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----- Original Message -----
From: "Art" <fenerty@...>
To: <mach1mach2cnc@...>
Sent: Friday, March 05, 2004 4:50 PM
Subject: [mach1mach2cnc] Version 5.0

Hi All:

Version 5.0 is online. It is the start of a migration sequence to a new
format. The only differences in this version is the directory structure of
the macros. A new user will see no functional difference, but if you have

a

custom profile name, then you MUST create a macro directory under that

name

and put your macro's there. This means no more overwriting personal macro
files when upgrading. You may have as many macro directories as profiles,
and the tooltables are also saved in those directories, so each machine

has

its own tool set.
This version fixes a few small bugs as posted earlier in my "Fixed for
next version.." messages. My desk is a mess and I will have to clean up
around here before I start the next round. I've been quite ill this week
with the flu and have been a little slow to respond, my appologies.

Please note that (As posted on the Web Site) ARTSOFT WILL BE CLOSED NEXT
WEEK FOR MARCH BREAK.

I will think of you all while I bask in the tropical rays oif the CanCun
sun. I do have a couple of questions for you all to consider while I'm

gone

as I have reached a few decision points on the code for the next version

5.x

release....

1) How intelligent should the toolpath be. What I intend at this point is
that the display will by default show the entire surface of your table
(Taken from the softlimits tables), the X, Y and Z position on that table,
the job as it sits on the table so you can see its position. I intend to

add

the capability to drag that job around the table so that it will be cut at
that point. The X,Y, Z gantry will move during the cut showing the

position

of all axis. A few buttons will be included to select overall view (as

just

described), zoom to part view, zoom to tool view (Showing a small area

arund

the tool point) and the usual ISO, LEFT, RIGHT..etc.. views. Some

machines

will not be able to display all this without trouble while pulseing so it
will be optional, but many should be able to (My 2.3Ghz seems capable of
it..). This would allow for capabilities at some point like "click and go"
to go to a particular spot.

2) How about the new single function screens. I intend at this point to
cheat the system a bit. In order to maintain compaability with everyones
screens goin way back, Mach2 will have its normal default screens. And a
list of user screens , each with their own directory and bitmap folders.
When a User Functional screen is selected, the main defaults will shut

down,

and the new Functionals open up. This allows any Conversational or
Functional Screen set to be multiple pages, use the same screen designer,
and use any OEM numbers for controls and such with no interference with

the

main screens. The entire program would appear to switch to that functional
type of program. Hitting "Done" would instantly flash it back to Mach2's
default screens. This really is more of a grouping of screens by function
type of change, but may make a lot of sense in the context of

Conversational

work. It would allow for Wizard type of screen sets with Next and Back
buttons allowing a user to step through a complex process to create an end
result. Also, the screens usage will be encouraged to follow the new
teaching mode where all the code"xxmxmxmx" statements from scripts are
stored to a file which is automatically loaded when you hit done. So you
enter the functional domain, follow the instructions and a G-Code file is
created which is then autoloaded and your back in MAch2 ready to run it.
Seems to make more sense than having User screens do movement without

being

on the proper screen for movement.


Anyway, these are just the things I plan for, your comments are welcome,
of course I have other parallel projects like finishing the Gecko and more
turning code. I like the thought of functional screens for turning as it

may

allow a beginner to see a process step by step to a finished G-Code

result.

Then run it.

Anyway, I will be around tommorrow, then I'm burnt...I mean gone...

Thanks,
Art
www.artofcnc.ca








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