Need help learning program handbook

[frank134]

I have no trouble learning Aspire and E-Cab but I am having a ton of trouble trying to learn the Shopbot Programming Handbook. I would like to learn to write small routines. Does any one know of a book or audio or video tutorial other than what Shopbot has that may help.

[eaglesplsh]

SB Programs are written in a simplified version of the "Basic" language. You should be able to find a book on Basic and most of what's in there will apply.

Keep in mind that Basic is an old language. It doesn't include a lot of fancy techniques that are common to the languages from the 90s-today. That should make it easier to learn for a beginner, but does require you to think differently when developing your algorithm.

I'd print out the routine for zeroing X and Y that's included in the custom folder. Layout the pages in a long line on the floor, so that you can see how things jump from one spot in the code to another. Comb through it line by line - by the time you read through the entire program you'll probably be ready to write your first program.

That routine includes good examples of dealing with inputs, outputs, moves, jogs, setting feed rates, setting global coordinates, loading variables from the myvariables file, using the message box commands, branching statements, dealing with errors, etc...

[bcondon]

Frank,

Ryan had taught a class in NC. Not sure if he has anything...

[chiloquinruss]

Being an ancient programmer the method I use is as listed above and I also have a bunch of colored highlighters handy. When the code jumps from one place to another I mark the jump off place with a color and then mark the 'routine' or spot I jumped to with the same color. Eventually all the sheets should be marked but with several colors. This also helps to try and see the 'flow' of the program. If it's a well written program it 'should' also have some comments at the beginning of each routine that will give you a hint of what's going on. I have looked through several of the supplied programs and have gotten some good ideas from them. The file format is just plain text so you can also cut and paste and build your own version of the same program. Just remember to rename the new version so you don't loose the old version. Don't ask how I know!
Russ