TurboCAD/CAM - Is it the software or my computer?

[Clockwork]

I've been using Turbocad since V5 and think it is the ultimate CAD package for my individual needs. Started using the CAM plugin with V12 after building a couple of routers. The 2.5 D is all I need for my applications.

The problem I'm running into is the program takes a very long time, sometimes several minutes, to render the G code on complex drawings consisting a huge number of splines. Sometimes it locks up totally. I have a theory that the math involved in converting splines is the problem.

My computing platform is unusual, I'm using a super fast Macbook Pro (Intel based - 2 Gig RAM) with software called "Parallels" that runs Windows as a virtual machine at near native speed. All of my Windows applications run great except for this TurboCAD issue.

BTW - I had also purchased a copy of TurboCAD for MAC without investigating it first and felt that was ripped off since it is nothing like PC version.

I have also looked at BobCAD and determined that it is about 10 years behind TurboCAD on the CAD side - even the new 2007 version. I found a ton of other ugly issues with Bob, but it does render the code at a fraction of the time of what TurboCAD takes.

OK, that's my story - any (positive) comments will be appreciated.

[bborb]

I've heard many comments on the SLOW rendering of G-code, 1/2 hour, 2 hours have been reported... its not your hardware.

[Dave1]

Do you know someone with a PC that would let you load it? I think it's a hardware issue. From what I understand (I ain't no expert either) PC's are way better at math than a Mac is and your Windows emulation software may be slowing it down (has to do everything twice???) I ran Macs for years and liked them but in the cad/cam area they were a tad slow from my personal observation.
Just a thought,,,
Dave

[Brushy Bill]

I have used TC/cam since I upgraded to version 10 pro. It was offered to me from IMSI for $329 U.S. and I couldnt turn it down especially since it included the cad pro version, ( I was running v9 at the time.) I have done small ( 2x8 & 4x6 inch ) engravings with it and at times it seems slow, but like I said, they are smaller pieces although I was milling lines .0325 apart over most of the entire surface as a backgroung for the art work. ( the 4x6 pieces took probably 30 seconds or less to produce the code)
I dont think there is anything that you can do about your problem.
TC cad software is incredable, espcially for the price.I have done 3d renderings of set up tools on a granite surface plate that people think is a photograph.
And have used it at work while everyone else was using AC. File sharing went very well.
There attempt at producing cam software is a little disapointing. although, it does work. I agree
I am in the process of trying to get the shop owner to get BobCad/cam with the art plugin. I intend to continue to draw in TC and import the files into Bob cam.

[Brushy Bill]

Try setting your cam pallet to show the g-code as you select your tool paths. Instead of the tool properties. it generats the code when you select the finish button each time you pick your path. It has less to think about, and by the time you fininsh your last path, it is already complete.
let me know if you dont understand how to show g-code while programming. there is a small icon at the top of the pallet, I will try to get a screen shot if necessary.