The Programming Aid/Workstation was designed and developed for use with the PNC 3 Control. The unit, with it's full colour display, enabled remote program generation ( off the job programming ) and validation of programs. The unit also gave graphic representation of the PNC 3 Programs. This low cost unit makes an ideal teaching tool.

The Programming Aid/Workstation consisted of a visual display unit in its own housing having a digital cassette unit which enables programs to be stored for use on the PNC 3. A printer link to print out the part program was fitted for use on any printer having the standard centronics parallel interface with a minimum of 80 columns. For printers that are Epson RX80 compatible, the print facility also enables a hard copy of any screen display, i.e. Alphanumeric or Graphics display, to be made. Also fitted is a Serial interface control. The Programming Aid/Workstation was supplied with an alphanumeric keyboard.

The unit could be programmed from its keyboard with the aid of prompts given by the display. The cassette unit could be used to store these programs for use on the PNC 3 control. Cassette tapes could be produced either on the aid itself or added to by using the continue load facility, thus making the Programming Aid/Workstation a flexible programming tool.

Extra benefits are given by remote programming which reduces the amount of time taken by on the job programming and also gives a reduction in scrap by verifying programs before cutting metal.

The Programming Aid/Workstation came complete with its own 3 pin plug and lead, enabling it to be used virtually anywhere.