Category : Science and Education
Archive   : PAPT_160.ZIP
Filename : README

*** PERSONAL APT V1.60 ***
NC/CNC Part Programming System

(C) Copyright Digital Manufacturing Systems 1985 - 1992
P.O. Box 1079 Rogers, Ar 72757
Phones: Voice (501-925-3666), BBS (501-273-9257)

WHAT IS PERSONAL APT?

PERSONAL APT is a complete NC/CNC programming and tape preparation
system.

PERSONAL APT offers 2 1/2 axis NC part programming capability and a
powerful set of mathematical functions and geometry descriptions to aid
in the solution of complex problems that are often encountered in
Engineering, Design and Drafting functions. PERSONAL APT uses a subset
of the most powerful and most widely used NC programming language, APT.
Compatibility with APT provides users of PERSONAL APT an upward growth
path as their work increases in complexity without having to learn a new
programming language. Also, PERSONAL APT is so easy to use that it is
ideal for teaching and learning the APT language and programming concepts.
Text editing and graphic display of tool paths are built-in features of
PERSONAL APT.

Registered users may also purchase additional programs that enhance the
productivity and ease of use of PERSONAL APT. HI-RES GRAPHICS
accommodates Hercules Graphics and the color and resolution of EGA/VGA.
HI-RES GRAPHICS also provides for displaying defined geometry, tool
circles and motion direction arrows. Different line types (Solid,
Dashed and Dotted) are also available. MASTER MILL POSTPROCESSOR and
MASTER LATHE POSTPROCESSOR are user-configurable through on-screen
editing of over 200 different options. This allows you to produce
output tape codes to accommodate a wide variety of machine tools and
controls.

DISTRIBUTION FILES

PERSONAL APT is distributed by DMS and Public-Domain/Shareware disk
vendors on a single 360kb floppy disk. Also, the files on this disk
are made available on Bulletin Boards in an archived form. A complete
list of the distribution files, and a brief description of each, follows.
If any of these files are missing or if you just want to be sure you
have the latest version of PERSONAL APT , call us at 501-925-3666 and
tell us what version you have (this is Version 1.5). We'll be glad to
send you the latest Shareware distribution disk. Also, the latest
Shareware version of PERSONAL APT is always available on our support BBS.
Just call 501-273-9257 and access the CAM Special Interest Group and
you may download on your first call. Set your communication parameters
to N,8,1. Call 501-273-0152 if you have a 9600 baud modem.

README------------Initial instructions (this file)
PERAPT.EXE--------The executable program
PERAPT_H.COM------CGA simulator for Hercules graphics
PERAPT.DOC--------PERSONAL APT Mini-Manual
MILLEXMP.APT------Sample milling program
LATHEXMP.APT------Sample lathe program
REGISTER.TXT------PERSONAL APT registration form
INVOICE.TXT-------Invoice form for PERSONAL APT registration
SCHOOLS.TXT-------Educational discount policy
FILES.TXT---------This list of files & descriptions
*.APT-------------Miscellaneous PERSONAL APT part programs

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

1. IBM PC/XT/AT or compatible computer.
2. Minimum of 384kb memory (512kb for complete system).
3. Minimum of one 360kb floppy disk. Two 360kb floppy
disks, or one floppy and a hard disk are recommended
and are required in order to use postprocessors. One
720kb or higher capacity floppy disk is also sufficient
to run the complete system.
4. Optional IBM CGA and Color Monitor, Hercules graphics
or compatible graphics capability for plotting.



HOW SHOULD I PROCEED?

Before you do anything else, make a backup copy of the PERSONAL APT
distribution disk. This may be accomplished by typing "diskcopy a: b:"
at the DOS prompt. Your computer will instruct you when to insert the
SOURCE (distribution) disks and the TARGET (backup copy) disks.

Next place the PERSONAL APT distribution disk in a safe place and use
the backup copy.

Then place the backup disk in the A drive and type A: at the DOS
prompt. To print the 44 pages of documentation, make sure your printer
is turned on and then type this command at the DOS prompt:
PRINTDOC

Next read the documentation thoroughly and follow the instructions.

NOTE: You must delete some files from the disk (you did make a backup,
didn't you) in order to make room for the output files that are
created by PERSONAL APT when it is run. If you didn't make a
backup disk, you should do that now. You may delete the
following files:

PERAPT.DOC PRINTDOC.BAT SCHOOLS.TXT
REGISTER.TXT INVOICE.TXT FILES.TXT

For those of you who just can't wait to get started, or who don't have
a printer, you should type PERAPT_H if you have Hercules graphics
capability. Type PERAPT if you have CGA or compatible graphics or no
graphics capability at all. PERAPT_H is a program to simulate CGA
graphics on a Hercules graphics board and, as with all simulation
programs, causes PERSONAL APT to run approximately 15% slower. However,
the time required to load PERSONAL APT under the simulation program is
approximately 4 times longer (1 min vs. 15 seconds from a floppy).

Context sensitive help is available by typing Alt-f1 whenever PERSONAL
APT is waiting for input.

The distribution file DEFTEST.APT demonstrates all the APT definition
formats acceptable to PERSONAL APT. Some of these formats do not
appear in the documentation on this disk.

If you experience any problems or need help, contact us at:

Digital Manufacturing Systems
P.O. Box 1079
Rogers, Arkansas 72757

Phones: Voice (501-925-3666) BBS (501-273-9257)


Good computing,
Bob Drewry