Software Development is headed by Mike Clem. Mike started working with servos and controllers in 1978 with CNC grinding machines.
All the Dynatorch software is developed in-house, in the C++ language, and all built around the Windows XP and Win7 platforms. We abandoned DOS back in 1995. It was like using open loop stepper motors when servo technology is available: Why would you continue to use it?
Mike started with SmartMotors back in 1998, when his oldest of three boys was just starting Cub Scouts. With no talent for hand carving, Mike needed a CNC router for that would machine the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby cars. It didn’t happen that first year, but by 1999, the first cars, (100% designed by his sons) came off the machine.
Don’t think this was an unfair advantage. The shape of the car has nothing to do with how fast it is: It’s all in polishing the axles and smoothing the wheels.
But seriously, working with software and motor controllers is just like playing. It’s fun and Mike enjoys the time he spends doing it. When your hobby is your career, how much better can it get?
Mike also is a member of the US Masters Swimming. Mike swims for fitness at 5:15am on T-Th-Sat and at 7:00am on M-W-F mornings. Typical workouts are between 3000 and 4200 yards.