Up until now most Isel CNC milling machines could only be controlled using the MS-DOS program Remote from Isel. Kay completely replaces Remote, and controls your machine from Windows. Advantages are many, such as easy networking the control PC, easy Windows file-open command, easy configuration (no more editing INI files), no mouse problems, etc. KAY includes all functionality needed to control the machine: move the axes, set the workpiece zero-point, store zero points, machine by manual control, send a NC program file to the machine and much more. Both three and four axis machining are supported. This is all done using an intuitive user-interface: see for instance the clear movement buttons in the screendump image above (click to enlarge). 
 

As if not yet sufficient: a few more great advantages over Remote are present:
KAY does import NC toolpath files in the proprietary Isel format (NCP files), but also files in the standard ISO G-code format. As all CAM applications can save NC files in G-codes, this means that you can now combine your machine with any third-party CAM application. In addition also supported is the proprietary Mastercam format (NCI files).
KAY performs a continuous software checking of the machining limits. It has now become impossible to run into the machine's limit switches: KAY will halt just before doing so. KAY will also check the complete toolpath before starting, to see if it fits within the available machining area.
KAY displays the complete toolpath before machining (you can exactly see where it is located in the working area) and also during machining for a visual feedback of the progress. During machining you can follow the actual tool-movements on screen. As a result KAY also is useful without machine, for a machining simulation.
KAY is able to communicate with you in four languages: the user interface is available in English, French, German and Italian. During setup you can choose which language you want to use.
KAY offers useful extra options, like scaling, translating and mirroring the NC program, unit conversions (inch/mm/m, sec/min), repeated machining (ideal for demonstrations) and serial machining for easy series production.
Finally: as a free bonus with KAY comes Lancelot, that you can use for simple 2D machining. Lancelot can read many 2D file formats (like DXF, EPS, HPGL) and send these to the machine for centerline engraving at a fixed depth. This option can open a completely new application area for your machine. 
 

A demonstration version of KAY is available for download free of charge (English version only). Download and unzip the file: it contains the program kay.exe that you can run from any directory. As the demo-version comes without setup you have to select your machine using the CNC dialog in the parameters menu: the available machines are listed in field "Model".
In the demo version you can import your own NC program files and simulate the machining, you are not allowed to send the toolpath to the machine.

Computer requirements
KAY does need a computer running Win 95, Win 98, Win ME, Win NT4, Win 2000 or newer. Processor needed is a Pentium (any type) or newer. At least 10 MB free disk space and 8 Mb RAM are required.
We do advise to use a bit more powerful computer. Especially in case you use large NC program files you do need more RAM memory. Very roughly speaking: you need at least as much RAM as the size of the largest NC program file.

Supported machines
KAY can be used to control the following machines:
CharlyRobot: types Mini-mill, CR-A4, CR-A3, CR-A2.
Isel: types EP 1090, CPM 2018, CPM 3020, CPM 4030, GFM 4433 (all stepper motor driven).
Isel: any machine with controller IMC4, C-10, C-116 C-142, C-142-4.
Techno Isel: DaVinci series. Note: the larger Techno machines are NOT supported.
Vectis: A4, A3, A2
Any machine with a controller SM-Elektronik 300 or SM-Elektronik 400