[HuFlungDung]

In reviewing a portion of the Supercam online documentation, I have to wonder about the algorithm that they use for arcs: specifying a start angle and an end angle as vital arc parameters does not parallel the method used in a typical controller. Thus I am still suspicious of the mathematics used to convert those angles into a G02 or G03 movement.

Have you tried contacting Supercam support?

http://www.super-tech.com/root/supercam/default.asp

[greybeard]

"First you get good, then you get fast. Then grouchiness sets in."

I fear HFD, that I'm in danger of reversing the order of your aphorism

No, I haven't tried on this one, but I have found Dennis very helpful in the past, so I may do, even though I think he no longer offers support on this particular version, having moved on to an XP version.

Regards
John

[HuFlungDung]

It wouldn't hurt to ask. The same bug, if it is a bug, may carry through versions if he doesn't know about it.

[Stu_M3]

the algorithms used in the machine control use a format as shown in the diagram, where (0) degrees is at the 3 "o" clock position and (+)value degrees produce an anticlockwise motion.
just using basic trig you can work out where circles start and end also where circle centres are.
incremental means moving a set distance from the position the tool is at, so for a circle centre that is left of where the tool is standing the value is a negative one in the (x) axis. for a centre that is to the right the distance is a positive value in the (x) axis whereas if the machine is working in absolute the actual (xy) co-ordinate of the centre has to be entered for i & j.

Stu

[Stu_M3]

sorry posted on wrong forum, ignore me

[greybeard]

sorry posted on wrong forum, ignore me

Thank G*d, I thought I'd lost it completely..
John

[CJL5585]

Greybeard,

Sent you a private message regarding conversion of Super Tech machine to Turbocnc Ver 4.1, Mach or other control software.

Jerry

[greybeard]

Hi Jerry, nice to hear from you.
So as not to take over this thread, I'll PM you.
But for general readers, the Supercam software that I'm using is an old version, not the later XP one.
It's based on the concept of using information from the printer port, that would normally be driving a printer, produce the step/direction signals for the stepper motors directly without using the full implimentation of G code.
Some code is recognised, but the restrictions in this early version do leave a lot to be desired, as the posts above may show.

Regards
John