A new book on Custom Macro B

[sinha_nsit]

Some detail is available at

http://www.mhprofessional.com/produc...sbn=0071713328

I would appreciate any feedback on it.
Thanks

[MarkT]

In order to provide the highest quality feedback, naturally this would require a free copy for review and interpretation.


Mark T.

[sinha_nsit]

PM sent.

[maxxbasher]

Originally Posted by sinha_nsit Some detail is available at CNC Programming using Fanuc Custom Macro B : McGraw-Hill Professional Online Book Store I would appreciate any feedback on it. Thanks

I was looking into getting the fanuc macro book by Peter Smid. How does this book compare, as far as topics and examples?

[sinha_nsit]

This book has better coverage and more in-depth description of the topic. Smid's book skips several advanced features such as macro call with custom G/M-codes and use of interface signals. Moreover, his book is more relevant for older control versions, whereas this book targets i-series controls. To be fair, his book has some extras also. For example, he has explained DPRINT command, whereas this book skips this totally. His book is hard-bound whereas this book is a paperback edition.

The following link has a review about both the books. Read it yourself and take a decision:
CNC Machine Tool Book reviews and cnc software reviews by Machinetoolhelp.com

As on today, 56% people buy this book and 44% buy Smid's book, through amazon.com:

Amazon.com: CNC Programming using Fanuc Custom Macro B (9780071713320): S.K Sinha: Books

Amazon.com: CNC Programming using Fanuc Custom Macro B (9780071713320): S.K Sinha: Books

[greenchair]

Hey

does this book tell me how to generate a Random number within a range?

eg...random between 0-20

[sinha_nsit]

Originally Posted by greenchair Hey does this book tell me how to generate a Random number within a range? eg...random between 0-20

There is no such program given in the book, but you can write one once you learn macro-programming. Macro programming allows to to implement your logic, random-number generator algorithm in this case.

The book is not a programming handbook, though several sample programs are given. It mainly teaches how to write macros.

Incidently, why do you need random numbers?

[stevo1]

Originally Posted by sinha_nsit Incidently, why do you need random numbers?

I was quite curious on that myself.

Stevo

[sinha_nsit]

Originally Posted by stevo1 I was quite curious on that myself. Stevo

But at least I should not raise this question. In the book, I have myself given programs for things like standard deviation calculation, quadratic equation solver, summation of a series, and the list continues.

Actually, my purpose was quite different:
Macro programming is hyped to be a complex thing, the so-called "best kept secret of CNC." This has made many prople believe that they cannot learn it easily. As a teacher, I know that such a notion is the biggest hindrance in learning new things. Therefore, initially I took those examples which people are generally aware of, and must have actually written programs in some programming language such as PASCAL, FORTRAN or C, after developing a suitable algorithm. Developing an algorithm is the first step in writing a macro. Once the algorithm is ready, and you decide which variable to use for what purpose, writing a macro becomes trivial. An effective teacher has to talk in the language which the students understand. What I know may be important, but what I am able to pass on is more important. This is the reason why some people with limited knowledge are the best teachers.

[Zippythestick]

Originally Posted by sinha_nsit But at least I should not raise this question. In the book, I have myself given programs for things like standard deviation calculation, quadratic equation solver, summation of a series, and the list continues. Actually, my purpose was quite different: Macro programming is hyped to be a complex thing, the so-called "best kept secret of CNC." This has made many prople believe that they cannot learn it easily. As a teacher, I know that such a notion is the biggest hindrance in learning new things. Therefore, initially I took those examples which people are generally aware of, and must have actually written programs in some programming language such as PASCAL, FORTRAN or C, after developing a suitable algorithm. Developing an algorithm is the first step in writing a macro. Once the algorithm is ready, and you decide which variable to use for what purpose, writing a macro becomes trivial. An effective teacher has to talk in the language which the students understand. What I know may be important, but what I am able to pass on is more important. This is the reason why some people with limited knowledge are the best teachers.

HUH?????????

[kenickie22]

I would be very interested in reviewing and giving feedback on your book. I have a copy of Smid's, and agree it is targeted toward the older controls. However, it is one of the only macro B references out there.

[sinha_nsit]

OK. I have attached two chapters from the book which will give you fairly good idea of the depth and the way of presentation.
These pages are for your personal reference only, being a copyright material.

Sinha