Mike wrote:
Thanks for the feedback. The linux world is tempting, but the
learning
curve on all this is steep enough without throwing a new operating
system
into the mix. Perhaps I can get started with some cheap/free DOS
based
software and graduate to the open linux stuff later?
Yes, with stepper motors, you can definitely do this. there are a bunch
of programs
out there that many people like. Really, there may not be much
advantage with EMC
if you will only be using steppers. If you have an interest in a servo
driven machine,
however, EMC is the ONLY low-cost solution I'm aware of. (Low cost
means less
than $10,000 !)
Do you run the EMC software?
Yes, mostly because I DID want servos, ball screws and high accuracy +
moderate speed.
I assume it's open source so if you're savvy
you can customize it?
Minor customization is built into the setup procedure. You have to
specify
maximum speeds and accelerations, travel limits, encoder or stepper
count size,
and define the bits, scales and polarities that make everything work.
More serious customization is possible. The Tk/Tcl graphical user
interface
is quite easy to customize. Some of the other stuff, like the motion
control
and RS-274D interpreter gets pretty deep, and you really need to study
the
code before changing anything.
Jon
