--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Owen Lloyd" <sbw@c...> wrote:
Hey Tim. I am going to be retro'n my bench top unit. As you can
tell by my
misinformed posts, I'm still learning my way around. I have no
preference
for windows based or DOS, I've used both over the years and
wouldn't know
which is best [if there is even a difference.]
Owen: Both DOS and Windows have plus's and minuses. Here are some
things to consider:
DOS will run your machine with less computer horsepower and less
initial expense. If all you ever want to do is load a file from
floppy and make it cut, then DOS makes a good controller. Networking
it to your Windows based CAD system is a challenge.
Windows(98,2000,XP) is a bloated operating system but it offers
several things. The graphical interface gets you away from special
functions keys for every controller command. You can use longer file
names for your cut files (like "HarleyMainCircleCut_1-16SlotMill.txt)
instead of the limited 8 character DOS convention. You can get free
windows based g-code simulators that will "cut" your files on the
screen before putting bit to metal. You can have the CAD or CAM or
both programs on the Windows Controller so making quick changes is a
lot easier. Networking two or more Windows based computers is a 5
minute job.
I urge you to take a look at Art's Mach1. The latest version is
starting to look like a real professional and stable controller with
some impressive features. The ability to make smooth cuts using the
contour analysis has really improved my cuts. Being able to start or
stop the g-code at any point and even edit the code in a window is a
real time saver. True, you need to have at least a 500MHZ box, more
RAM, and WIN2000 or XP, to get the most out of the software, but that
grade of machine has become REAL cheap.
