Homebrew PCBs

In Homebrew_PCBs, Stefan Trethan <stefan_trethan@g...> wrote:
> 
> But is it really necessary to use drill cycles?

Not necessary, but...

>I mean if it proves to be any awkward to use why not simply write a 
>short length of code along the lines of "move z down, activate 
>syringe plunger, wait, stop plunger, move up" you get the point... 

...you've just described the EXISTING drill cycle. Why not use it?

(see i still know no gerber because you don't tell me where to read ;-
) )

I have literally a hundred or so books on the subject of gcode and 
cnc. Along with many machine control programming and machine owners 
manuals. What I know I've learned over MANY years from MANY 
resources. I don't have a great resource for reading about gerbers 
online... But you could start at GC technologies, and see where it 
leads...

FWIW, gerber and Gcode are like a siter and brother. From the same 
family, very similar, but definitely different. And just like a 
sister and brother, who become MORE different as they grow; gerber 
and gcode have diverged further (farther? Troll?) as time has gone on.
You can read about gcode at several sites online. Best to just do a 
search of "G code" and "Gcode".

Peter Smid's book CNC Programming Handbook (about 35 bucks) is 
probably the best out right now, but just like all the others, it has 
mistakes you won't catch unless you're familiar with the subject. But 
it's worth its cost, IMO. Mike Lynch is another writer on gcode whose 
books are easy to follow. MANY cnc and Gcode books and online 
resources are TERRIBLE. 

> I don't think that would be much harder, must be possible to put it 
>in a "macro" and just call it every time you need?

Yes.

>You know, the canned cycles where invented to make things easier, if 
>they make things harder it might be better not to use the can but 
>make a own piece of code and "can it".

Yes. You have just described a macro<G>

Ballendo