Comments in ShopBot files

[richard_saylor]

I'm a newbie to Shopbot and CNC but not programming, woodworking and general mayhem.
After years of 'lurking' in this fine forum I made the jump and bought a used machine. I've gone through several tutuorials and run a few part files.
I'm saving files for each project to a separate folder along with a text file to remind me of cut order, speeds and bit type and bit size for each part file. So far, so good.
What I can't find is any reference to 'if or maybe how' the Shopbot Console displays this same info.
I've looked through the .sbp files and they don't seem to reference speed or bit type (except in the case of the TR command, which I assume only applys to the Alpha, I have a Standard Buddy). I've tried leaving REMs in the files, but as yet have found a way to display this info in the ShopBot Console.

[Gary Campbell]

Richard...
If you want to be able to read your comments from the console, use the "PRINT" command. Your comments will be displayed in a user sized and located display window.

The usage syntax is explained in the Programming Handbook. IF you dont have a current copy, the latest is usually located at: C:\Program Files\Shopbot\Shopbot3\Help\ProgHand.pdf

This file gets updated along with the control software, so it is usually up to date.
Gary

[richard_saylor]

Gary,
Thanks for the solution! I hadn't gotten around to the programming handbook yet since I've had the machine less than two weeks.
Richard

[dana_swift]

Also look into using Aspire, Art cam, or some other tool-path generating program. That will save you having to hand-code tool-paths. Tool paths generated by these programs are robust, extremely powerful, and usually trustable.

The SBP files are a subset of the BASIC language, changed for BOT control. Very few of us use that level of control on a regular basis. It is well documented tho.. as Gary correctly pointed out.

I also am a programmer and have generated programs to create tool paths myself, its a lot of fun in addition to providing a whole new level of control in designing products.

If you are new to the bot use the graphical programming tools a while, that is a great basis to understand the possibilities and difficulties of creating your own.

Good luck, and welcome!

D

[richard_saylor]

Dana,
Thanks for the feedback!
I only have two problems at the moment, remembering to eat and sleep. Last time I was this excited about learning a new process was when I recieved my first version of AutoCad and spent two days without sleep writing LISP routines.
Thankfully I have a wife to pull me from the shop!
Richard