[HalfRhoVSquared]

Does anyone know if there is a relatively affordable DNC "box" or PC computer software that can take g-code and use custom m-codes *within the box* (not in CNC control) to do things like send signals to run an indexer, turn stuff on or off, etc.

Basically the DNC box would tell the CNC to do stuff, get a signal from the CNC that it's done with that thing, and then when it came to the magic m-code tell something else to do stuff, then come back to telling the CNC machine to do more stuff,etc.

This could be really handy to turn on and off indexers and other automation.

This should be something generic and affordable and programmable, not something custom that costs a lot or requires company support and cost any time you want to do some little change.

[HalfRhoVSquared]

No ideas here? I figured there would be something since I can't be the only one that wants something like this. And if it's software that seems pretty straightforward for a sharp programmer that knows how to send DNC info to the CNC.

[BobHarper]

On some CNC's, there are M codes that will send a signal to a connect device. That device can be an indexer or whatever, but it has to have its own control. Once it accomplishes its function, it should send an answer back to the host. Then the host continues on.
We have Okuma machining centers that use an M code to signal a Seimens controlled indexer. Once the indexer completes it rotation, the M2 signals the answer back to the Okuma. It is an option on the Okuma.