Mastercam VB....?

[cansucuoglu]

Hello;

I am newly staring writin Vb on mastercam. I have been using RhinoScript for a long time. I think I understand enough fom VB but, in mastercamVB I am totaly paralyzed.

Do you guyz know any tutorial or reference with mastercamVB.

C.

[PeterCharles]

Are you working with stand alone VB, or does Mastercam use VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) as it's macro language?

Either way, a basic understanding of VB syntax is a good starting point.

[cansucuoglu]

Well, MasterCam started to support VB in the new version. I think I know VB as RhinoScript is VB(a little bit modified). It is not the macro language though. I am struggling to understand MasterCams mentality I guess maybe....

[PeterCharles]

Not having access to Mastercam I can't advise further, but found this on another forum:-
"I understand that Mastercam will have VBA in the near future. This level of automation will be much easier to achieve when it has VBA integrated."
I would expect to find VBA (if it's there) in the menu system under something like Tools/Macros or something like that. Did look on the Mastercam web site but couldn't find any info (bit poor really). Nothing in the help files??

[Switcher]

I don't work with mastercam (I did stay @ a Holiday Inn, once ), found this pdf on the site, not much info at all.

Have you ever wished you could automate the repetitive tasks you do in Mastercam? Perhaps you work with a vendor that is always requesting work that is a variation on past jobs, and you need the ability to quickly update an entire family of parts and their toolpaths. In the past, these types of customizations were available to only those with a good knowledge of programming in C language and the appropriate compiler, or the money to hire a professional C-Hook writer to do the job for them. With Version 9.1, Mastercam now has the ability to automate tasks using Microsoft's Visual Basic® Script, commonly referred to as VB Script. This new feature makes automation of Mastercam possible for every Mastercam user. If you are familiar with creating your own macros in MS Word®, MS Excel®, AutoCAD® etc., then you will easily be able to develop Mastercam scripts. This is an invaluable tool for automating repetitive tasks, family of parts applications, and making complex tasks easier. Here's a scenario that could become a reality for a customer with a specific product, like entertainment centers, that vary in size and material. The order gets taken by phone or via e-mail. As the order entry is completed, a VB Script grabs the sizes, quantities of the pieces, and materials that make up the product. This information is used by Mastercam to create the parts, create toolpaths, nest the parts, and send the information to the router on the shop floor. How can someone who knows Visual Basic do this? Although VB Scripts can be written using any text editor, the Mastercam V9.1 VB Script editor has been developed to make the process easier. The Mastercam VB Script Editor offers many options to help you develop your Mastercam scripts quickly and effortlessly. Some of the options include: • Syntax Highlighting - Similar to the macros in MS Word, Mastercam's color syntax highlighting helps to identify spelling mistakes that lead to syntax errors. Highlight Mastercam-specific functions, VBspecific functions, and reserved words to make your code easier to read. • Intellisense - Mastercam's Intellisense gives you access to a drop-down list of available Mastercam functions, classes, and constants. This feature is great for new Mastercam programmers to become familiar with all the available functions. Currently there are more than 200 functions available. • Bookmarks - Bookmarks can be used to mark lines of code in the editor so that you can easily return to them later. • Commenting - Code can be commented out or uncommented by selecting the lines you want and clicking the applicable menu item. • Advanced search and replace - Search up and down, by word, or by expression and replace. Or search for a specific line. For a more detailed document covering the use of the Mastercam VB Script editor, visit www.mastercam.com/VBScript.

[PeterCharles]

My understanding is that VB sort of comes in three versions
1) Visual Basic (VB). A programming language that enables you to create stand alone programs (exe's also dll's), some of which can interact with other programs. I've created a VB exe that uses MS Word to create the end user document, and a VB dll that interacts with Inventor.
2) Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). This is the MS macro language incorporated into Word, Excel etc. It's also used by other mainstream software, ACAD and Inventor to name just two. Generally the syntax is similar to VB, but not identical as it runs within an application, but does not create stand alone applications.
3) Visual Basic Script (VBS). A scripting language, again with syntax similar to VB. But it is what it says, just a scripting language more limited in use than VBA. Frequently used for Internet applications as an alternative to JavaScript. http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms950396.aspx

If Mastercam includes VBS then they should have covered it in the help files.

[cansucuoglu]

Thanks,

They do cover some stuff but more confusing then actually helping though. Having their strange methods... I feel as if it is not flexable and really stiff.

I am trying to attach the help file.If you guys would like to see...

[PeterCharles]

I noticed this in your file -
If you need to view documentation regarding the VB Script language itself, please refer to SCRIPT56.CHM in the ‘Help’ sub-directory of your Mastercam installation.

Does this help file contain any real help?

[cansucuoglu]

That one is the microsofts VB manual.... The same as the website posted in one of the previous posts.
I was happy when I saw it.
Well actually, i think i got the problem:
MasterCam has a very dominant GUI and any command I give it pops up a window. And I cant figure out how to access without windows. (AutoCad with do if you type things with a - in front). So script stops al the time to ask things it allready knows, and doesnt transfer lets say selection to my geometryOperationsEditor...

If anyone knows about this, it would be so great

[Lars]

I would probably recommend that you posted your question in the Mastercam section on this forum, there are some very smart people on this forum who know a great deal about Mastercam, they might just not be looking in this section.

HTH
Lars