Tombstone C-Hook

[Simtech]

Tried out a demo version of a competitive product that has an automated Tombstone creation function for Tombstone size (4,6,8 faces) and part origins for each face.

Question: Is this something very difficult to do in a C-Hook and if not, what would be the first step in developing this C-Hook.

I've programmed in Pascal, Fortran, Basic, Mastercam posts, a bit of Visual Basic and stuff like that. How hard is it to jump into C-Hook programming?

 

[CycleTimeCharles]

To make it easier in Mastercam, just create a few template MC8 files with the standard views saved as named views.

[Webby]

Another thread currently going on about horizontal setups:

http://www.emastercam.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000927.html

[This message has been edited by Webmaster (edited 05-02-2001).]

[Simtech]

Actually, the Tombstone question was just a basic example of the type of C-Hook applications I would like to create.

Any ideas?

[Bullines]

C-Hook development basically comes down to C or C++ programming using the Mastercam API. If you're comfortable with C, you can develop C-Hooks that typically don't require any type of UI. On the other hand, if you'd like a UI that looks similar to Windows-based apps, C++ is the tool of choice. You can get started playing around with C-Hook development, courtesy of the Mastercam CD. The C-Hook development kit is an install option. It consists of all the C/C++ header files required to develop C-Hooks as well as the associated documentation.

C and C++ are currently the only languages you can use to develop C-Hooks. If COM or COM+ is considered during the development of future versions of Mastercam, then it may be possible to use COM-friendly languages such as Visual Basic or Borland Delphi to develop third-party Mastercam apps.

[This message has been edited by Bullines (edited 05-07-2001).]

[Simtech]

Do we need to purchase C++ or can we do it directly from the developpement kit on the CD?

I'm not familiar with C++, so is there a "C++ for Dummies" manual out there to get started?

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Simtec,

If you are not familiar with C++, I would suggest two things. First there is a really nice website devoted to software development - http://www.wrox.com . I'd start there. Then there is a book that has helped me tremendously - Ivor Horton's Beginning C++ The Complete Language. I've not see it myself but C++ for Dummies is not really a good book. You can read the reviews.

Next, you'll need a copy of Visual C++ 6.0 (Which is the most current to the best of my knowledge). This will run you between $400 and $600(USD) depending on the current rebates available.

Have fun!

------------------

James Meyette

[Bullines]

James is right. "Dummies" books are typically terrible as far as learning programming languages go. If you're looking for a second C++ reference book, I suggest "The C++ Programming Language" by Bjarne Stroustrup. He created the language so you know the info is accurate. Also, the MSDN website (http://msdn.microsoft.com) is also good for Microsoft Visual C++ related info. You can search the language refrences without being a member of MSDN. Finally, Microsoft has a lot of newsgroups (news://msnews.microsoft.com) and a good number devoted to its Visual C++ product.

The most recent version of Microsoft Visual C++ is 6.0 SP5 and it comes in three flavors (Standard, Professional and Enterprise). If you're dveloping C-Hooks, you don't need the Enterprise version. The Professional version is probably the best choice for C-Hooks due to its compiler tweaks, but the Standard version should also be fine. For a place to start, you could try Central Direct (http://www.cendirect.com). They're based out of LaSalle, Quebec and usually ship the next business day after receiving your order.

Hope this helps.

Note:

You can use other C++ development enviroments such as the ones from Borland but keep this in mind. CNC uses Microsoft Visual C++ to develop Mastercam and the C-Hook Developers Guide that's included on the Mastercam CD has a Visual C++ slant to it. So even though comparable Borland products are less expensive than Microsoft's, it's worth spending the extra money on Microsoft Visual C++. Especially if you're a new developer.

[This message has been edited by Bullines (edited 05-07-2001).]