Zdepth always means the final Z level, based on the current Z zero. It is not a measure from Ztop of work to the bottom of the cut. We did have some debates about this, and it led Todd to re-draw my Z depth screen images in a way we thought was more clear.
I was just using the wizards to make a part for a steam engine model. I thought it would be nice to enter a rectangle length or width as the absolute coordinate of the feature rather than the current length. The real problem I have with things like this is making the GUI clear enough. I could make entries for both forms, but how would I display it in a way guys would understand?
I am also a software guy. I get it. UI is a very subtle artform that many people under appreciate.
I think getting the terminology consistent in the dialogs will go a long way. I fully understand there are numerous ways which can make sense for the specification of the parameters. As long as the drawing is consistent with the form and that all of the forms are consistent, we can work with what makes sense to you.
Having said that, allow me to rationalize a potential change. You have a specification for Zzero in the diagram in the video (bolt circle). You also have a Ztop parameter both in the picture and on the dialog form. So far so good. The picture shows Zdepth, but the dialog shows Depth. Also, looking at the picture, Zdepth is referenced from Ztop, not Zzero, indicating to me that I was supposed to enter the depth of the cut. However, you are saying that Zdepth is always the final Z level, which in the drawing should be referenced from Zzero. This is where the confusing part is.
If I were king of the world, I would change the name Zdepth to Zbottom (which pairs with Ztop), and potentially remove Zzero from the drawing, since it shouldn't be used in the specification of any of the parameters. So the parameters become:
Ztop (Top level of the cut)
Zbottom (Bottom level of the cut)
Zstep (Step of cut: Always >= 0)
I suppose a Zrapid height should also exist.
Hopefully that made some sort of sense.
Thanks for listening,
Kevin