Re: [Emc-developers] Polar coordinates

[Chris R. <ch...@ti...>]

On Mon, Dec 28, 2009 at 04:35:10PM +1300, Darren Conway wrote:
> Hello

Hi Darren

> IMO polar coordinates are a solution looking for a problem.  

I became interested because I was working on a bolt circle pattern.  I
can easily generate the gcode with a calculator, or even use sin/cos
in the gcode directly, but I think the polar notation is easier to
read, and easier to not screw up.

> They are 
> not essential because it is always possible to use Cartesian coordinates.

I agree.  (but I can list many other things for which this is true:
relative/absolute mode, coordinate system offsets, inch/mm modes, tool
lengths, IJK/R arcs, diameter compensation, ...  Convenience of
programming alone can be an adequate reason to have a feature.)

> For certain types of application, polar coordinates are much easier to 
> use than Cartesian.  

I agree.

> Polar coordinates would be used if they are available.

I agree.

I can't tell if you're saying you think the change should be
incorporated or not.  Can you clarify please?

Chris