Hi Chainds,
I'll address your questions the best I can.
1. Have there been any updates on the progress for the Linux based MachPro? I can see that the expectation on the website is 2026. I am just wondering about the confidence level of this. Answer: Current Confidence is low. There has been some roadblocks on this issue along with other, higher priority, issues and plans that need to be addressed to provide the highest quality product we can before we can make this move. The current timeline for this has been pushed back for the next 3-5 years.
2. If I were to buy the current license, what will the policy be for moving to linux sometime in the future? Answer: With the way that our current licensing works, I do not foresee any issues with migrating the license over. The license PCID will change, but the contents of the license should be the same between the two devices. We are also investigating methods of making licensing easier, but the exact details as to how are not set in stone.
3. Lastly, I have requested a demo version of MachPro twice. Once a couple of months ago and most recently early yesterday. I have yet to receive any response from either request. Has anyone else had such a challenge? Maybe I'm being impatient with no response on my request from yesterday, but it is unusual in this day and age of software on-demand for this to be delayed. Answer: I will review this. The website should have automations built in, where it will send you an email with a download link to the software. On the installer, you should have an option for downloading "Demo". This is an SIM only, unlimited use license users can use for learning, practice, testing, development, etc. In the meantime, here is a link to installing the demo.
https://pkgcdn.machmotion.com:8765/static/Mach_Package_Installer_Demo.exe *edited
If you want the traditional Mach3 and Mach4 type of demo with feature limitations and a GCode limit, you can use this link
https://pkgcdn.machmotion.com:8765/static/Mach_Package_Installer_Normal.exe.
This Demo version will give you access to actual motion on your machine before deciding to purchase the product.