unable to find a simple and explicit guide to the coordinate spaces.
That is very true. There are "books" written on the subject.Every software manufacturer
has numerous manuals covering the material in different ways and presentation. Mach manuals
cover a lot of ground and forum replies usualy address a particular user problem. Manuals are usualy
written to inform the user about the software from a setup point of view and include the specifics of their commands / software. They are not meant to teach someone how to setup, how to code, and leaveS a "void" on the basis for it all. Frankly it's a difficult subject to "concisely" write about. Chapter 7 in the manual
was an try at it and leaves that void. The Mach Mill Manual took over 6 months to write.
how the coordinate spaces work before just using the screen DROS to zero things - but how many do?
Not most users and that is why you are constantly seeing the same variations on a theme for problems.
We have all been there! People don't read any more.....plug and play world, etc, etc.
BUT
Consider basics and terminology not understood, then different levels of automation and it can get
very confusing in short order.
More hidden parameters
Notice you have some of them noted.
Parameters ( Variables......) that is a subject in itself and would make for an interesting
write up.
You are smart to limit your write up to the Mill.I use a modified screen set for the Lathe and started writing a user quide for it which over time
has become a manual. It has a section which concisely addresses Coordinate systems and will rewrite
/ modify for the Mill. You might consider using it.
For now,
RICH