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  \SURFCAM\surf40d          SURFCAM Version 4.0 for DOS               
  readme.40                  Latest product information                7/10/93  
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 -- IMPORTANT: Infrequent SIM hardware conflicts ------------------------------
      If you have followed the standard installation procedure and have
      experienced difficulty starting SURFCAM, it may be caused by a hardware
      conflict between your computer and the SIM.  Refer to the section titled
      'SIM Issues' at the end of this README file.

      NOTE: 'SIM' stands for Software Interface Module.
      
 -- Timed SIM -----------------------------------------------------------------
      Starting with V4.0 SURFCAM supports timed SIMs.  If you have
      just purchased SURFCAM the SIM will operate for at least 45 days.
      To receive a permanent SIM activation code complete and return the
      enclosed registration card.  If you have upgraded from a previous
      version of SURFCAM you will have 45 days to return your old SIM(s) and
      we will forward a permanent SIM activation code.
      
      Upon entering the code SURFCAM will inform you if the code was 
      successful.  The V4.0 for DOS SIM will work with the upcoming
      release of SURFCAM V4.0 for Windows.  Refer to the section titled
      'Timed SIM Prompts' at the end of this README file for more details.
      
      NOTE: The new SIM will not support earlier versions of SURFCAM.

 -- Database ------------------------------------------------------------------
      Changes were made to the database from SURFCAM V3.5.  The new
      database format supports parametric surfaces with user controlled
      surface display curves, surface extensions and up to 500 trim boundaries
      on a single surface.  These changes cannot be taken back to prior
      versions of SURFCAM and will be lost when run through DSN2OLD.

 -- Protected Mode ------------------------------------------------------------
      SURFCAM V4.0 for DOS uses the Pharlap 286 DOS Extender.  This allows
      use of all the available memory on the computer.  VCPI, EMS, XMS and
      DPMI memory managers are supported.  The Pharlap message comes up at
      the beginning of the program before the SURFCAM copyright notice.  The
      286 DOS Extender requires changes in some areas which are explained
      in later sections.  SURFCAM now requires a machine with about 2 MB
      available memory (including the lower 640K) to run.  Refer to the 
      SURFCAM.CFG section for recommended memory configurations for optimal
      system performance.

 -- SURFCAM.EXE ---------------------------------------------------------------
      There is only one executable for the different SURFCAM products,
      except demo and educational versions.  The new executable is called
      SURFCAM.EXE and it replaces surf2.exe, surf2p.exe, surf3.exe, surf3p.exe.

 -- Directory Structure -------------------------------------------------------
      SURFCAM uses a new directory structure with this release.  This
      is to allow running SURFCAM for Windows and SURFCAM for DOS within
      the same setup.  The new structure has one directory 'SURFCAM' from
      the root directory.  The DOS version specific files are in the 'SURF40D'
      sub-directory and the Windows version specific files will be in the
      'SURF40W' sub-directory.  The common files are in their respective
      directories.  The tree structure is as shown below:

       \SURFCAM                'Main directory 
               \APT            'APTCL output data files
               \CDL            'CADL (Cadkey) data files
               \CSF            'Chyrsler Standard format data files
               \DEF            'Default ASCII system files
               \DES            'DES (General Motors) data files
               \DSN            'SURFCAM's design files
               \DVR            'Graphics drivers
               \DXF            'DXF (Autocad) data files
               \FST            'Ford Standard Tape data files
               \IGS            'IGES data files
               \INC            'SURFCAM's toolpath files
               \PLT            'Plotter output files
               \POST           'Sample post processors
               \SPAC           'SPAC (French Automotive) data files
               \SURF40D        'SURFCAM V4.0 for DOS executables
               \SURF40W        'SURFCAM V4.0 for WIN executables
               \TMP            'Temporary data files
               \TOOL           'Sample tool and material library files
               \VDA            'VDA (German Automotive) data files
               \ZIP            'Pkzip file compression utilities

 -- File Sorting --------------------------------------------------------------
      SURFCAM will sort the files when a listing of files is displayed
      on the screen.  Files are sorted in alphabetical order.

      Also, if the directory path does not exist when writing a file,
      SURFCAM will prompt you to create the path.  Replying 'Yes' will
      result in SURFCAM creating the directory.

 -- SURFCAM.PST ---------------------------------------------------------------
      The 'NC Post' menu has been expanded to allow a different menu for
      each of the different available NC modes.  The section of the PST file
      between 'begin SECTION' and 'end' is used to display the menu for the
      particular NC mode where SECTION is one of the following:

         lathe
         2_Axis
         3_Axis
         4_Axis
         5_Axis

      If two sections have the same menu for 'NC Post' the begin commands
      can be nested as follows to avoid duplication.

          begin 3_Axis
          begin 4_Axis
          begin 5_Axis
          end

      NOTE :  If there is any difference in the menus in the various NC
              modes, the complete menu will have to be copied and the
              command that is different changed.

 -- 3, 4, & 5 Axis Lead In & Out Moves ----------------------------------------
      Improvements include:

        1.) Separate length of lead in and lead out moves.
        2.) Separate direction of lead in and lead out moves.
        3.) Separate angles for lead in and lead out moves.
        4.) Separate type of lead in and lead out moves.

      Two new types of lead in and lead out moves have been added to SURFCAM.
      The tool can now come in at an angle to the tangent plane or it can
      come in at a fixed angle.  Two angles are needed to define these
      lead in and lead out moves.  The first angle is in the plane and
      from the direction of the tool motion.  The second angle is from the
      plane.  In case of 'tangent+Ang' the plane is the tangent plane at
      the point of entry, while the angles are measured from the horizontal
      plane for 'Fixed angle'.  Separate parameters can be specified for
      leadin/leadout lengths, leadin/leadout direction and leadin/leadout
      types in the NC Cut menu.

 -- Drilling ------------------------------------------------------------------
      The canned cycles have been optimized for minimum travel distance.
      After the locations to be drilled are selected, SURFCAM prompts you
      for a start location from where drilling should begin.  The tool
      motion is then optimized.  This process is repeated for each
      set of locations selected.

      Three new user definable canned cycles are now available.  They are
      called 'Custom1', 'Custom2' and 'Custom3'.  These options are
      available along with the regular canned cycles in the 'NC Drill'
      function.  These cycles must be formatted in MPOST to get the
      desired output for the custom cycle.

 -- NC 2 Axis -----------------------------------------------------------------
      Pocketing and Contouring support NURB splines.

 -- NC Project ----------------------------------------------------------------
      NC Project supports construction views.

 -- NC Autorough --------------------------------------------------------------
      NURB surfaces can be used for Autorough.

 -- Lathe ---------------------------------------------------------------------
      The new version of SURFCAM has Lathe built into it (standard for 3 Axis
      or greater users, optional for 2 Axis & 2 Axis Plus).
      
      Rapid moves have been optimized to be a relative value from the highest
      point along the part geometry.
      
      SURFCAM supports either radial or diameter coordinate entry with the
      'Lathe Rad' or 'Lathe Dia' options from the 'Options' menu. If 
      'Lathe Dia' is specified a 'D' will be displayed in the gnome and all
      keyboard pop-ups.

 -- Lathe Threading -----------------------------------------------------------
      The support for threading operations in lathe has been improved.
      Different types of lathe thread operations are now supported.  The
      leadin and leadout may be specified as a constant size or as a
      multiple of the number of threads.

 -- Tool Animation ------------------------------------------------------------
      The tool animation speed can be specified at any time with 'Options'
      'Display' menu 0 = fastest 9 = slowest.  A default speed can be
      specified, refer to the SURFCAM.CFG section for details.

 -- Tool Libraries ------------------------------------------------------------
      The scrolling through the tool library has been speeded up.
      SURFCAM also places the user at the last used tool in the tool
      library making it easier to select a similar tool.

      The sample tool library has been updated to include many different tool
      shapes and holders.  Also, the tool display files have been updated
      for better looking tools.  Tool files are valid 'DSN' files but have
      an extension of '*.TLE' for english tools and '*.TLM' for metric tools.

 -- Edit Surface Display and Arrow --------------------------------------------
      The Select menu is now used to enable changing the display of the
      selected surfaces in one command.

 -- IncMerge ------------------------------------------------------------------
      A new powerful utility to merge a specified set of INC files
      into one INC file is new with the system.  It can combine
      specified INC files into one file or it can take all the INC
      files in one directory and merge them into one inc file.  It can
      also take an ascii file containing a list of INC files to be
      merged.

 -- Surface Intersections -----------------------------------------------------
      Surface intersection, cutter intersections and fillets use the user
      controlled display to get the initial intersection.  Also, the
      surface intersection routine has been improved to get better results
      and avoid missing possible solutions.

 -- NC Planar -----------------------------------------------------------------
      Automatic gouge avoidance has been improved and includes support for
      bull nose and end mills.

 -- Graphics Drivers ----------------------------------------------------------
      SURFCAM V4.0 for DOS includes a new set of graphics drivers.  They have
      similar names as before with an extra '_e' at the end to indicate
      extended mode graphics drivers.  SURFCAM will work with the previous
      graphics drivers but is significantly faster with the newer drivers.
  
 -- SURFCAM.CFG ---------------------------------------------------------------
      The swap space for both DataRAM and DisplayRAM can be increased
      considerably.  The amount of increase depends on the available system
      memory.  Following is a suggested set of values in SURFCAM.CFG.  These
      numbers are just suggestions and can be experimented with to get better
      performance results.
    
      Computer's Memory        DataRAM      DisplayRAM    Disk Cache Size
         1MB + 640K               64K           64K            128K
         2MB                     128K          128K            256K
         4MB                     256K          256K            2MB
         8MB                    1024K         1024K            2MB

     The 3/4 parameter for the type of simultaneous motion in the 'Rot4Axis'
     command was moved from the end to the first parameter.  Example:
     
     'Rot4Axis 4  0 0 0  1 0 0'
     
     A new 'Rot5Axis' command has been added to SURFCAM.CFG to support 5 Axis
     machines with rotary tables.  Example:
     
     'Rot5Axis 0  0 0 0  1 0 0'
     
     The first parameter specifies the number of rotary axis 0 or 1. The next
     six number are the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the default start and end
     locations of the rotary axis.  A new rotary axis can be defined in
     SURFCAM with the 'Set Axis' option from the 'NC 5 Axis' menu.
     
     'LatheInputDia' and 'LatheViewDia' commands have been added to SURFCAM.CFG
     to support diameter coordinate entry and display.  Example:
     
     'LatheInputDia D Z -    0    0 2 0   1 0 0   0 0 1'
     'LatheViewDia  Z D -    0    1 0 0   0 1 0   0 0 1'
     
     The first three parameters assign the appropriate axes labels, the fourth
     parameter is either 0 = inactive or 1 = active, and the last nine
     parameters define a matrix for coordinate entry and display.

     A 'ToolWait' command has been added to allow a default tool animation
     speed.  Example:
     
     'ToolWait 0'
     
     The tool animation ranges from 0 = fastest to 9 = slowest and specifies
     the number of 1/18 of a second to delay on each move.
     
 -- SIM Issues ----------------------------------------------------------------
      There is a small chance that you will experience difficulties with
      the SIM not responding when you start SURFCAM.  We are working with the
      SIM manufacturer to eliminate all of these problems as soon as possible.  A new
      software driver that should eliminate most of the known SIM problems is
      currently being developed by the SIM manufacturer.  Check with our BBS
      at (818) 837-1926 for the latest information and fixes for any SIM
      problems.  However, if you should experience any problems please review
      the following options and contact your local dealer.
      
      -- Known Hardware Problems ----------------------------------------------
      Problem:  Some 486 DX2/66 local bus systems with high speed parallel
                port I/O.  The only known major hardware vendor with SIM
                problems is Dell. 

      Solution: Disable built in parallel I/O ports and install a stand alone
                ISA parallel card.  Another possible solution is to turn the
                turbo system speed off.
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Problem:  Some IDE hard drive controllers with parallel I/O on the same
                card with a Winbond Chip W83757F.  Known hardware vendors with
                SIM problems include DTK and Join Data.

      Solution: Both have newer cards available with this problem fixed.
                Another possible solution is to install a ribbon cable between
                the parallel port and the SIM.
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Problem:  Newer PS/2 computers, except the ValuePoint series, have Type 3
                parallel ports which are controlled by DMA chips instead of
                the CPU.

      Solution: Use the Reference diskette to set the configuration of parallel
                port arbitration levels and disable them for the SIM to work
                correctly.
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Problem:  If a SIM and a HP Laserjet III printer is connected to the
                same parallel port the SIM may not respond when the printer
                is turned off.
          
      Solution: Turn the printer on.
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      NOTE: If none of the above work arounds are acceptable continue to use
            SURFCAM V3.5 until we can resolve the V4.0 SIM problems and issue
            another release of SURFCAM.

      NOTE: The SIM used in SURFCAM V4.0 does have some known hardware
            compatibility problems.  Due to the number of possible hardware
            conflicts that can arise with the numerous different hardware
            manufactures involved in a typical PC system we can only provide
            the above guidelines.  If we become aware of additional solutions
            we will make them available on the BBS immediately.

 -- Timed SIM Prompts ---------------------------------------------------------
      There is a small chance that you will experience difficulties with
      the Timed SIM.  However, if you should experience any problems please
      review the following prompts before you contact your dealer.

      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Prompt:   Timed SIM has expired - Contact Surfware Inc.
                Reference Code: xxxxxx-xxxxxx

      Meaning:  SURFCAM will no longer function with this SIM until you
                extend the license.

      Solution: Call your dealer about extending your timed license or removing
                the expiration date from the SIM after purchasing SURFCAM. You
                will then receive by fax a permanent SIM activation code.
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Prompt:   Password incorrectly entered - Try again.

      Meaning:  The password you entered was not recognized by SURFCAM as valid.

      Solution: Carefully check that you have typed in the password correctly.
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Prompt:   Password successful.

      Meaning:  The password that you entered was accepted and the upgrade or
                update was successful. The password is no longer necessary
                at this time.
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Prompt:   You need to enter a password obtained from
                your dealer to run this version of SURFCAM.

      Meaning:  You are attempting to run a new version of SURFCAM which
                requires a password to run.

      Solution: This password is generally shipped with SURFCAM if you
                are upgrading. Enter the appropriate password.
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Prompt:   WARNING: Your SIM will expire in 'xx' days.
                Contact your dealer to extend timed license.

      Meaning:  The Timed SIM is about to expire.

      Solution: Call your dealer about extending your timed license or removing
                the expiration date from the SIM after purchasing SURFCAM.
                You will then receive by fax a permanent SIM activation code.
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Prompt:   Your system clock is not functioning correctly.
                Reference Code: xxxxxx-xxxxxx

      Meaning:  The time on your computer is not correct.  The date or time
                may have been reset or your clock batteries may be low.

      Solution: Make sure the current date or time is correct - using the DOS
                date and time commands (under windows use the control panel).
                Replace the clock batteries if the time is not correct
                when you first turn your computer on.  If you still get this
                message you can call SURFCAM to get a code which resets
                SURFCAM's internal clock.  You need to give the reference code
                which appears on the password screen to a Surfware technical
                support person.  You will then receive by fax a SIM activation
                code.

          NOTE: If you receive this message you must remain in SURFCAM to
                utilize the correct SIM reference code.
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Prompt:   FATAL: The Software Interface Module has
                been disconnected from your parallel port.
                Your current work will be saved in 'DSN.TMP'

      Meaning:  SURFCAM has terminated because the SIM was diconnected. The
                part you were working on has been saved in a temp file.

      Solution: Reconnect the SIM and restart SURFCAM.  The last part you
                where working on will automatically load.
