SuperCam is a real time graphical operating system for machine tools. It imports HPGL, DXF, BMP and G-code files and directly controls the attached machine. G-code files can be imported and executed that are compatible with the Fanuc 6M controller.

When using HPGL, DXF and BMP there is no translation to G-code files. The user either executes the complete drawing or can pick the graphic items individually and causes the machine to follow the path of the graphic item.

The SuperCam is a CAD interface to the attached machine. It lets the user draw tool paths directly to the graphics area. There are seventeen fonts so it is often used for engraving applications. The user can draw arcs, circles, lines, points or text.

Graphic items can be moved, copied, scaled, rotated and erased. The order in which the graphic items are to be executed can be changed by the change order command. The direction of the cut can be changed by the swap ends command.

There are also lead in and lead out commands for creating lines that attach to existing graphic items, this is for creating smooth transitions to items being cut on the machine. This is particularly useful with Plasma Torch tables.

The SuperCam can be configured for 3 axis machines such as routers and milling machines or Plasma Torch, Flame cutters or Laser machines. The program automatically controls the relays depending on the machine that it is configured for. When a spindle type machine is attached the relay A is turned on at the beginning of the tool path execution and of when execution is completed. When the machine attached is using a Plasma Torch, Flame cutter or Laser the relay A is turned on at the beginning of each graphic item and off when the items tool path has been completed. There are configurable delays for initially letting the spindle spin up to speed or the air line to be cleared for a Plasma Torch. There are also configurable delays for piercing at the beginning of a cut and cut completion.

The graphical display can be either 2D or 3D, and is changed by keying the F6 function key. The F10 key switches the graphic display to a multi view port setup with four(4) different views being displayed simultaneously, each view port can be either 2D or 3D. This gives the user many different viewing options.

The SuperCam does export G-code files from imported HPGL, DXF and BMP imported files. And the files generated are compatible with the Machx line of programs.

The SuperCam drives machine tools via the parallel port, by generating step and direction signals or direct motor phase signals. It was the program that was sold with the first Taig Micro Mills and has been around along time. The maximum steps per second are just under 100 khz and is compatible with DOS and Windows 9x operating systems. Motor control signals are created by a real time operating system that is flash booted when machine activity is required, when motor activity is completed the original operating system is given control again and computer operation returns to normal.

When the attached machine in motion the graphical display is real time animated. That is the current machine’s carriage location is shown in the graphic area of the display. When the machine is cutting, a circle is drawn corresponding to the size of the cutting tool. When the machine is above the surface of the material the machine’s carriage is represented by a small cross hair.

Machine feed rates can be changed in the midst of a tool path execution by using the F2 or F3 function key. Each keystroke increases or decreases the feed rate by five(5) percent.

Moving the machine around the work area is accomplished by the MoveTo command in which the user uses the mouse to point and click on where to place the machine’s carriage. This makes machine setup very easy. After the mouse pointer is clicked the machine moves the carriage to the coordinates specified by the mouse.

My latest version of SuperCam is SuperCamXp, which is compatible with the Windows XP operating system. It has just about all the same features of the original SuperCam. At the time of this writing it does not include the ability to import BMP files.

SuperCamXp works via the USB port and is a true multi-threaded application. It is possible to run multiple machines simultaneously from the same desktop computer as well as other applications while the attached machines are executing tool path movements.

SuperCamXp works via my CamPod, which is USB to parallel, port adapter. It is a small box that has a USB connector on one end and a DB25 female connector on the other end. It is plug and play compatible with my line of motor controllers, and can be adapted to just about any of the existing parallel port controllers on the market. The PWB inside the CamPod has been made so pin signal assignments can be changed by cutting traces and attaching jumpers to different DB25 pins. It is being successfully used with the Microproto step and direction controllers.

Dennis Bohlke
http://www.super-tech.com