Fast Point Mode
When AutoCursor is active, Fast Point mode can be activated by pressing the space bar on your keyboard. In the AutoCursor Settings dialog box, you can set AutoCursor to default to Fast Point mode when AutoCursor is active, and you begin typing a number, numeric formula, or X, Y, or Z.
Whenever a coordinate value is required, you can type the coordinates into the Fast Point field. For example, if Mastercam prompts you to specify an endpoint, you can activate Fast Point mode and enter the coordinates directly. Type the letter of a data entry shortcut (X, Y, Z), enter the value, and press [Enter].
The Fast Point field accepts both fractions (example, 3/8) and decimal values (example, .375).
The Fast Point field also accepts formulas as well as numbers. You can use addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), and parentheses ( ( ) ). Use algebraic notation when entering formulas. For example, for a point position of X6, Y3, Z0.5, you could enter X(2*3)Y(5-2)Z(1/2). In addition, you can enter inch (in) or millimeter (mm) values, which Mastercam then converts to the currently used unit of measure.
You can also enter the values without any or all of the corresponding coordinate letters (X, Y, Z). As long as you separate the values with commas, any of the following types of input for an X6,Y3,Z.5 position will work:
- 6,3,.5
- X6,3,.5
- 6,Y3,.5
- 6,3,Z.5
Mastercam "remembers" the last XYZ coordinates that you entered. If you only want to change one of the coordinate values, just enter the letter and value that you want to change and press [Enter]. The values for the coordinates that you did not type in will automatically be picked up from your last entry.
