Compact II?

[bigb8766]

I'll have to get back with you about the version. I'm not sure. We run graphics using bravo NCG. It works rather well. We are currently updating to new 3D software, making compact 2 obsolete unfortunately. You are correct. C2 is by far better than ANY new software out there in regards to part families. It may take a while to write a source, but when it's done, and working properly, nothing can touch it. I use C2 for milling predominately. The worst part is that our tech team has been unable to get C2 running on new servers. It has to do with C2 only being 8 bit. We have had to go to Ebay to find servers when ours crash.

[Nate-RCR]

Seeing as there are acutally some posts here regarding applicon bravo I tought I would ask... Does anyone know where I can get another hardware key/copy of applicon?

I've been programming my lathes with bravopc 5.5 for the past 10+ years and haven't found anything that works as well for me doing family part programming.

I would love to pick up another copy/hardware key just to have a back up. If anyone has one they would like to sell or knows of anyone with a copy please let me know.

Thanks

[TURNER]

Originally Posted by Nate-RCR Seeing as there are acutally some posts here regarding applicon bravo I tought I would ask... Does anyone know where I can get another hardware key/copy of applicon? I've been programming my lathes with bravopc 5.5 for the past 10+ years and haven't found anything that works as well for me doing family part programming. I would love to pick up another copy/hardware key just to have a back up. If anyone has one they would like to sell or knows of anyone with a copy please let me know. Thanks

This is why i started this thread Nate, there is none or little support for this software anymore and there is nothing new that will touch the speed or control you have when doing familyparts using the parametrics. We have 4 seats at our place and some of the pc's have been replaced before already so we put the old networkcard into the new computer as the key is locked to the mac address of the network card. Problem is now if the netcard fails its game over.
Keith.

[Chrliev]

I used Compact II in the 80's but it wasn't able to offer much in the way of 3D and 3 axis control, so in 1985 I switched to NCL developed by NCCS, they are still around in Irvine CA.

Like COmpact II, APT and NCL, there were several systems available at that time that worked using the same type of editable written language, it was sort of in-vogue to do it that way probably because the computer mouse and screen pointers were still like invisible cloaks and anti-gravity machines back then.

These languages allowed the programmer to include macros and parametric variables which could be saved in libraries, it was a very powerful way to do part families, similar parts or in the case of NCL and APT to repeat complex 3D and 4 or 5 axis tool path strategies.

The company whose software I used back then is still around, last I heard they are in Irvine CA, I have no idea what their product consists of today, but they have users that have stuck with them for 30+ years. I dropped them sometime ago because I don't do part families or similar parts any more, but anyone who still wants to do it the 80's way may want to contact them....

[bostosh]

Interesting thread,
I still have PCAPT with Cadkey geometry and N/C Verify did lots of parts.
Been using APT since 68 but now have a Mastercam X5 to use.
NCCS or NCL is alive and expensive
5 axis cam software & postprocessor with highspeed machining

[TruePrecision]

I just wanted to add- take a look at NICAM IV at Software Magic - CAD/CAM and Post Processoring solutions

It is Compact II with graphics, and will run on Windows.

There is also a DOS and Windows version of 3-4 axis Mill/Lathe APT with graphics called Personal APT. I've programmed some parts with it. I have the DOS version.

It works very well, and for $200, can't go wrong.

[TURNER]

Originally Posted by TruePrecision I just wanted to add- take a look at NICAM IV at Software Magic - CAD/CAM and Post Processoring solutions It is Compact II with graphics, and will run on Windows. There is also a DOS and Windows version of 3-4 axis Mill/Lathe APT with graphics called Personal APT. I've programmed some parts with it. I have the DOS version. It works very well, and for $200, can't go wrong.

Hi, i downloaded the trial of "NICAM IV " to see what it was about, but they never replied to my email for the trial key. Are they still trading??
Keith.

[martinsimpson78]

Compact II is a language, therfor its abilities are ONLY limited by the user.
I run pro-e, gibbs, mastercam, surfcam and edgecam. NONE of which have the ease, flexability and logic that are given with compact II. I choose applicon every time.

As far as extinct, drop me a line, I'll show you how to unlock all features, and you can support yourself, write your own posts, its 90% easy, edit files for the difficult 10%

Good day gentelmen.

[martinsimpson78]

drop me a line, ill send u a copy w' instructions and full nodelock

[cbanket]

In regards to Applicon Bravo (Compact 2) the guy is Leon Korkowski.

LK Manufacturing Data Services LLC
2855 Lakehurst Lane
Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Phone-Fax #734-665-5583
korkowski146166mi@comcast.net

This guy has everything to do with Compact 2 (!) and builds post processors for me. The machine tool driver software being quite old, some newer multi-tasking machine technology is not supported of course. Leon has built links for Hardinge Quest with sub spindle and live tooling, and Mori Seiki lathes with all that and Y axis too. Machining center work, no problem. He's very good, and a nice guy. Give him a call.

[TURNER]

Originally Posted by martinsimpson78 drop me a line, ill send u a copy w' instructions and full nodelock

Hi Martin, just read your post, i sent you a PM.
Keith

[jayeff1]

I just read through these posts. It brought back some memories of teletypes, yellow roll paper, black paper tape for prove outs and mylar for proven programs, using QED (quick editing device) for cleaning up the outputs - watching the HP pen plotters draw out the geometry and then the tool path. I also remember having to "read" the tape output when there was an error reading the tape at the machine (think hanging "chad"). Got really good at finding the stop codes, space bars, carriage returns and line feeds in the paper tape.

Every month we would have to go through the on-line bill from MDSI and break out the costs to the proper job. We eventually got a PDP11 in-house and then we could really push the window of what you could do with part boundaries, rotations, family of parts and macro family of processes.

We had an assistant whose job was to enter our programs into the system - writing out the program on paper in CII forced you to logically layout the various processes.

I watch at what is being done today and wonder how things are going to be in another thrity-five years -

Amazing