their electrical/mechanical/CNC/engineering knowledge.

So simply dive in and help! Splash around and make some noise. Throw out some ideas. Offer some advice. Make a name for yourself. And bring some friends, if you can.

Evodyne

[ger21]

You guys do realise that you have taken on a never ending job. Providing every type of free software imaginable.

[smarbaga]

hello all, i think i will try this question here
is it possible to port the data that is going to and from the printer port via these cnc software packages ie: mastercam, turbocnc and the rest of them to a usb port ?
if so i can make that data into step and direction signals as well as giving the software input signals from encoders and switches and the like .
any replies are appreciated.
thank you.

[Evodyne]

Originally Posted by smarbaga hello all, i think i will try this question here is it possible to port the data that is going to and from the printer port via these cnc software packages ie: mastercam, turbocnc and the rest of them to a usb port ? if so i can make that data into step and direction signals as well as giving the software input signals from encoders and switches and the like . any replies are appreciated. thank you.

Geckodrive is slated to release the G2002 in September that will interface to your PC via USB. It will generate the step and direction pulses for up to six axises. It will also act like a breakout box with inputs for encoders, switches, etc. ArtSoft is rewriting the Mach software to work directly with the Geckodrive unit.

Windows, in general, doesn't allow two programs access to the ports simultaneously. While inventive programmers can likely get around this, you still have other issues that would make this a poor way to do what you want.

Parallel and serial ports are nearly extinct-new PCs will soon ship without them. I would expect most of the CNC software manufacturers to rewrite their wares to us USB. So given a little time, the whole issue will go away anyway.

Finally, what about a parallel port to USB converter? Youl'd have to do a little research and hack it, but it might do what you want.

[smarbaga]

what i want is to develope a usb/breakout box that will accomodate the present day cnc software, i can do the hardware and far end firmware, but it is the software inside the pc that i am not familiar with.
i can make my own software send and recieve info from my home made usb device but i don't know how to make other peoples software do the same.
this is where a redirection scheme might do the trick.
one wouldn't have to worry about other peoples software.
an interm program could capture the software and re=direct the input/output to and from the usb.
or something like that.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by smarbaga but i don't know how to make other peoples software do the same.

You can't change software. It is what it is. You're saying you want to "change" Mach2 or TurboCNC to output to the usb port?

Although if you purchase TurboCNC, you get the source code which will let you modify it all you want.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by smarbaga what i want is to develope a usb/breakout box that will accomodate the present day cnc software,

Just buy a Gecko G100 and Mach4 when it's ready.

[smarbaga]

and in a yeas or so when there are no more printer ports,
do the hundreds of thousands of drives, systems and retrofitted machines have to be scraped and or re-retofitted to accomodate no printer port or...
will someone like me (pending enought information) come up with a black box that has perhaps a usb hole on one end and a printer port hole on the other.

[ger21]

Like I said, you can buy a Gecko G100 and Mach4 in a few months, or by DeskCNC (software AND hardware) right now. Or Flashcut. That's 3 that are already available. And I think you'll be able to buy Parallel port cards for a few years still. There are also millions of PC's with parallel ports that you'll be able to buy for less than $100.

If you insist on building your own hardware, most likely you'll need someone to write a complete control software to run it. That would take thousands of hours. Mach3 is $150.

[Death Adder]

Welcome! Someone w/ your experience in specs, testing, manuals, etc would be very helpful. Us hardcode code monkeys have our place but there still needs to be someone who can help to document the specifications before the project(s) start(s) and help test and write documentation. I like to jump into projects but I know it's not a particularly good idea. I believe we, as a group, should hash out an in-depth specification after I get a test application coded up for the cutting simulator. It sounds as if your input into that would be more valuable.

Originally Posted by rippersoft I would like to lend a hand here if I can. I am a career database programmer, some C/C++, Basic, Xbase, SQL Server, MySQL. It seems to me that the bulk of any of these programs is data. I also specialize in life cycle methodologies and the documentation of requirements/specs, testing, manuals, etc. Let me know.