Hi Franz,
There is a PointsCoordinates script, to show the three coordinates of a picked point in a javascript Alert window.

Thanks to Michaels past help, the catenary2ptxyz script has code to switch between world coordinates and what I called catFrame.

- Brian

Hi all.

Another way to measure the angle.

Vladimir.

Thanks to Vladimir for the additional way of angle measurment possibility.

Thanks all for the great help so far, but now I have a special problem, maybe someone here can give me a tip:

My old "CAVACAD" runs under DOS and can only import *.0G and also convert DXF (Version R13) files to *.0G.
Now I get these dxf (R13) files, which I import without any problems with my old computer -from 1997 (16 bit processor)-
automatically convert into files of this program with the extension *. 0G.
The CAD program can only read these files and display them as drawings.

To be able to use "CAVACAD", which requires DOS, with the Windows 8.1 PC,
I have installed "DOSBOX", and it works (almost) completely.

The *. DXF files, previously created with the old 16-bit PC, in *. OG files can now also be imported and displayed under Windows 8.1.

But if I want to import the same DXF file as on the old PC and convert it to *. 0G with Windows 8.1 PC with DOSBOX,
I get the message:"Access denied" or "Violated protection".
I have already shared access rights, shares and owners in the folder and file properties for "everyone".
This error message only occurs with the DXF file, the same file that can be converted in the 16Bit environment without any problems.

Does anyone have any idea, what might be the reason for this?
I have to say, that all other functions of the old "CAVACAD" work fine with DOSBOX in Windows 8.1

I hope I have been able to explain this difficult matter in an understandable way.

Franz

Hi Franz,
I've only used DOSBOX once, a while back to play an old game in Windows 7, so know little about the problem.

For what it is worth, here is one link:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-security-winacc/no-administrator-rights-on-windows-8-or-windows-81/58575911-e009-408b-a6ea-f980d9295888?auth=1

Came across link to W8.1 version of DOSBOX:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KEfB40UonLS5XfRw3k9Crii7YEUUxHqBX0xE8cSwh-s/edit

- Brian

Thank you Brian for your quick answer, I have tested your suggestions.
Also the scan was not successful, everything is clean.

I should add, that this failed import and the conversion of *. DXF to *. 0G in the "CAVACAD" also occurs without DOSBOX in newer operating systems like Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Only the old PC from 1997 with the old DOS and Windows 3.11 does not cause any problems. I suspect that since the 32 BIT systems a Microsoft addition has been added, which is not 100% compatible with the old "CAVACAD". But what?

It's a pity that all of the Italian software developers seem to be retired. Or just want to sell only more new systems...? (TPA Milano).
Because they prefer not to give any information about the old systems.

Best Regards
Franz

Hello Franz,

is the 0G file ascii or binary. If it is an ascii, could you post an example. By the way, if you draw a tangent to your curve and make an path array you will have your tangents very quick.

Have a nice day
Karsten

Thank you Karsten.
The members of this forum are much more friendly than the company from which I have bought a lot of machines for a lot of money in the last years...
Unfortunately I am not so experienced in computer file-details, but I have the files 0G and DXF in the attachment.

From TPA (Milano) I received the following answer today:
"Good morning
I'm sorry but we're no longer able to support this software
regards
Mauro Narcotini
Direttore commerciale Italia
mauro.narcotini@tpaspa.it"

My answer to TPA:
Dear Sir!
We will take your attitude into account when purchasing a new CNC machine.
I guess you can't say thank you.
This is the difference between serious and dubious companies.

<<<
My answer to TPA:
Dear Sir!
We will take your attitude into account when purchasing a new CNC machine.
I guess you can't say thank you.
This is the difference between serious and dubious companies.>>>

YES! gut gemacht! Well done!

<<<By the way, if you draw a tangent to your curve and make an path array you will have your tangents very quick.>>>

Thanks for the useful tip, Karsten.



To my dispute with TPA, software developer of CAVACAD. Think they're mad at me now. Narcotini wrote:
"Never contact TPA again."
(Because the software is so old, and as a developer it is serious in his eyes not to waste any more thoughts on it).

Better I don't tell my wife, because we have been married for more than 25 years:).....

Franz
just alone, without TPA

Hello Franz,

It seems that my wife thought something like that about me after 19 years. Anyway sometimes it's better to go different ways;-) Did You thought about replacing the CNC controller. How many axes has the machine and what kind of axis motors? How is the machine controlled? Is cavacad (Is it pronounced cave cad?) only to create the file or is it also the controller software? The 0G file is a binary file. I hoped for you, that it is ascii with a gcode similar syntax:-(

Have a nice day
Karsten

Hi Karsten!

The CNC machine has 5 axes, x y z v w, manufacturer is Pade at home in Cabiate near Milano/Italy.
The control (NC) is a TPA self-construction and equipped with Eproms from TPA, as well as the software package for operating the machine, called "CAVA1000"
Name "CAVA" is from the manufacturer, I don't know the origin auf the name.
The machine can be programmed directly by means of a teach-in hand-held device by moving the spreading tool in slow motion,
but also by means of the Cad software "CAVACAM" from TPA. Macros exist for some machining operations such as drilling, slotted holes and tenons (in 3D).
The drawings are calculated as a tool run and built into the teached-in machining program.
The machining function includes a slow motion for the teach-in, as well as an automatic mode in serial working speed.
Control motors, frequency converters etc. are from YASKAWA. The concept of the machine is particularly well suited for chair production.

The structure of the machine is still very good after 20 years.
2 motors arranged crosswise provide space for 4 tools. A tool change during machining is therefore only effected by the 5-axis movement of the tool head and is very fast for serial production. The question remains whether it is economically feasible to replace the control unit. The many existing programs also represent a high value. In this respect, you are always very dependent on the manufacturer of the machine. Lack of support from the controller and software manufacturer is a major uncertainty.
In the attachment is a photo, as well as the parameter list of the machine.
We have 2 from this machines with TPA control.

Equipping something like this with new controls and software is a big task.
What's your opinion, Karsten?

Have a good day!

(Also we have 2 other CNC machines, but with NUM control.)

Hi Franz

you>It's a pity that all of the Italian software developers seem to be retired. Or just want to sell only more new systems...? (TPA Milano).
Because they prefer not to give any information about the old systems.

I understand your frustration but it's pretty normal their answer ;)

Pade is a good manufacturer,as Balestrini or Bacci,you can find good CNC by them on second-hand market

M

Hallo Franz,

I would start at YASKAWA. The company is still existing. And the question is how to connect a controller/converter for GCode to the motor control units. Typically they change the protocols/standards not so often. Heidenhain seems to support YASKAWA also. Fanuc or Siemens? I read also something about YASKAWA servos in the LinuxCNC/EMC2 forum. Ich hab mal ne Käsefräse gebaut und damit angesteuert. To get the axes run is possible I thing - Control the tool change is another thing. A new software for 5 Axis milling isn't free available and has to be configured to the special machine.
Who make the maintenance of the machine. Maybe he can help.

In general - what a desaster:-(

Karsten

p.s.: google for yaskawa sgda-08as - you will find the a pdf of the controller family S.398 the spec for I/O signals - so a specialist can give you a tip:-)

http://www.tpaspa.com/cad-cam.html
"they do retrofit of old machines"

Hello Karsten and Mauro!

Thanks for the additional tips. I have seen the www.industrypart.com in the web, will contact them.
(Karsten - I cannot imagine, what is a "Käsefräse", seems interesting.)

Currently the two old Pade machines still works pretty,
the second one I bought mainly because of the exchange components, as they are quite similar in construction.
This machine but now is also fully used. We have got this one only 1 year ago (was buyed used and we had nothing to learn new).
However, the true value of these machines is usually their existing programs.

That's why these "TPA & Co" companies' business policies (throwaway society) are so damaging.
After all, such large expenditures can only be represented in mutual trust.
I actually have a good service company in the background. I will contact also them (company Eisner, Linz) to see what the future looks like.

Thanks again for your help and advice!

Franz

For your information, that's what we do:
www.plank-gmbh.com

Picture of a Käsefräse.
A not so professional CNC Router made of waste.

Looking nice!

Google helps me to understand too:
http://kaesefraese.com/german/wasist.html

Nevertheless - I've milled aluminium, PCBs, plastics and wood! Okay tolerances by +/-0,1mm, not impressive, but works

TPA: "they do retrofit of old machines"

After the emotional appearance of Narcotini (TPA) unfortunately not for me.
Or just at a price you can't say yes to. That's what I think.
I was probably too honest in the wording...
Some people make the biggest mistake of hearing what someone else really thinks about them.
In this sense, say hello to Narcotini if he looks at the forum again.

Franz