Copyright (C) 1986-2008 by Daniel H. Hudgins, All Rights Reserved.

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This Web site is dedicated to the thousands of "users" of my programs, those who have helped test my programs over the last 22 or so years, and especially those who shared their experiences with me.

You must read this notice: This is a licensed Web site (HTML document and associated files). You must read and agree to be legally bound in contract by the Terms of Use and conditions given in the End User License Agreement ("EULA"), Legal Notices, Instructions, Warnings, Disclaimers, and all other text in "SECTION: 0" of "This Web Site" (HTML document and associated files) before reading or using any of the information, software programs, and or files, contained in, linked to, and or associated with, "This Web Site" (HTML document and associated files). Any use or "Beta Testing" of "This Web Site" constitutes your acknowledgment of your full agreement with the current End User License Agreement ("EULA") and your decision to have this current license supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings. Information and files in "This Web Site" (HTML document and associated files) have been placed here so that long time users of "The Author's" programs DANCAD3D.COM (tm) , DANCAM.EXE (tm) , or DANPLOT.EXE (tm) could help proofread the text of the documentation files or screens displayed, and also help test data files, example files, and or any software programs that might be made available from time to time, to aid "The Author" in finding mistakes, bugs, and other errors, omissions, defects, mistakes, and faults. Everything in "This Web Site" (HTML document and associated files) is "Beta Test", "Beta Code", Experimental, Preliminary, requires proofreading, or is being evaluated for possible revision, and is NOT warranted to be free of defect. To help "The Author" report any bugs, foul-ups, defects, or mistakes that you find, see "SECTION: 8" for instructions. "This Web Site" (HTML document and associated files) and all other files and programs by Daniel H. Hudgins are made available "AS IS" without warranty of any kind express, expressed, or implied. All offers and specifications are subject to change or discontinuation without notice of any kind. Please read "SECTION: 8" of "This Web Site" (HTML document and associated files) before trying to contact "The Author."

This documentation section has text mostly about DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm), my CAM programs, and might be looked to for information on some of the CAM program commands. See also the other documentation files, and pages in this Web site, for additional information. The disclaimer and most of the other legal text has been moved to SECTION: 0 , you must read the disclaimer, End User License Agreement (EULA), and other legal text, before you read any of the other documentation or use any part of this HTML document or associated files and programs. Be sure to read all the Warnings in SECTION: 3.2.10.0 , and the other documentation, before running, installing, testing, or using any of my programs, and especially before using DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm).

The text in this section was derived from the CAMPLOT.DOC file that was in the original v2.6 distribution, and has been updated somewhat so that some of the changes made in v2.7 are reflected. It may take me some time to get back to work some more on this section, but you can help proof-read what is here now. Some adjustment may be required for versions prior or subsequent to v2.72 since there are variations between versions and the various revisions of versions.

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Documents may be available to download from time to time, you can check SECTION: 9 to see what the current situation with regard to downloadable files is. The names of these documentation files may change, and they may be edited, combined, or eliminated in the future, without notice.

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Use the "Edit, Find in page Ctrl+F" or "Edit, Find (in this page)... Ctrl+F" command in your browser to search for keywords within the documentation text in this HTML page. You will need to search over again in the other pages in this HTML document for the same keyword since your browser may not search for a keyword beyond the current page that is loaded.

DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) are DOS software programs that convert your junk computer into a controller for the automatic operation of your personal CAM, a.k.a. Computer Aided Manufacturing, machine. Various types of machine may be automatically operated by one or the other of these two programs. Buying some special hardware interface is not required as only the standard parallel port, serial ports, and Joy- Stick port are used. Connections for the step pulse and direction signals are made using wires between your junk computer's parallel port and electronic driver modules to operate stepper or servo motors that are attached to your machine to automatically move the tool or work-piece. The CAM programs read a tool path file and send step pulse and direction signals so as to have the motion of the machine be controlled to follow the lines and points stored in the tool path file. The motion teach mode can be used to create the needed tool path file by Jogging the machine manually once, then replaying the motions to repeat the motion. The replicate scanning modes can be used to scan objects automatically as part of the process to prepare tool path files directly from objects without manually Jogging the machine. Tool path files can be created, edited, processed, and converted in the companion CAD programs DANCAD3D (tm) and DANCAD87 (tm). Sub-sets of G code and some other common file types might be converted to or from tool path files compatible with my CAM programs by using the various commands in my CAD programs. A computer network is built into my CAM programs for storing and transmitting tool path files, or other files, between your computers used to create tool path files, i.e. those running my CAD programs, and your computers used to operate your automated machines, i.e. those running my CAM programs. Information for making the various wiring connections and the carrying out of the corresponding set up, configuration, and operation are included in the on-line documentation. You, the "Beta Tester," must operate these CAM programs under the restrictions of the current on-line EULA and Terms of Use, and you will need to have sufficient technological knowledge, skill, and experience to conduct safe and effective operation of these CAM programs along with the operation of your automated machines.

DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) are two utility programs that you may be able to "Beta Test" for automatically manufacturing parts. DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) run on your IBM XT/AT (tm) compatible personal computer and use your personal computer's parallel port to send motion control signals to stepper or servo motor translator and driver modules. The same parallel port is also used to drive all the necessary auxiliary control relays and to read all of the necessary home, limit and pause switches, and the auxiliary input. The computer's Joy-Stick port can also be used for signal inputs and jog position control by using a Joy-Stick or by turning an incremental encoder.

You may be able to make your own PCB circuit boards for building the stepper motor translator drivers. If you do not want to build your own circuit boards you can buy assembled translator and driver modules from many motor suppliers. The driver modules should work with TTL type signal step pulse and direction signals. The step pulse input to the driver module makes the motor turn a pre- set small amount, usually 1.8 degrees, for each step pulse from the computer, and the direction input on the driver module tells the motor which direction to turn when the next step pulse signal comes. Three driver modules might be used if you have a three axis machine, one for the X axis, one for the Y axis, and one for the Z axis.

Servo motor control circuits that use "step pulse and direction" signals may be able to be used in place of stepper motor translator and driver circuits to obtain greater speed and some freedom from occasional lost step problems that stepper motors can have when run too fast, overloaded, and such. The CAM programs have acceleration and deceleration speed ramping for use with servo motors so that the motor mass has time to adjust to the changes in the rate of step pulses.

How to connect the stepper, or servo, motor driver modules to your computer's parallel printer port is indicated in the schematics HOOKUP1, HOOKUP2, HOOKUP3, and elsewhere in this Web site.

DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) work by reading line segment data from tool path drawing files conforming to my DANCAD3D (tm) ASCII file type, and the CAM programs then send signals, corresponding to the lines in the tool path file, to motor driver modules in such a way that the modules make motors mounted on the machine rotate to move the tool or work-piece through motions that are like the lines drawn in the tool path file. Lines in the tool path drawing are saved into the tool path file as a pair of points, i.e. the starting point and the ending point of a line segment. In the DANCAD3D (tm) ASCII file format, i.e. *.ASC, the starting point of a line segment is saved as three numbers, X, Y, and Z, likewise the ending point of a line segment is saved as three numbers X, Y, and Z. The X, Y, and Z, values are measured from the drawing workspace center point and can be positive or negative. The line color assigned to the line segments in the tool path drawing file controls the feed rate, pause for operator, dwell, and auxiliary relay states when the tool path file is read by one of my CAM programs.

The home position, i.e. starting position, of your machine would normally be selected so as to place the X=0, Y=0, and Z=0 points in the tool path file at the center of the machine's work area, therefore the home point's values installed in the configuration would generally be values equal to one half the full distance that your machine can move on each axis, with the home point's values being positive or negative depending on which side of center you installed your home switches, and how you have the motor's motions, CW or CCW, installed in the configuration file. You can put the home point of your machine at the CAD workspace center point, but would have to remember to draw, or offset, your tool path in DANCAD3D (tm) to be off center since you do not want the starting position of the tool in the center of the working area of your machine, but rather at the extreme edge of your machines working area. In other words if your machine has a working area of X=7 by Y=10 by Z=3 then you would configure the home point to something like X=-3.5, Y=-5, Z=-1.5. The z value home would be adjusted so that the starting point would always be outside of the work-piece, which would depend on how you are drawing your tool path files in the CAD programs. The home point is located at the edge of the working area so that the backlash compensation can always start with motions going in the same direction to the first point in the tool path. When drawing the tool path file you should be careful that no motions are included that move past the trip point for the home switches, since you might break or bend the home switches.

The signals from the parallel port are in "step pulse and direction" form, which means that for each axis one wire pulses on and off to make the motor move one step and the other wire for the direction signal is set to on or off so that the direction signal pin changes just before the step pulse signal pin pulses if the direction reverses, otherwise the direction signal pin stays on or off while the step pulse signal pin pulses so as to tell the driver module to move the motor clockwise or counter-clockwise. Three wires connect between the computer and each axis motor driver module, one wire for step pulse signal, one wire for direction signal, and one wire or one or two shield conductors for the signal ground a.k.a. signal common. It is generally better not to use the same wire for the motor coil supply common as for the signal common, since the motor coil signals may sometimes falsely trigger the step pulse or direction signal inputs, that is, you should run two parallel common wires from each module, one common wire to the parallel port for the signal, and another common wire back to the motor coil power supply for the motor power. Sometimes an additional third common wire would be needed from the motor driver module to the +5 volt logic supply. The wire gauge, i.e. wire diameter, of the wires used needs to be large enough to carry the current required, and to not cause signal loss through voltage drop, capacitance, or cross talk over the distance required. The signal wires, and sometimes also the motor wires, should be shielded type cables to reduce problems caused by coupling, RFI, and EMI.

The drawing file, i.e. ASCII tool path file, to be read by DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm) may be able to be made, e.g. drawn, by using the corresponding version of DANCAD3D (tm) or DANCAD87 (tm). Tool path files can be created by the same methods that DANCAD3D (tm) uses to make drawings that are to be printed out, that is, draw the line segments by using the drawing editor, write a macro to create the drawing elements, enter the coordinates with the Enter command, or use the Write command to create an ASCII file manually.

You may also be able to create or edit tool path files manually by using some text editor such as the Windows (tm) program WORDPAD (tm) if you create the proper formatting of the line segments data and save the file in DOS *.TXT file type.

DANCAD3D (tm) or DANCAD87 (tm) may be able to load some "Industry" file types such as: HP-GL sub-set, BMP sub-set, STL sub-set, PCB drill sub-set, or NC G code sub-set and thereby be used convert those files into an ASCII tool path file for use with the CAM programs. How effective such a conversion might be would depend on how the original file was made, and what you are trying to do with regard to the CAM program motions. For instance, see the Files Load Industry HPGL and then Files Save ASCII commands in DANCAD3D (tm). If you convert any files for use with the CAM programs be sure that you look at the lines converted by loading them into the workspace and then viewing the lines with the drawing editor before you save the drawing lines as an ASCII tool path file to be sure that the conversion is acceptable, and is centered properly for your machine's configuration. When some types of file are converted in my CAD programs for use with DANCAM.EXE (tm) you will need to use the Plotterize, Link, and perhaps some other editing commands before you save the converted element as a tool path file, since DANCAM.EXE (tm) requires all of the up and down motions of the tool to be included in the tool path file.

You may be able to attach stepper or servo motors to an existing 2 or 3 axis machine tool or plotting type device's hand wheel, drive, crank, or knob shafts to automate it. Additionally DANPLOT.EXE (tm) may be able to be used to drive 4 axis devices where the forth axis, i.e. the "C" axis or tangential knife, keeps the cutting edge of a saber saw or knife blade pointed into the direction of the tool motion. You may be able to build your own special purpose automated tools, retrofit manually operated machine tools, or up-date some old NC/CNC type tools to operate directly from your computer. When you automate a machine you should install safety shields that connect to a pause and power cut switch arrangement so that the machine is contained within the safety shields when operating, and the machine will stop and be inactivated when the safety shields are open. When you automate a machine you should also install an emergency stop button, a large red mushroom button or the equivalent, in easy reach at a safe location so that when something goes wrong with the machine operation, or someone is being injured and such, the machine can be immediately stopped and all power cut off in a way that makes the machine harmless.

When properly installed DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) create step pulse and directions signals to move the tool to the theoretical position corresponding to the points contained in the tool path file. The physical accuracy of the actual position of the location of the cutting tool depends on the mechanical quality of the device or machine you are automating. Many deficiencies in the mechanical soundness of your machine, such as, flexing in the tool post and play in the ways may cause the tool to be slightly misplaced from the desired commanded position. If the error due to mechanical deficiencies is repeatable you might be able to adjust the tool path file with DANCAD3D (tm) to compensate for some of the mechanical errors by moving the end points of the line segments so that the tool is commanded to go a little too far, or a little less far.

DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) are general purpose Computer Aided Manufacturing, i.e. CAM, programs and are not limited to a single particular type of machine. The programs might be adapted to tasks other than cutting, such as applying glue in a fixed pattern, dusting my moving a compressed air nozzle around, and so on.

DANPLOT.EXE (tm) may also be able to be used for partial automation in which the work-piece is automatically positioned and the tool is raised and lowered manually i.e. for drilling, stamping, or punching. This manual Z axis mode is selected in the configuration menu. When this mode is selected, the program will pause and put a message on the computer's screen telling the operator to move the tool down (or turn something on) or move the tool up (or turn something off). The Z axis direction pin on the parallel port may be able to be wired to a light bulb or buzzer to signal the operator during manual Z axis operation.

DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) can be operated automatically from DOS batch files. Since DANCAD3D (tm) v2.7 can also be operated from a DOS batch file you can write a DANCAD3D (tm) v2.7 macro to make your own user interface for manufacturing. You would end the v2.7 macro file with the v2.7 macro HALT command and save the tool path with a standard file name that would always be used by the batch file as the file to execute in DANCAM.EXE (tm) v2.7 or DANPLOT.EXE (tm) v2.7. The CAM programs should be run and then quit back to the DOS prompt once before you run a Batch file so that the password will have been entered since the computer was turned on or the DOS window opened.

The CAM programs have been designed to have a provision to be operated from a DOS batch file, by passing the name of a tool path file, or some other commands, directly to the program by use of the command line. For the various versions you will need to see whatever version specific documentation there is about the command line feature since there have been some changes to the command line feature's operation from one version or revision to another. Under Windows 95 (tm) you can also drag and drop the name of an ASCII tool path file onto the program icon to have the program execute that tool path file.

DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) have the ability to save a "tool path" file of the coordinates of end points of line segments by using the "teach" mode and "jogging" the tool around with the joy-stick, encoder, or cursor keys. This teach mode may also be able to be used to make fine measurements of parts, or to manually trace around some part to make a tool path file for making similar parts. The points recorded to the teach output file can then be "played back" and the machine will try to repeat the motions you marked out. For instance if you wanted to make several parts with holes drilled in various places you could use the teach mode to make the first part, and then play back the motions saved to make the remaining parts. Be sure to select the correct line colors to control the feed rates when using the teach mode.

DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) also have a replication scanning mode that has the ability to save a file by scanning an object or subject by means of a scanning probe or scanning sensor. Scanned files can then be processed in the CAD programs to help make a tool path file that can then be used in one of the CAM programs to make something, e.g. a copy of something. The scanning mode in DANPLOT.EXE (tm) uses the Joy-Stick port for over-sampled analog input and can also be used to make a BMP graphic file for printing or display. The scanning mode in DANCAM.EXE (tm) uses the auxiliary input pin on the parallel port, and raises or lowers the Z axis to control the probe contact. The scanning probes can be used to sense various qualities or forces and are not limited to just light and electrical contact, this aspect might be used to make a contour element or graphic image of an object in not visible wave lengths.

The two manufacturing programs are associated with this documentation section, DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm), have a similar user interface and the way the programs operate is similar. The difference between the programs is in what type of tool is to be automated. One or the other of these two CAM programs may be able to be used for your type of tool. The way that the tool path file is prepared is different for the two programs, so you should familiarize yourself with the differences between these two CAM programs. The way some of the pins on the parallel and Joy-Stick port are used is different for the two programs, and for different operational modes of each program.

To install the CAM programs you can copy the *.EXE files, and any other associated files that are needed, onto a formatted floppy disk and then copy the needed files to your shop computer's harddisk. Be sure that you do not copy the *.CFG or other configuration files along with the program files since the CAM programs must be configured on the machine that they will be running on, you cannot, and must not, swap the configuration files from one computer to another.

Both of my CAM programs have configuration menus that let you adjust the programs to fit different machine sizes. Once the programs are configured you can operate the programs in three ways: manually from their menus, from the DOS command line, or from a DOS batch file.

When you are going to run the programs from a batch file you should run the program manually once beforehand and enter the password. Once you have entered the password the program can then be run from the batch file without having to re-enter the password each time, until you close the windows window, or you turn the computer off. When you operate the program manually without using any of the command line options the program will ask for the password each time, see the information section about the CAM program command line parameters and options for more details, particularly about how to skip the password prompt.

There should be several example tool path files, i.e. *.ASC, that you can use for testing your machine configuration that normally come along with the CAM program files in the distribution. Be sure you keep your hand on the motor power switch so that you can turn off the machine if your configuration is not set up properly for the example tool path files.

Because of the wide speed range of computers that the CAM programs might be run on, from 4.7MHz up to 733MHz or faster, the CAM programs have various settings that let you speed up or slow down the step pulses being sent out to the motor's driver modules. If the programs do not seem to be working and you cannot jog your motors at various feed rates, you probably need to go over the configuration options and make some adjustments. Be sure to run the automatic calibration for the feed rate control after you get all of the manual settings correctly, and before you try to execute any tool path files. If you make any changes to the computer running the CAM programs you should re-do the configuration and automatic calibration so that the feed rate control will be re- calibrated to the computers new state.

The DANCAM.EXE (tm) v2.7 and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) v2.7 distribution was originally distributed as part of the version 2.7 DANCAD3D.ZIP (tm) file archive and had several example CAM tool path files in addition to the CAM program files. If you downloaded the programs with a modem, or got them as part of a CD-ROM, you should have gotten all of the original files in the original distribution as well. There is usually a *.TXT file in each distribution with some information about the changes in it.

See the instructions elsewhere on how to download the DANCAD3D.ZIP (tm) file. After you make a directory and unzip the file archive you need to run the INSTALL.BAT file to make some sub-directories and move some files around.

EXAMPLE: C:\DC27\>INSTALL.BAT

If you wish to run the programs DANCAM.EXE (tm) v2.7 or DANPLOT.EXE (tm) v2.7 from a floppy disk you will need to make a copy of all of the needed program files and then copy any *.ASC tool path files that you might want to use. To use versions subsequent to v2.7 you may need to copy some program files in addition to the program files indicated below for the programs to work. You should not copy the *.CFG configuration file along with the program files, since the program needs to be configured for the computer that it will be used on.

EXAMPLE: C:\DC27\>FORMAT A: /S /U
         C:\DC27\>COPY DANCAM.EXE A:
         C:\DC27\>COPY DANCAM.OVR A:
         C:\DC27\>COPY DANPLOT.EXE A:
         C:\DC27\>COPY DANPLOT.OVR A:
         C:\DC27\>COPY DANCAD3D.808 A:
         C:\DC27\>COPY DANCAD3D.814 A:
         C:\DC27\>COPY *.ASC A:
         C:\DC27\>MD A:\XFER
         C:\DC27\>MD A:\ASCII
         C:\DC27\>MD A:\CYCLES

In the above example you will notice that in addition to the program and it's overlay file you need the screen font files, and to make some sub-directories. If your shop computer has a harddisk it might be best to just install everything in the DANCAD3D.ZIP (tm) distribution, so that you can use the CAD programs to look at tool path files and such. On computers that just have 360KB disk drives and no harddisk it is possible to have the overlay *.OVR file on one disk and the program *.EXE file on the other disk drive, see another part of this CAM documentation that goes into how to set up those rarely used options.

There needs to be some free disk space on the disk you run DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm) on so that DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) have room to save their configuration files, i.e. DANCAM.CFG and DANPLOT.CFG, as well as some other "temporary" and scratch pad files. When you copy the configured versions of the programs to another disk, for use on that same computer, remember to copy the *.CFG file along with the *.EXE and other needed files. Note that the configuration file is not supplied on the program disk, but is automatically created by the program when you use the program and configure the set up with the configuration menu in DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm). You should only copy the *.CFG file if you are going to use the program on the same computer that was used to configure the program, if you are going to copy the program for use on another computer do not copy the *.CFG file and instead let the program make a new configuration file when you use the configuration menus to install the program on the new computer.

If you want to use DANCAM.EXE (tm) v2.7 and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) v2.7 from your computer's harddisk just use the INSTALL.BAT file in the distribution to install the programs and files from the v2.7 DANCAD3D.ZIP (tm) file archive in your sub-directory DC27. You need make the sub-directory DC27 and then you need to to unzip the current v2.7 DANCAD3D.ZIP file archive into the DC27 sub-directory before you run INSTALL.BAT.

EXAMPLE: C:\DC27\>INSTALL INSTALL

To print out the *.TXT update documentation file use the DOS COPY command or the windows program WORDPAD.EXE. If your printer uses the serial port use the DOS MODE command to configure your serial port before trying to print the file. There may be an HTML version of the original *.TXT documentation file in this Web site that you can view without having to print it out.

EXAMPLE: C:\DC27\>COPY C:\DC27\*.TXT PRN
         C:\DC27\>COPY C:\DC27\*.TXT LPT2
         C:\DC27\>COPY C:\DC27\*.TXT COM1

You will need to read all the information in this HTML document, i.e. Web site, which has been derived and revised from the original documents and documentation files of previous versions, and expanded upon, in order to be able to learn more about how the programs might be operated. The files DANCAD3D.DOC and CAMPLOT.DOC are no longer ordinarily distributed as text files in the program distribution, rather revised versions of those files are now incorporated in the on-line version of this Web site in order to help simplify distribution of the various updates to the material.

Here is a brief description of some major files that where included in the original v2.7 distribution of the DANCAM.EXE (tm) v2.7 and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) v2.7 and how you might use those files with that version of the programs.

Some files that where included in the v2.6 distribution where omitted from the v2.7 distribution, so if you see those older files mentioned in some of the older documentation, do not think that their omission was an oversight. The omitted files are BIPOLAR2.MAC, DANPLOT.PLT, DANPLOT.OUT, CAMPLOT.DOC, and CAMFILES.DOC and perhaps some other small files.

BIPOLAR2.MAC was a macro file that made PCB foil patterns for making a stepper motor circuit board. Some of the information about BIPOLAR2 was moved from this section to SECTION: 5.40.10.0. Elsewhere in this Web site there may be some other information about circuits that might be used with my programs.

The plotter driver DANPLOT.PLT and the example plot file DANPLOT.OUT are no longer needed since DANPLOT.EXE (tm) v2.7 no longer supports that file format. As a substitute for the plotter output files, save your drawing as an HPGL file from the CAD programs, then load the HPGL file back into the CAD program as a new element, then save the new element loaded from the CAD program as a ASCII tool path file. This conversion to HPGL is used so that the plotter driver will introduce multiple strokes for the line segments so as to convert the line widths used in the drawing into many parallel line segments, which enable a pointed cutter to make thickened lines like those displayed in the CAD programs Preview command when the WYSIWYG is turned on.

The function of CAMPLOT.DOC has been replaced by parts of this Web site, and a CAMPLOT.DOC file is no longer distributed in text file form with the CAM programs. The information that was in CAMFILES.DOC is replaced by the updated documentation in the on-line documentation sections of this Web site.

This is a 2D motion control program that may let your computer act like the controller in a pen plotter. Additionally DANPLOT.EXE (tm) can sometimes control a fourth motor to have the computer act like the controller in a vinyl sign cutting machine, where the fourth motor keeps the cutting knife rotated so that the sharp edge points forward into the motion of the lines of the drawing being cut out. Some other types of machines might also be able to be controlled, if the Z axis uses up/down motion like in a plotter, or the Z axis can be something that is turned on and off like a glue pump. To run from DOS enter DANPLOT.EXE (tm) at the prompt. Some HPGL, PCB drill, or BMP type files might be able to be converted in the CAD programs into ASCII files for use in DANPLOT.EXE (tm) allowing you the option to use file types other than the usual ASCII tool path type file.

DANPLOT.EXE (tm) has a teach mode and can be used to create tool path files by jogging the tool to a point and then pressing a key or button to mark that position and then moving to the next point and marking the next point and so on. The tool can be taught to go up and down at the appropriate places so that when the tool path is run holes can be drilled and such. You can also use this teach mode to digitize drawings by tracing.

DANPLOT.EXE (tm) has a replicate scanning mode that can be used in various ways to make an image of something in your machine, or in view of it. This can be used to make a tool path by processing the scanned image in the CAD programs, or you can process the scanned data to make a BMP graphic file of the scanned image.

DANPLOT.EXE (tm) has a built in computer network and can act as a file server to supply or exchange tool path files between the office computer you use for drawing tool path files, and the shop computers you use to operate your automated machines.

Before you execute any tool path files in DANPLOT.EXE (tm) you need to use its configuration menu to test your motors and setup the various values that correspond to your computer's and machine's characteristics.

This is a 3D CAM system controller program file. When used with DANCAD3D.COM (tm) v2.7 or DANCAD87.COM (tm) v2.7 this program may be able to help you make any shape you can cut out by using a three axis tool such as a vertical milling machine. DANCAM.EXE (tm) might also be used to control a Lathe or some other specialized types of machine. To run from DOS enter DANCAM.EXE (tm) at the prompt. Some G code sub-set or STL sub-set type files might be able to be converted in the CAD programs into ASCII files for use in DANCAM.EXE (tm) allowing you the option to use file types other than the usual ASCII tool path type file.

DANCAM.EXE (tm) has a teach mode and can be used to create tool path files by jogging the tool to a point and then pressing a key or button to mark that position and then moving to the next point and marking the next point and so on. The tool can be taught to move vertically, horizontally, or two or three axis can be moved with coordinated motion. You can also use this teach mode to digitize 3D shapes by tracing.

DANCAM.EXE (tm) has a replicate scanning mode that can be used in various ways to make a contour ASCII file of some 3D object in your machine. This can be used to make a tool path by processing the scanned ASCII file in the CAD programs, or you can process the scanned data to make a BMP graphic file of the scanned contour 3D surface.

DANCAM.EXE (tm) has a built in computer network and can act as a file server to supply or exchange tool path files between the office computer you use for drawing tool path files, and the shop computers you use to operate your automated machines.

Before you execute any tool path files in DANCAM.EXE (tm) you need to use its configuration menu to test your motors and setup the various values that correspond to your computer's and machine's characteristics.

30FEEDS.ASC is an ASCII tool path file to test thirty feed rates. What it actually is, is a drawing with 30 lines colored 1 through 30 so that you can test your feed rate to line color configuration. This tool path can be executed in either DANPLOT.EXE (tm) or DANCAM.EXE (tm) by selecting menu option #1 from their main menu.

You will also need to set the line color palettes in both the CAM and CAD programs, so that the line colors displayed for each of the 30 lines is the same in both programs. If you are going to import industry standard files such as G code sub-set files, you will also need to setup the configurations for loading those files so that the feed rates match in both the CAD and CAM programs for the various line color numbers.

When this file is executed in the CAM programs it can also be used to test the setup of the settings for the line colors that activate the dwell, pause for machine operator, and the switching on and off of the auxiliary relays.

DANPLOT.ASC is an ASCII tool path file to test DANPLOT.EXE (tm)'s configuration to make sure you have the motors hooked up so that the lettering comes out the right way around. And also to test if you have the steps per unit of distance set properly, i.e. the circle should be as wide as it is high. You can load any of the example ASCII tool path files into DANCAD3D (tm) if you want to see what they look like, use the Files Load ASCII command in DANCAD3D (tm). This tool path can be executed in DANPLOT.EXE (tm) by selecting menu option #1 from its main menu.

You can adjust the size of the image plotted by using the overall scaling factor in DANPLOT.EXE (tm). You can also use this file to test the centering and to help adjust the home position values.

DANCAM.ASC is an ASCII tool path file to test DANCAM.EXE (tm)'s configuration to make sure you have the motors hooked up so that the cuts come out the right way around. And also to test if you have the steps per unit of distance set properly. You can load any of the example ASCII tool path files into DANCAD3D (tm) if you want to see what they look like. This tool path can be executed in DANCAM.EXE (tm) by selecting menu option #1 from its main menu.

This is a 3D tool path, so you need to have the tool height adjusted properly so that the tool does not cut into the machine table. It might be best to run this tool path without any tool or work-piece to see if the motions look correct, and are at the right feed rate, before you try to cut a sample part.

This is a simple Three-Dimensional tool path file to test your DANCAM.EXE (tm) hook-up such that you will see all three motors turn at once and reverse. This tool path can be executed in DANCAM.EXE (tm) by selecting menu option #1 from its main menu.

This is just a test file for seeing if all three motors are working together without lost steps or other problems, it does not make a sample part. In order to use this tool path you need to adjust the home position so that X=0, Y=0, and Z=0 are in the center of your machines working range.

BACKLASH.ASC is a tool path file that helps you to measure and compensate for machine backlash. You would need to install a fine point pen or scribe and mark a flat surface with this design. The spacing of the two traces shows the amount of backlash in your machine. You can measure the backlash in the marks and enter the value found into DANCAM.EXE (tm)'s or DANPLOT.EXE (tm)'s configuration menu to compensate for the backlash found. After you enter the value for the backlash you should re-execute this tool path to test that the proper value for the backlash was entered into the configuration file. Normally this file tests the X and Y axis and can be used with DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm). If you wish to test the X and Z axis or the Y and Z axis you can rotate this file with the [R]otate command in DANCAD3D (tm). This tool path can be executed in either DANPLOT.EXE (tm) or DANCAM.EXE (tm) by selecting menu option #1 from their main menus.

For use in DANCAM.EXE (tm) you may wish to edit this tool path file by the use of the Plotterize command in my CAD programs to add up and down motions so that the tracing is not confused by the connecting motion lines. For use with DANPLOT.EXE (tm) the editing of this tool path file with the Plotterize command is not needed since DANPLOT.EXE (tm) automatically does the tool up and down motions to skip over gaps in the line sequence of the tool path file.

PLOTTEST.ASC ASCII tool path file is a torture test for pen plotters made with DANPLOT.EXE (tm). By drawing triangles from different directions any backlash present in a plotter you have built will become apparent as double images. Use this tool path file in addition to BACKLASH.ASC to test any plotter type machines you may build. Adjust the values for the backlash compensation in DANPLOT.EXE (tm)'s configuration menu until the double images are reduced to the minimum possible with your hardware. On a perfect machine no double images would remain, but there are no perfect machines, so there will always be some mechanical errors that will cause the tool to be slightly off position. This tool path can be executed in DANPLOT.EXE (tm) by selecting menu option #1 from its main menu.

When you are actually cutting a part out there may be grater force deflecting the tool than when you where testing with a fine pointed tool, so you may need to use larger backlash compensation values than look good in testing.

The DEMOCAM.BAT DOS batch file can be used to demonstrate running DANCAM.EXE (tm) from DOS. This file makes DANCAM.EXE (tm) execute the tool path file DANCAM.ASC. To run this batch file you would need to first run, install, and configure DANCAM.EXE (tm) for your computer and machine, and also hook up the motors so you could see something happening. To run this demo, copy all the necessary CAM program files to your working disk, configure DANCAM.EXE (tm), quit the program back to DOS, and enter DEMOCAM at the DOS prompt. Be sure the to use the DOS CD command, if you need to, in order to have the DOS prompt at the directory that the CAM programs are installed in.

If you run the program to configure it just before trying this batch file, the program will not ask for the password, the program will run and quit automatically. If you run this batch file just after turning your computer on, or opening a DOS window, the program will ask for you to enter your password.

The DEMOPLOT.BAT DOS batch file can be used to demonstrate running DANPLOT.EXE (tm) from DOS. This file makes DANPLOT.EXE (tm) execute the tool path file DANPLOT.ASC. To run this batch file you would need to first run, install, and configure DANPLOT.EXE (tm) for your computer and machine, and also hook up the motors so you could see something happening. To run this demo, copy all the necessary CAM program files to your working disk, configure DANPLOT.EXE (tm), quit the program back to DOS, and enter DEMOPLOT at the DOS prompt. Be sure the to use the DOS CD command, if you need to, in order to have the DOS prompt at the directory that the CAM programs are installed in.

If you run the program to configure it just before trying this batch file, the program will not ask for the password, the program will run and quit automatically. If you run this batch file just after turning your computer on, or opening a DOS window, the program will ask for you to enter your password.

MANYPLOT.BAT can be used to repeat a tool path file so as to make identical 2D parts from a given tool path file. This DOS batch file runs DANPLOT.EXE (tm) over and over again. To stop making parts, after the last part has been made, you will need to press the [Ctrl] and [C] keys on your keyboard when you see the message that asks you to ready the machine for another work-piece. Some keyboards have a [Break] key also, but you may need to press [Ctrl] and [Break] to break the batch file loop. Under Windows 95 (tm) you might also break the batch file by closing the DOS window by pressing [Ctrl] and [Alt] and [Del] once, then selecting the correct DOS window to close from the menu that comes up, then selecting the [End Task] button on the pop-up windows message box.

To use this batch file you will need to have an ASCII type tool path file. With version v2.6 you could also use a plotter output file made in DANCAD3D (tm) by using a special plotter driver that was called DANPLOT.PLT, or a HP-GL file, but in v2.7 the plotter output file function has been replaced by the CAD program Save HPGL, Load HPGL, and Save ASCII commands, and the conversion of HP-GL files is in v2.7 done in the CAD program by using the Load HPGL and then the Save ASCII commands. The batch file will pause for you to put a new work-piece into the machine before making another part, be sure you turn off the power to your machine or otherwise make it safe for you to remove the finished work-piece. If you turn your machine off between parts, you should use the automatic home-up to the home switches when the next part is made (this is an option in the configuration menu), because turning the motor coil power off can cause the motors to no longer be at their commanded position.

The file type code character can be used after the path file's filename as an option that would let you select the file type, only ASCII is supported in v2.7, i.e. ASCII = 1. In v2.6 code 2 was a special plotter output type, and code H was for HPGL, but such file types, or their equivalent, are now prepared or converted in the CAD program and saved as an ASCII type file. In versions subsequent to version 2.7 the file types and their code letters may change, so check for any notes about that in the documentation for the version you are using. The ASCII type is the default type in v2.7, so you may be able to omit the type code.

EXAMPLE: C:\DC27>MANYPLOT YOURPATH.ASC 1

         or

         C:\DC27>MANYPLOT YOURPATH.ASC

You may be able to use my CAD programs to convert some other filetypes, e.g. BMP sub-set, PCB drill sub-set, and HPGL sub-set into ASCII file type tool path files. Files in GIF, JPG, or other types might be able to be converted into BMP by the software that came with your scanner.

MANYCAM.BAT can be used to repeat a tool path file so as to make identical 3D parts from a given tool path file. This DOS batch file runs DANCAM.EXE (tm) over and over again. To stop making parts, after the last part has been made, you will need to press the [Ctrl] and [C] keys on your keyboard when you see the message that asks you to ready the machine for another work-piece. Some keyboards have a [Break] key also, but you may need to press [Ctrl] and [Break] to break the batch file loop. Under Windows 95 (tm) you might also break the batch file by closing the DOS window by pressing [Ctrl] and [Alt] and [Del] once, then selecting the correct DOS window to close from the menu that comes up, then selecting the [End Task] button on the pop-up windows message box.

To use this batch file you will need to have an ASCII type tool path file.

EXAMPLE: C>MANYCAM YOURPATH.ASC

You may be able to use the CAD programs to convert some other filetypes, e.g. BMP sub-set, STL sub-set, and G code sub-set into ASCII file type tool path files. Files in GIF, JPG, or other types might be able to be converted into BMP by the software that came with your scanner. Brightness values in the BMP sub-set file might be converted into 3D contour surfaces. In STL sub-set files you would need to just use the portion of the surface that can be machined by using 3 axis at one time. If you are using the BMP to oil painting conversion feature you would need to make a registration fixture, e.g. an aluminum plate holding the canvas with holes that go over pins fixed to the machine, so that you could change the canvases and have them in the right position when you plot the next color.

You should keep in mind that DANCAD3D (tm) or DANCAD87 (tm) can be used, as a utility to manipulate tool path files. An ASCII tool path file can be loaded into DANCAD3D (tm) to: mirror, i.e. invert, with the Flip command, change or move the start point with the Offset command, change the scale or size with the Magnify command, or rotate, i.e. turn, with the Rotate command.

A macro file can be automatically started from a DOS batch file. If the macro DANCAD3D (tm) v2.7 is running ends with the macro HALT command, DANCAD3D (tm) v2.7 will automatically quit back to DOS so that the Batch file can continue to carry on with other tasks such as automatically starting one of the CAM programs, and such.

EXAMPLE: VERSION v2.7A
         ; This is a DANCAD3D (tm) macro called DOWN005.MAC
         LOAD ASCII YOURNAME.ASC
         # 0 OFFSET C 0 0 0.005
         # 0 SAVE ASCII YOURNAME.ASC
         HALT
         ; End DANCAD3D (tm) macro.

The macro file and the batch file could be written by using the Write command in DANCAD3D (tm).

EXAMPLE: REM This is a DOS batch file using DOWN005.MAC
         DANCAM YOURNAME.ASC
         DANCAD3D DOWN005.MAC
         DANCAM YOURNAME.ASC
         DANCAD3D DOWN005.MAC
         DANCAM YOURNAME.ASC
         JOBDONE
         REM JOBDONE.EXE (tm) is a CAM utility in DANUTLPK.ZIP (tm)

In order for the Batch file to run the CAM program without having the CAM program ask for the password you need to have run, and quit back to the DOS prompt, the CAM program once since the computer was turned on, or the DOS window was opened.

When you use DANCAD3D (tm) macros to manipulate tool path files you have a range of rotation, scale change, position adjustment, and other command options available. A macro can be used to alter many tool path files without using the menus to enter the filenames and commands over and over again, just enter the names and commands into a macro file and then select Run from DANCAD3D (tm)'s main menu.

You could also write Macro and Batch files for converting various filetypes such as BMP sub-set, PCB Drill sub-set, STL sub-set, or G code sub-set into ASCII tool path files. Such macros could use the various macro commands such as Optimize, Plotterize and Link to prepare the loaded elements for use as a tool path file before saving the ASCII file. The macro DISPLAY and WAIT commands could be included into the macro to help you inspect the result of the file conversion, since you should always inspect your tool path files before you try to execute them in the CAM program.

DANPLOT.EXE (tm) and DANCAM.EXE (tm) are two programs that you may be able to "Beta Test" on your computer to control a machine in order to manufacture parts. It is not required that you have an extensive background in CNC machine tool programming using "G codes" to use DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm). DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) can work in a simple and direct manner, they simply move the tool along lines, and quasi curves made up of short lines, that you draw with DANCAD3D (tm), or create with their Teach or Replicate features. All you have to do is draw on DANCAD3D (tm)'s drawing screen a series of lines, and or quasi curves, in the order you want the tool to trace out those motions and DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm) will try to follow the motions you have drawn out.

If you prefer to write your motion commands by using G code sub-set then you can use DANCAD3D (tm) v2.7 to load the G code sub-set file and save the loaded element as an ASCII type file for use with DANCAM.EXE (tm). You can write a Macro file to do such conversions. DANCAD3D (tm) also has a command to save your tool paths in G code sub-set file format for use with other types of NC or CNC machine controller, see the [F]iles [S]ave [I]ndustry sub-menu from DANCAD3D (tm) v2.7's main menu. You can also create G code sub-set files directly from DANCAD3D (tm)'s drawing editor, and see each G code sub-set block displayed one by one as you draw them, by using the G code sub-set file output feature in the drawing editors NC sub-menu.

DANCAD3D (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) work by reading a ASCII disk file that contains the end points of line segments and sending signals through the computer's parallel printer port such that motors attached to your machine rotate in correspondence to the location of the points along lines between the end points of the lines in the file being read. The tool in the machine is positioned by coordinates in the X, Y and Z axis, just as the drawing cursor in DANCAD3D (tm)'s workspace can be positioned. Quasi curves of any complexity can be followed by making the line segments shorter than the resolution, i.e. step size, of the motors driving the machine. When drawing tool paths for DANPLOT.EXE (tm) the Z axis values are normally all set to zero. When drawing tool path files for DANCAM.EXE (tm) the lines end points can be anywhere within the range of motion your machine can move to, but you need to be careful that the moves from one point to the next, and the line color feed rates used, make sense and are safe since you do not want to have the tool move through some part of the work-piece that needs to be retained.

When you have your automated machine tool or plotter hooked up to your computer you can use DANCAD3D (tm) to make some ASCII type data files for use as tool paths. Run DANCAD3D (tm) and select the Draw command from DANCAD3D (tm)'s main menu. Draw the tool path. Save the tool path element as an ASCII, e.g. MYFILE.ASC, type file.

If you save the ASCII tool path to a floppy disk you can take the tool path drawing file from your home or office computer to the computer in the shop and read the drawing from the shop computer's floppy drive. You can copy the file on the floppy disk to the shop computer's harddisk and read, i.e. execute, the tool path drawing from the shop computer's harddisk. Some other methods of moving tool paths from one computer to another are: use a removable harddisk, use a CD-R disk, use the serial port to transmit the file over a cable by using the CAM program computer network, use a modem and communications software to send the tool path over the phone lines between two computers, or use the internet to store the file from one computer and retrieve the file from another computer, e.g. ftp to and from a Web site, or use a virtual drive site on the internet.

A single computer can be hooked up to several similar machine tools to have many parts made simultaneously, such that all of the machines move at the same time. This can be done by parallel connection of the step pulse and direction signals to several driver modules, or by parallel connection of the stepper motor windings, taking into account of the current requirements and making the necessary additions and adjustments. TTL buffer chips can be used to amplify the signals from the parallel port in order to drive many driver modules. When you start several machines in this way, each one would be homed up separately, then they would operate in tandem from then on until one or more of them was turned off again.

Each, of several, machines can have its own computer and copies of the same tool path file can be run separately and or concurrently on each machine tool. When each machine has its own computer the automatic home up option can be used each time the tool path is repeated.

DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) have a teach mode that can be used to create ASCII tool path files, see the CAM program main menu option #6. The teach mode has a curve fit option that may allow you to mark a few points on a surface and later create a smooth quasi curved line through the points marked. The teach mode can be used to "trace" objects to measure or copy. The teach mode may allow you to mark out movements without a work-piece being in the machine, so that if you go too far on a movement you can back up, then mark the end point for the cut.

A full screen large digital read out, i.e. DRO, can be selected to make measuring easier. Note that in DANPLOT.EXE (tm)'s teach mode the Z axis position generally is to be ignored when the file is made. Use DANCAM.EXE (tm) if you want to teach and save the actual Z axis values for points in 3D space.

To make parts, close the safety shields so that the safety switches on the doors are active, then turn on the power supply for the automation motors and drivers. Run DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm), and select menu option #1, read the screens that come up and enter the name of the tool path filename, e.g. YOURFILE.ASC or A:\YOURFILE.ASC, to execute. DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm) should then make your part for you. When the tool path is finished DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm) will return the tool to home position and be ready to make another part from the same tool path or another tool path file.

You can keep a floppy disk copy or CD-R of your tool path so that if you ever need more of the same parts, or replacement parts, you would insert the floppy disk in the shop computer, set up your machine, and enter the tool path name to make another almost identical part. If you have manufacturing stations around the world you might bring your tool paths on floppy or CD-R disks with you so that you can use your remote stations to make up parts on demand locally and reduce your shipping and inventory costs. When you save a tool path file on a floppy or CD-R disk you should also save the automatic Macro file that the CAD program created when you made the ASCII tool path file so that you can edit the Macro file to make changes and then regenerate a new tool path file with those changes.

If you are operating your shop computer by having the CAM programs run off of a floppy disk on a computer that does not have a harddisk, tool path files that are too large to fit on the floppy disk can be executed by being read directly from another computer by using the CAM program computer network. Harddisks might be damaged by vibration or humidity, so in such cases you can locate the tool path on a computer with a harddisk set up by using the CAM program to work as a file server in a protected place, then run a cable to the computer without a harddisk that is operating your machine in the poor shop environment. The file server can also be used to transmit the file to the shop computer before execution if there is enough room on the shop computer's disk, freeing the server to do other things while the tool path is executed.

DOS batch files can be used to operate DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) automatically to make several parts. When you operate your machine you do not need to use the CAM program menus each time in DANCAM.EXE (tm), and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) for executing an ASCII file if you have set up a batch file before hand.

You must never have any untrained person, employee, child, or anyone other than yourself operate the machine you have set up and configured. The programs are made available for "Beta Testing" by volunteers who have agreed to "Beta Test" them, so you need to do the "Beta Testing" on your machine yourself. Requiring someone to use my programs, such as a student or employee, who has not freely and without duress volunteered and agreed to become a formal "Beta Tester" conforming to the current on-line EULA and Terms of Use is prohibited.

Always turn off the power to your machine before opening the safety shield doors, touching any of the moving parts, making electrical connections, or getting near the cutting tool and other dangerous parts. Motors can start to turn unexpectedly and injure you, so prevent the motors from turning and turn all the machine power off before you get near to the machine.

To summarize, using DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) takes these steps:

You will need to adjust the way you connect and operate your machine depending on what kind of part you want to make. My CAM programs are adaptable and are not limited to one particular type of function. Please build appropriate safety shields, shield opening interlock power cut-off switches, and an emergency stop large red mushroom button into the design of your machine and always be very careful about fire, shock, and other hazards.

The text below is currently displayed both in SECTION: 0 (file S0000000.HTM) and in SECTION: 3.2.10.0 (file S0302100.HTM) of "This Web Site" (HTML document) since special instructions, restrictions, and such are given regarding use of the CAM programs, you should pay careful attention to this information with regard to the other information in both of those sections (files).

Your use of any of the software programs, associated files, and documentation written or authored by Daniel H. Hudgins is governed by the End User License Agreement ("EULA"), Legal notices, Disclaimers, Statements, Policies, Warnings, Precautions, Instructions, Qualifications, Restrictions, and other text, presented in SECTION: 0 (file S0000000.HTM) of "This Web Site" (HTML document). Your use of DANCAD3D (tm), DANCAD87 (tm), DANCAM.EXE (tm), DANPLOT.EXE (tm) and all of the parts of the software programs, associated programs, associated files, text, illustrations, and documentation, is totally at your own risk, and "The Author" makes no warranty of any kind express, expressed, or implied. You, the user or "Beta Tester," alone bear all costs associated with your use of the programs, associated files, information, and documentation. The programs, files, information, and documentation are only made available "AS IS" and may not work properly or perform the task you intend to use them for. Any trade marks mentioned in the programs, associated files, or the documentation belong to their owners with respect to their normal use as Trade Marks. If any law or laws exist in the jurisdictions applicable to your use or "Beta Testing" of "The Author's Creations" that would, or could, require Daniel H. Hudgins to be liable, or in any way responsible, for any kind of loss, damage, injury, claim, lawsuit, tax, fee, tort, or cost you may not use "This Web Site" (HTML document), or any associated files and programs authored by Daniel H. Hudgins.

Two things to keep in mind: "Better safe than sorry", and "Haste makes waste." If you work carefully and take your time to think things through I am sure that you might find my programs, files, and documentation fascinating. But be aware that things can go seriously wrong, and that automated machinery is even more dangerous than manually operated machinery.

Please remember that DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) are made available "AS IS," please use them ONLY AT YOUR OWN RISK. Daniel H. Hudgins will not be responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury of any kind. Before you use DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) you must read all of the End User License Agreement ("EULA"), Terms of Use, Legal Notices, Disclaimers, Warnings, Precautions, Statements, and Policies that are in the current on-line version or revision of file S0000000.HTM, located at www.DANCAD3D.com (sm) on the Internet, since they cover DANPLOT.EXE (tm) and DANCAM.EXE (tm) as well. Also read the Disclaimers, Legal Notices, Statements, Policies, Precautions, and Warnings in any other *.BAT, *.TXT, *.DOC, or *.HTM files and or messages in any of the program's screens, as well as all of these Disclaimers, Warnings, Instructions, Restrictions, Precautions, Statements, and Policies stated here in "This Web Site."

The documentation for DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) may contain errors, mistakes, faults, and or omissions. Under no circumstances or conditions will Daniel Hudgins be held accountable, or liable, for any errors, mistakes, faults, or omissions. You the user or tester must pay all costs for any and all claims, corrections, repairs, injuries, losses, replacements, substitutions, torts, and or anything else.

This documentation includes suggested connections for hooking up devices to your computer's parallel port. Daniel H. Hudgins ("The Author") will not and shall not be held accountable or liable for any loss or damage that might occur to your computer and to other devices or hardware as a result of making connections to your computer's ports or making other connections based on "The Author's" instructions and illustrations. It is your responsibility to check and verify all the appropriateness of connections to your computer before turning on the power. Verifying the appropriateness of connections may require you to read and understand more information than any documentation for the programs DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) contains.

Under no circumstances are DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm) to be used in equipment that is used for medical purposes. DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) should not be used in equipment that could cause injury to persons or loss of property if the equipment or software failed to operate properly. Software authored by Daniel H. Hudgins may not be used in any applications requiring critical or "fail safe" software. All parts or items manufactured with software written by Daniel H. Hudgins must be thoroughly inspected for defects before use, sale, or distribution. Parts or items manufactured with software written by Daniel H. Hudgins that where found to be defective when inspected may not be used, sold, or distributed.

The use of DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm) is disallowed if any laws might require Daniel Hudgins to be in any way responsible or liable for any loss or injury. DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) may not satisfy occupational safety laws in your state or country.

No license to "Third Parties" is expressed or implied. No violation of copyrights or patents held by "Third Parties" is implied by the suggested use and connection of DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm). The user or tester should confirm that no copyrights or patents will be violated by his use of DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm).

Any use or "Beta testing" of DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm), or my other programs, associated files, disks, Web sites, and documentation, indicates your full acceptance of and agreement with all Disclaimers, License Agreements, Policies, Statements, Instructions, Restrictions, Qualifications, Precautions, and Warnings, and an understanding by you that DANCAM.EXE (tm) and DANPLOT.EXE (tm) are only to be used or "Beta tested" exclusively at the users or "Beta Testers," that is your, own risk, jeopardy, peril, toll, expense, and cost.

In the documentation what is said about using stepper motors with my programs will generally in some ways also apply to using servo motors or other types of automation motors that would be suitable for use with the programs. It is a fact that any component: electrical, mechanical, computer, power source, safety equipment, software, and so on, can and should be expected to fail, therefore your safety depends on your not relying on any particular component to protect you from harm. To improve your safety from harm use several stages of protection, so that if any single safety measure fails you have several others to back the failed one up. Always be more careful than you think you need to be!

Warning: power driven and or automated equipment can cause serious injury, disfigurement, or even death. You must undertake serious efforts to protect yourself and anyone else near such equipment. Do not place your hands or other body parts near power driven equipment without first disconnecting the power to the stepper motors (or other type of motors) in such a way that the motors and tool cannot move or cause harm to you or other people. DANPLOT.EXE (tm) and DANCAM.EXE (tm) are only to be used by people that understand the dangers involved and have been trained in the necessary safety precautions. Only the person who has set-up, configured, and installed the programs may operate the machine that he or she set-up and configured. Be aware that failure of electrical connections or computer hardware and software related faults can cause motors to start moving unexpectedly. To help avoid injury caused by unexpected motor starts you should disconnect the motor power at both the AC input of the motor power supply and the DC output of the motor power supply before you expose yourself or others to the equipment. Evaluation of the completeness of any safety measures is the users or testers (your) responsibility.

Do not use any TSR program that puts a clock on the screen while the DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm) or my other programs are in use! Do not use any multi-tasking, or print spooling programs while DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm) are in use! Such programs may interfere with the computers CPU timing and therefore make the motors not run smoothly or make the motors stall. Do not use the DOS screen dump command, e.g. [Shift] and [PrtSc], while running DANCAM.EXE (tm) or DANPLOT.EXE (tm) since the parallel port is not connected to a printer and the motors or auxiliary relays may be accidentally turned on or off (the computer may also lock up since the screen print command will not be getting the correct printer messages!)

If the computer re-boots because of: a power failure, your turning the computer off, your pressing [Ctrl] & [Alt] & [Del], or any other reason the voltage on the output pins of the parallel port may change and activate the auxiliary relays and other equipment in an inappropriate and possibly harmful manner. You should investigate the default state of the voltage on the parallel port pins after a computer reboot to determine if you have the high and low state for the output optimized to minimize any hazard. The default state of the parallel port pins may be different on different computers, so check the default state of the parallel port pins on each computer you will be using the CAM programs on.

Do not use a device with parallel port pass through between your computer and your CAM machine, since doing so may cause false or incorrect signals to be received by the computer from the switches on the machine or other signal problems. If you have a parallel port scanner that lets you connect your printer through it to your computer you should not connect the cable coming from your scanner that normally goes to your printer to your CAM machine, rather you should disconnect your scanner from your computer and use a cable directly from your computer to your CAM machine. The state of signals when the parallel port pass through device is in between your computer and your CAM machine can change depending on if the parallel port pass through device is powered on or is off, so it may appear to not be causing a problem in one state or the other, but should not be used at all.

When using servo motors be aware that electro-magnetic noise or brief power interruptions and serges can upset the position counters in the servo controller and make the motors unexpectedly start at maximum speed and torque. Failure of the components in the servo motor amplifier can also make the motor start at full torque and speed unexpectedly (in simple stepper drivers component failures generally make the motor stall.) To control the damage that might be caused by a servo controller or amplifier accident you should have extra contacts (or a second limit switch) in your limit switches that will kill the power to the servo motor if the limit switch point is exceeded.

You must disable any power saving features that put the computer into "sleep" or other idle or shut down mode since any such interruption could disrupt the operation of the programs possibly causing loss or damage. Any interruption of the CAM programs while they are performing rapid motion using the "overdrive" feature that runs stepper motors above their "pull-in" speed can cause the motors to stall or lose position, and when the next move starts the motors will be out of position and could later move out of motion limits or damage things that are off the planed tool path. Some harddisks may interrupt the computers operations when automatically "parking" or going into a power saving "sleep" mode, having such a harddisk in your computer may cause the motors operated by the CAM programs to stall or lose position, therefore you may need to remove such a harddisk and replace it with one that does not interrupt the computer's operations at your own expense. Do not use any "screen saver" or other programs that run in background while using the CAM programs since interruptions to the CAM programs can interfere with the "overdrive" rapid motion, timed tasks, and features that use the Joy-Stick port.

You must disable or disconnect the turbo, or speed, switch on your computer so that the computer's processing speed cannot be changed after you have run DANCAM.EXE (tm), DANPLOT.EXE (tm), DANCAD3D (tm), DANCAD87 (tm), or any other programs authored by Daniel H. Hudgins, for the first time. Changing the computer's speed can effect the internal timing of the CAM programs upsetting and effecting the feed rate, Joy-stick, and other parts of the programs that involve timing. Hazard conditions can be produced by changing the computer's speed. When the programs are run on a computer for the first time they measure the computer's speed, you must never change that speed after the first time the programs are run. If you move the programs to another computer you must install the programs from the original distribution file set again, do not copy the configuration files from one computer to another. Do not move the programs with their configuration files from one computer to another since the two computers will probably not run at the same speed or throughput! If you make any changes to the computer that you are using to run my programs on that might effect the computer's speed or throughput you will need to re-install my programs so that they are calibrated to the computers new speed. In version 2.7 of my CAM programs you must re-do the automatic self calibration for the feed rates and timing after making any changes to the configuration set up values in order to re-calibrate the CAM programs to compensate for the changes made.

You should not use one of the keyboards that have the "Windows (tm)" key on them that pops you out of a program, since if you bump that key accidentally you may not be able to get back into my program and you may lose all of your work in the workspace or lose open files. Rather, you should use an older "AT compatible" type keyboard that does not have the "Windows (tm)" keys on it. If your mother board as the small keyboard connector you should be able to get an adapter cable to convert from the older large keyboard connector to the smaller keyboard connector. I do not recommend using a USB keyboard with my programs at this point since DOS program operations predate USB keyboards.

Check that you are not using an OS or OS settings that interfere with direct Port I/O. If you are using an OS that interferes with direct Port I/O you should run the CAD and CAM programs on a computer with a compatible OS, such as DOS 6.22. Unconfirmed second hand information indicates that Windows NT (tm), Windows 2000 (tm), or Windows XP (tm) may in some or all cases interfere with direct Port I/O. If you are using an OS that interferes with direct Port I/O you should run the CAD and CAM programs on a computer with a compatible OS, such as DOS 6.22. The CAM programs may report that the Pin 10 "Limit/Pause" switch is in the state that pauses the motor step pulses even when everything is hooked up properly. That is because Pin 10 is read through direct Port I/O. The CAM programs do direct Port I/O to the Parallel Port, the Joy-Stick port, the video board's ports, and to some extent to the Serial ports. So the OS used must support direct Port I/O. You may be able to select a "Windows 98SE" compatibility setting for running DOS programs, but I do not recommend trying to run the CAD programs, or especially the CAM programs, under such an arrangement at this time since I have not tested the programs to see what might happen. Direct Port I/O might allow faster program operation with high maximum step pulse rates in some cases , but you need to select a compatible OS in order to use programs that take advantage of this mode of operation.

Do not use my programs if you need to have the "read only" file attribute be used to protect files from being written to or for some other reason. My programs may change the "read only" file attribute to become a "read/write" file attribute in order to allow data to be changed in files. When files are changed the original data in them is lost and may not be able to be recovered. You should backup important files you do not want altered to a write once read only disk type such as a CD-R or DVD+/-R disk.