Machsupport Forum
Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: zipzo on November 15, 2006, 02:52:21 PM
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Honestly, converting a PC to a controller for $159 just isnt true. WIndows costs a minumum of $100.
A PC being a Personal Computer can run any OS, it doesnt inply that it is a Windows system.
CAD/CAM is a techy thing. I am sure theres plenty of ppl out there who wish MACH ran under linux. IM no Linux guru so i can't do it myself, all i can do is beg and plead that someone help make this software run under a sane and free OS, which windows is not :D
The dawn of Vista is upon us, and im scared. The headache being created by MIcrosoft for developers looms upon you! BE AFRAID!
LOL, ok seriously. A machine controller should be able to run on a system like linux/unix. WINDOWS is CLUNKY! not designed for direct control of peripherals. I would bet half of all your coding problems deal with tricking windows out of doing what it wants to.
PLZ PLZ PLZ WE NEED A LINUX PORT!!!
Thank You
P.S. I have been using Mach softawre for 3 years now and love it.
/rant off
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A clean and well configured XP machine Is rock solid .
Assuming you use quality parts. ;D
Sure Linux can be had free ,, but wait !!! you have to pay for the PC to load it on !!!
hehe
Its all relative me thinx.
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Porting Mach to Linux is never gonna happen. I like Linux too but Sometimes i just want things to work and while windows assuredly has it's problems for the most part things work. I spent weeks trying to get mythtv running on one of my boxen and could never get it working correctly. I have up and installed a free windows version and it has been rock solid. If and when Linux gets to the point that i don't have to mess with kernel stuff to get things to work i will be a happy camper, but for now it isn't there yet.
And btw there is a very good free cnc controller for Linux
http://www.linuxcnc.org/
But again you have to mess with the system to get things working.
Chad
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Honestly, converting a PC to a controller for $159 just isnt true. WIndows costs a minumum of $100.
I came up with the slogan, to attract users to click the link when they see it in Google.
It is not meant to be deceptive in anyway, and assumes if you have a PC it is already loaded with XP.
Sorry if you dont like this term.
I agree, a Linux version would be good too.
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Simple choice.
You can have Mach3 with all it's attendant support and bug fixes that runs on a system many understand and use the CNC machine as it was intended.
Or:-
You can move to Linux and EMC and put up with no bugs being fixed, no one responsible for the project and using a system that only a few techy geeks can understand and spend all your time getting the computer / EMC running and forget using the machine.
Linux user started off with one version out of 10 with a program called Red Hat, possibly named after the rabbit that was pulled out of it.
Now I see we are being touted to use a program called Unbunto which according to Google is a village in west Africa.
John S.
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HAHA! plz nobody misunderstand my intentions here, im not bashing anyone for choice of slogan wording or bashing winders per-se....well i did bash windows some :P
I certainly would not like this thread to devolve into some re-hash of the old and tired "windows vs linux" drivel. ON that note i will add that linux is very stable and Ubuntu works great, its when you try and run non-native software designed for windows that the trouble starts.
I have checked out http://www.linuxcnc.org/ I DO think that what they are doing is much needed, however at this point it does not have the level of polish, and wonderful, supporting community that MACH does (i.e you all) ;D
Linux is getting bigger and better all the time, and i would just like to bring it to the table. There will be a point when linux is just as easy as windows (as if windows was easy) and Ubuntu is getting close. As long as we have the dialog out there, perhaps Art and his team can keep this in mind for the future. It might not even be as hard as we think. Who knows, we all might learn something.
At the very least, it would be nice to figure out a way for Wine to run Mach for starters. And of particular interest is LazyCAM.
So, to sum up:
I am a veteran windows user, been on it since 3.2
Im also a fan of linux.
NO BASHING OF EITHER ALLOWED! ;D
I now prefer linux, for personal reasons.
I have been using Mach for nearly 3 years
open minds and willing fingers may bring this about, if anyone is willing to work on this, lets talk :)
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O boy that can NEVER happen! mach3 IS a windows program and that will never change :( THere is just no way to move all the messages that mach3 needs over to linux.
Sorry I think that Linux is best left to the EMC Guys and 259.00 is still about as cheap as you are ever going to get for a CNC machine! I run toos that are 500.00 on control that cost me 159.00 ;)
(Sorry I didn't pay for it ;D )
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open minds and willing fingers may bring this about, if anyone is willing to work on this, lets talk :)
No because trying to port Mach3 onto Linux will only get you EMC which already exists and for what purpose ?
To save $100 for windows and $160 for a Mach 3 license ?
But who pays to port Mach3 over to save the $160 ?
If Art does this what does he get out of it ?
I'm sorry but this is one subject that revs me up.
If you go out and buy a commercial control like a Fanuc it will set you back 10K. For that you will get a dedicated controller and limited support.
It won't allow you do do CAD/CAM, check your email play solitaire whilst machining a part and it will have what they supply NOT what you fancy being added.
Instead you have paid your $159 and got close to what you spent 10K on and in some options better than that.
Where do you want it to end? A free computer, steppers and drivers and as much precision ball screw and linear rail as you can carry ?
No sorry even if it is a hobby it has a cost, it you can't afford it don't whinge, just put it back in the box and don't play with it.
I'd like to take up photography, anyone got a digital 35mm Cannon for about $25.00 ? as it's all I want to pay?
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Wow, well I guess enough time has passed for the heat to cool off. As a user, I also would like to see a port to linux also, not because I want Mach 3 and all its features and support for free but because I don't like being tied to the windows operating system.
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If you want a Linux Controller, then use EMC. Works well to.
Lemo
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I think windows system was never concibed to use on so delicated task as is to control a second software to either control a mechanical device, My personal opinion is that you can take more benefits out of mach if you are a person that really wants to introduce and learn about cnc funcionality and assembling but for real bussines i think i would use an ajax system that is already based on linux even id pay the 2500 for the basic 3 axis kit but is something that really is trouble free and ready to make money on a seroius bussiness thinking persons, Mach is really a excellent software but id never put a $US 2000.00 metal block just not waiting for something bad to happen because of a windows/mach problem.
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Hi,
What about a version for Mac? I know nothing about Mac apart from its suposedly very
reliable,plus you can get them at a reasnonle price second hand.
WhileI'm here My machines have there own dedicated XP pro computers,not networked,
How do I remove the networking side from the computers along with any unnecessary svchost stuff?
I must admit XP Pro does seem like a sledgehammer to crack a nut in our applications.
Cheers
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I think ART has already covered this with "Linux,Unix,DEC,ETC does not work one bit better than Windows. In fact more trouble and LESS support." The MACH kernal CAME started from EMC/Linux. Why would you want to put it back?
Need free CNC controller------------EMC/Linux it is wating for you to download, FREE, Good Luck, been there done that one
MACH3 "Best $159.00 I ever spent"
There is software out there that can strip out all the unneccasary parts of XP/W2K and get it down to a more basic kernal. Xp shrinks from 1GB down to about 400MB and W2K down to about 250- 300mb.
Have you personally tried the Ajax conversion? (;-)
(;-) TP
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Vmax,
Ive used mach for a couple of years now,It was the best £89 I have spent!
can you post some liks to this stripping software.
as far as linux is concerned,my interest in it and EMC stalled long before I managed to get it
to turn a motor,far to complicated to set up!plus I rely on mastercam X,autocad,solidworks etc.etc.
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I HAVE A VERTICAL CNC MILL WITH THE AJAX CONVERSION AND I CAN TELL YOU ITS THE BEST LOW COST/HIGH EFFICIENCY CNC RETROFIT KITS AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET RIGHT NOW BECAUSE IT IS ROBUST AND REALLY MADE STRAIGHT TO INDUSTRIAL CNC ENVIROMENT, IT MEANS NO BUGS, NO OS CRASHES, THE DRIVERS COMES WITH A PLC INTEGRATED, ALSO THEY OFFER KITS FOR LATHES AND TOOL CHANGING OPTIONS, AND THE KIT COMES WITH A SOLID STATE HARD DRIVE WITH THE RIGHT CONFIGURATION FOR THE PLC SO IT MEANS YOU ONLY HAVE TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTION ABOUT CONFIGURING THE AXIS AND HOW TO PUT THE WIRES IN THE CORRECT PLACE, ALSO IT COMES WITH A AUTOSETTING FUNTION WICH SET HOW FAST CAN BE THE G0 MOVEMENT ON THAT PARTICULARY EQUIPMENT YOU HAVE INSTALLED THE KIT.
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DIGI you don't have to yell(;-)
I have reveiwed the Ajax kit in the past. The initia upfront costs LOOK promising untill you start to add up all the "options" to make it equal to MACH. Then the major $$$ start to show up. So far Mach does about everything the Ajax kit promised and sometimes more at a "much" lower price. Also the support end was not readily forcoming. I started My BP Boss conversion with AJAX, I quickly figured out the Catch22. (;-)
BUT if you are happy with what you have, then that is all that matters. That is the beauty of homegrown CNC you can have it your way.
(;-) TP
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Comet do a search on XPLITE.
Note: I might add if you are using your Comp for something other than CNC controller be carefull of what you think you may not need. Windows is seriously inter wowen with all its functions. Something that seems totally unrelated may controll another function you need to use.
Through the search you will find comments on this.
(;-) TP
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Just a note, there is so much value in for instance Windows XP that most users are not aware of. The price of the OS is very reasonable. Consider the VBScript function, the JIT environment, cross language portability within the .net development. If you get to know it, you learn how to appreciate what the OS has taken care of. I have started programming in assembler in the late seventies, that is native code. The difference between then and know in what the OS can do is purely astounding. I suppose you can guess by know that I am a Microsoft fan! ;D
William
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Yes I agree, BUT windows carries a LOT more baggage than it really needs. A course in code reduction would serve them well.I guess it is easier to write a lot of sloppy code rather than spend the time to condense it to it simplest form.(;-) TP
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The cost of windows is the only downside I can see. But if you buy a computer from a store you don't need to thing about that ether.
Did you know that XP runs some of the ATMs here in Sweden? I have never heard of a problem that was XPs fault. Altho we have made quite a few jokes about it. (and no it's not the kind of ATM that you can use MS paint on, these are secure)
2000 has been used for a long time in ATM aswell without a problem.
Anyway, my point is that if you treat windows properly it won't fail on it's own.
If only IBM would have been smarter. Then we would be using OS2 and not caring about instability. I have seen servers running OS2 for over 10 years without software faliure and still do. Getting tossed out only becuse the hardware itself is getting old now.
I don't know why I defend windows in this instance because I hate Micro$oft and what they do. I dissaprove that Gates stole the ideas not from Apple but from IBM during the time he worked there developing OS2. To bad he blew it with his own ideas. Neverminde. I should walk away now.
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Yeah, I agree that there is a lot of frustration towards Bill Gates and Microsoft, I understand that fully, but I might add that in my field I have found that most problems people experience with Windows is not the operating system, but bad drivers and coding practices by third party developers, that even goes as far as hardware's firmware that does not comply to the standards. OS2 just didn't get the market mainstream, why? Maybe that's the way money/profits influence the products available today. My problem is basically what faces a lot of developers and engineers, I love the idea of opensource and Linux or other OS developments, but the pressure to perform just leaves alsmost no time to get involved in a public project. Too few hours in a day! So what Microsoft offers in it's products and the availabilty of third party software for the Microsoft OS allows productivity, maybe one day I can contribute to opensource OS development, but right now I have to row the boat, or sink! ;D
William
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Yup and we will never have a linux port... Time is the problem and I just don't see more then about 10 people that would use Linux... I would rather take the time to add the 3rd order planner!
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Did you know that XP runs some of the ATMs here in Sweden? I have never heard of a problem that was XPs fault. Altho we have made quite a few jokes about it. (and no it's not the kind of ATM that you can use MS paint on, these are secure)
2000 has been used for a long time in ATM aswell without a problem.
Hey David, Our airports are running on Microsoft 2k servers, in the earlier years it wasn't unusual to walk into a terminal building, and seeing a BIG blue screen saying "Windows protection error, your system needs to be restarted!" It was VERY funny! That was then running NT, but a lot of the problems even then was the translators between non Windows servers and Windows servers, but the worst is, the entire National breweries plant automation are running on NT, and I saw a night watchman crash the system, he was fascinated by the mouse and the "ladders"! Maybe he thought it was a game, he was clicking away until the plant shut down! THAT was funny!
William
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Not sure what a 3rd order planner is but I'm sure i want one. Go for it!
I think that Mach is all about user friendly-ness and I have heard a lot of things about Linux but user friendly is not one of them.
@Whacko: Now that is funny! I would guess that the system did not like the hardware or some driver.
ABB has been using 2k for many years and has run sp2 despite there being a sp4 released. Just because their policy did not allow it. They where and still are very strict about what they allow on their different machines because they spent a lot of time and money testing and evaluet different setups and programs. That way the systems where rock solid and nearly never had any problems.
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Ok, I've been reading this and remained silent up until now. At this point I have to get involved and set some things straight.
I've had more years then I can count running operating systems most of you have never heard of, as per this thread, my involvement will last for my one post.
Linux is a much more stable platform in comparison to windows. - This is undeniable, if you wish to argue the inverse, you have no quantifiable evidence to do so, and your making it up.
I think Mach 3 is excellent software. It is nothing more then a total shame that its not yet compiled for Linux. If my words have any effect on mach 3 software programmers, i hope for nothing more then a linux version in the very near future. It is nothing more then humorous the number of people who go on about "Free this free that getting your ball screws for free" in regards to using free software packages. The recourse to this is "Hey wouldn't it be great if we had to pay for every breath we took." That would probably make microsoft happy, patenting the act of breathing.
Hate to burst you bubble here friend but open source free software is out there, and is very good, the problem is people who are too narrow minded to even try it. People are mostly un-aware of how good this stuff really is, and thats one of the major reasons microsoft dominates, to "Scare" people off open source OS's in the fear "you can't get programs for them". I have not yet encountered a program I cannot make run under linux, however something that my cnc is relying on I'd prefer to be written by the professionalss rather then just running WINE. (Which may work haven't tried it yet)
I will close in saying that the only down side to making a linux version of mach 3 is that there isn't one.
I think you'll find most people have the choice between running Mach 3 on windows or linux will find Mach 3 far more appealing knowing they can walk away without fear of a "donk" error from some background bull-**** that windows is doing without the operators knowledge.
Linux for the win guys, its more professional, safer, more reliable, more powerful and hey its free. Something on all counts microsoft will never be able to contend with.
Regards,
Irvs, J.
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Linux is a much more stable platform in comparison to windows. - This is undeniable, if you wish to argue the inverse, you have no quantifiable evidence to do so, and your making it up.
And Bill Gates is the Anti-Christ, blah blah blah. If you think Linux is the greatest thing since sliced tofu go get a copy of EMC and have at it.
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That defeats the purpose Jeff. Artsoft have a wonderful powerful program at their disposal, one which I happily paid for.
I am going to have a crack at it in WINE in the next day or two and post my results.
In the short term I can actually run windows as a virtual machine to run the artsoft software.
- It IS the best thing since sliced tofu, and grated cheese too :)
Its not about bill gates being the anti-christ, this comment makes no sence.
Its a commercial and corporate abomination, which is probably why so many states and companies are suing the crap out of microsoft right now, manly for their complete disrespect for your american laws. Like the Sherman Antitrust, Tunny and Clayton Acts. Remember the law is the law, otherwise what the hell good is it if you can just afford to buy your way out of it, something that microsoft intended to do and are now being sued by several state governments.
This is where long term (And this includes me) microsoft users are in fact their own worst enemy. You're in your comfort zone, so how can something thats free actually be better? Answer is simply, cause there are many, many people out there who are jack of microsoft, and decided to do something about it.
The fact is there is no reason why it shouldn't run on linux with a simple WINE or Virtual machine if you have windows as well.
For the person that started this thread...
Copy all of your windows system32 directory to your linux wine/system32 directory. Any of the .dll files mach 3 use (If any in there) will help WINE run it without too many problems. Give it a try I'll be a few days yet till i get through my exams. Otherwise just run a virtual machine if you have windows installed on the same machine for now.
Regards,
I.j
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I just don't understand the 'MicroSoft Sucks' mentality. Nor do I think that Linux is inherently better than Windows. They both have their good and bad points.
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Irvs, J. they say different strokes for different folks. I can't speak for the originators of this software, but my opinion is that there is a place for all. Mach3 is a windows based app, to port it to python or other dev platform is no small task. Why don't you head over to linuxCNC.org and you will have a similar product. Mach3 has plug in dev. using the common object model, which is already generous. The small fee to pay for Windows OS is really nothing compared to what you can do with it. In fact, Microsoft support is by far superior and the wealth of information and tools available at MSDN is a dream to any software developer. In case you wondered, I have been programming in various OS environments since 1978, and I am not as such a fan of any OS or dev platform. What matters is the short time us humans live and how much we would like to achieve in that time. It's all about time, money and productivity.
Whacko for real!
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I've been reading this forum about Linux, and all I can say is if you like linux so much, get a a Centroid or an Ajax control , or emc for free. "You get what you pay for" I've got one vertical mill running on Ajax, and yes it works good, but it should for what I paid for it all, but then again it's very limited. file size, subs, text, mirror, scale, they are all options ,and not cheap. What do you pay for any Autodesk, Mastercam, Solid works? BIG BUCKS.
Mazak is still selling machines running on windows 98. Win 2000 pro and XP pro are the best operating systems out there. Vista is another story. >:( 2 or more steps backwards. Of course , if you use your machines computer for a bunch of other programs , you'll probably have problems. I'm personally setting up xp pro and a cam program, nothing else.
I must say one more thing. Art has to be one hell of a guy. Mach 3 for only $160.00 . That's giving it away. Anyone using it, I'll bet would have paid a lot more for it. BUT I hope he don't raise the price now till I get my lic. :D
Ed V
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Really there would be no point in porting MACH for linux. You would just have EMC????? WHat would be the point. MOST people including ME haven't a clue as to how to run linux in native form WITHOUT a proper frontend.
Windows already has that frontend. I would bet to say that you will NEVER see MACH in linux form. SO you might want to get cracking on the emc version soon. THe emc group does have several options as to front ends for EMC take your pick.
(;-)TP
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Funny this topic should come alive today. Brian is at the CNC workshop, where among other activities the annual 'emcfest' is in full swing. There were several conversations today with lots of EMC and Mach folks.
EMC has a really nifty 5 axis mill running with full kinematics. Mach has both a mill and lathe running with tool changers.
A good time is being had by all!
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Hello All: I'm new here, but first let me say that I like what I see regarding the trial download of Mach3. My only reservation is that it runs under Windoze . . .just an awful, awful excuse for an operating system. I've read the caveats regarding the interaction of Windoze's interrupts, conflicts with networking services, internal clocking, etc. and that's what concerns me. As for a Linux port, to me Linux is just another "unix" with a gooie. I would prefer a port to a unix platform like FreeBSD where we can do some kernel configuration, and generally have open access to the OS. Having worked as an applications programmer/analyst for over thirty years, I DO understand that you just can't simply take pages of (an assumption) C++ code and recompile it on a different OS architecture and expect it to work; never the less, it would be more secure and stable on a unix platform . . .just my two cents. (. . .and I know that EMC is out there, too.)
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Hey, didn't you know that Mach and EMC share a common origin?
Stop "Bashing" about it, anyone can get hold of the original EMC and write a GUI for it. Anyone?? Where's everyone gone then?
Moral of the story, beggars can't be choosers...
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Actually, no, I didn't know that Mach and EMC have a common origin. Like I said, (on a need to know basis) I'm new to the actual process of CNC programming. I've googled and found some info on EMC and apparently Ubuntu's real-time kernel is a recommended (unix) platform . . .also read some reports of crash problems with it. Thanks for the heads-up.
BTW, several years ago, I was working with an associate who commented "Is it really real-time if an instruction is sent to the Voyager satellite and it responds two hours later?" ;)
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Well, you have to define what 'real-time' is. and if your Bill Clinton you also have to define what 'is' is. :P
Loosely speaking 'Real-time' could be taken to mean that the information was available in a timely enough manner to be able to make a decision based on that information and act on it ,effecting the outcome. In other words the information is deterministic and timely so that the control loop can be respond quickly enough to have an effect on the situation.
As for a Linux port of mach all I can say is BAH! If *nix is your thing then EMC is for you. If you want a CNC control that just works and lets you make parts without all the headaches and heartaches of dealing with *nix then mach is for you.
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I am running both EMC2 and Mach3, must say I like them both. Also no crashes from either of the two. I must be doing something right then. ;)
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What *nix are you running EMC on? As I've previously mentioned, I've read that Ubuntu is a choice. I've searched the FreeBSD forums and haven't found any references regarding running EMC on the same. The reason I'm interested in a "unix" platform is because I'm much more comfortable and confident of *nix OS'es. I think it's fair to say that Windoze comes with a lot of overhead. On the other hand, I've got FreeBSD installed on a 540mb hard-drive that is only about 60% utilized (user files are on a separate 200 gb drive). I know that "unix" has a learning curve, but it's certainly much easier to administrate once you get over the hump. In defense of Windoze, it IS an easier install. but after the install, I think I'd double check to make sure that it didn't install or otherwise auto configure anything to poll for "thing to do" while you're not looking. ;)
I've read the Mach3 PDF manual regarding installation on Windoze, and the caveats about certain Windoze services, interrupts, conflict with networking, etc. are what concern me. If I install Mach3 on a Windoze box, I will dedicate the box to Mach -- no active network; very few aps such as virius scanners/firewalls, etc. running in the background; won't be doing any word-processing; no flight simulator; no scheduled programs to wake up and look for a mouse driver update, etc. Essentially I'd do the same with a *nix based system; however, with a *nix OS, I can fine tune the kernel, and easily configure the OS via the various unix config files, etc. This latter scenario is something that is very difficult to do with Windoze. Microsoft does not share much regarding kernel tuning and other nuances of the OS.
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That is an advantage of running a buffered system( mach) most small things do NOT bother mach at all it goes about its merry way. ONLY a major time hog (quicktime type) causes problems. AND if you are trying to machine a part and watch a movie at the same time there is NO hope for you anyway(;-)
We have Mach running with networks without a problem, but you can;t hop out and go shopping on ebay and except mach to be happy. Mach is a CNC machine controller NOT a magic do everything BOX and it does CNC controlling very very well.
Best $175 you will ever spend in CNC controls. BETCHA(;-)
Just a thought, (;-) TP
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Essentially I'd do the same with a *nix based system; however, with a *nix OS, I can fine tune the kernel, and easily configure the OS via the various unix config files, etc. This latter scenario is something that is very difficult to do with Windoze. Microsoft does not share much regarding kernel tuning and other nuances of the OS.
You can do it with this.
http://www.litepc.com/xplite.html
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I think in the end it is WAY more work then I can do on my own... The amount of MFC code in Mach3 is MASIVE and it would take a team of programmers to move the old "EMC" parts over (they are not the same at all any more ) and the screens.. well that would be the 2nd team.. I wouldn't hold your breath :)
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I've worked in applications analysis/design/programming, e.g., mgf. accounting, MRP, JIT, etc. for over 30 yrs. I DO understand. Somewhere above . . .I mentioned that it's just not a simple task to take some C++ code (or whatever) and compile it on another OS.
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Thanks for the "head-up" on this utility. I've book-marked it . . .and I can see some possibilities outside the CAD/CAM arena for it.
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@rtwingfield- It wouldn't be fair to discuss EMC2 in all it's details here so we can move to CNCZONE if you like. The distro is Ubuntu 8.04 realtime kernel and the frontend is AXIS which is a python dev. My handle at CNCZONE is same as here
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Blah! if you woudl like to talk about EMC2 and what you like and don't like feel free :) This is an open forum and we will not stop you :) This is your forum and if you would like to talk about it feel free..
Thanks
Brian
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Thanks Brian, I don't like taking liberties. The EMC2 Live CD at LinuxCNC is a hassle free installation and includes UBUNTU 8.04 realtime, it is best to start with this distro. It is open source, follow the links on the LinuxCNC page. It can be installed on most Debian distro's maybe with an adaption here and there. I'm not sure about Free BSD, I suppose theoretically it should be possible. But bear in mind that EMC2 runs on Realtime Kernel, so I have even installed it on the latest UBUNTU 9 release, but to run the controller, you have to reboot in the realtime kernel, so what's the point really?
Might as well stick with 8.04 if you want to use the PC as a CNC controller. I am busy with EMC2 dev for advanced processing to suite the steel cutting industry, as the current version do not support reverse running a part program and plate alignment. This is a part time project of mine.
Further to that, stability of the EMC2 system is pretty much governed by what you choose as hardware, and this is so true of Windows systems as well. Skimp on the hardware and blame yourself, not the software.
I would not compare Mach3 against EMC2, it is not comparable, they are different in many ways. I like both, and use both.
Point of interest, there is a heck of an amount of CNC controllers in the industry running with Windows, especially XP embedded. Most of them that employ realtime engines utilize propriety
software as a Windows plug in, with dire financial consequences.
No need to ask for a linux ported version of Mach3, EMC2 is similar.
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RE:
@rtwingfield- It wouldn't be fair to discuss EMC2 in all it's details here so we can move to CNCZONE if you like. The distro is Ubuntu 8.04 realtime kernel and the frontend is AXIS which is a python dev. My handle at CNCZONE is same as here
. . .first, I'd like to say that I really appreciate all the civil response to this thread. I certainly didn't want to stir up a "Flamer". Obviously, I've indicated that I'm not a big fan of MS/Windoze. That said, of course I use Windoze -- you can't get away from it. I use Rhino CAD, TurboCAD 3D, and of course all the usual suspects (MS/Word, Corel WordPerfect, Excel, QuatroPro, Adobe PhotoShop, ad nauseam.)
I also appreciate the invitation to keep the discourse open in this thread, but I am also an advocate of filing or posting questions and answers under a topic where others may easily search and find the same . . .so I agree that continuing an EMC2/Ubuntu discussion may be more beneficial on the suggested forum. Again thanks for all the positive comments regarding both Mach and EMC2.
What I'd like to discuss now are questions regarding specific machine configurations. What would be the best thread (or forum) to discuss interfacing Mach3 with a Bridgeport Series I with Acu-Rite II DRO and power feed? I've looked at the subject under "General Mach Discussion" and most seem to be software oriented. If I want to ask some questions about the hardware that I just mentioned, should I just start a new thread, or go to another forum?
Sincere thanks,
Ron W.
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Just my thinking but, I think if we where to make a Linux version I would not be able to sell it to the normal user.. I would think that it would need to be OEM only. I would never be able to teach the users how to "use" Linux.. The first time I asked them to mount the device so they could read the data they would get mad at me for asking them to do obscene things to there computer.. LOL
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What I'd like to discuss now are questions regarding specific machine configurations. What would be the best thread (or forum) to discuss interfacing Mach3 with a Bridgeport Series I with Acu-Rite II DRO and power feed? I've looked at the subject under "General Mach Discussion" and most seem to be software oriented. If I want to ask some questions about the hardware that I just mentioned, should I just start a new thread, or go to another forum?
Sincere thanks,
Ron W.
Start a new thread on the General asking what you want to know, I am sure someone here will know the answer :)
Hood