CAD CAM EDM DRO - Yahoo Group Archive

linux/EMC Computer Config ?

Posted by currinh@O...
on 2000-08-20 22:10:27 UTC
CNC Masters:

Related to my SuperMax milling conversion,
I'm about to specify a computer for the CAM
interface. I'd appreciate any input your
may have.

I plan to implement linux and EMC. From
the list archives this seems to be the most
respected program, particularly for the
price. However, I understand it can be
problematic to install and configure. I
know some can do this is a weekend but with
my meager knowledge of Unix I think this
will take me a bit longer, maybe a week ;-).

I plan to obtain a computer for this
effort. I think a faster computer would
ease the task of re-installing and working
with linux/EMC. Once set up a minimal
system, I'm sure, would be OK but in
getting these packages up a better computer
would be advantageous. Also a new
computer, with an eye to linux
compatibility, should ease the task.

I've obtained a copy of Red Hat 6.2. I
know 5.2 is used by most on this list but
I'd like to use 6.2 if possible. An
archived message (#8476) from Ray Henry
indicates this is possible and has been
done. If it's too much hassle I'll drop
back and use 5.2.

Anyway, I looked over the Red Hat
compatibility list and, through my local
computer store, specified a computer. I
would appreciate any comments on this
configuration before I order it. The goal
is to bring up linux, rtlinux and EMC with
as little hassle as possible. The system
includes:

MSI 6309 Socket 370 Motherboard.
VIA 694X Chipset
VIA VT82C686A Chipset
UDMA/33 or UDMA/66

Pentium PIII - 500 MHz

64 Mb SDRAM

6.4 GB Fujitsu Hard Disk - IDE

Trident 8MB 3D AGP Video Card - Blade 3D
chipset

NEC 15", .28 Dot Pitch, SVGA Monitor

Sony 48X, IDE CD-ROM - ATAPI

3 1/2 Floppy,

3 1/2" floppy disk, Keytronics WIN 95
keyboard, Microsoft intellamouse - PS2

I'll install a hard drive which can be
removed. A real slick system allows an
internal hard drive to be removed and
another to replace it. You power down,
remove the hard disk, replace it with
another, power up and boot from the new
disk. I'll use this to go between linux
and DOS if I need to. It allows a linux
system on one drive and DOS on a second
without dual booting. I think I'll have
enough trouble with linux without trying
to implement dual booting.

I read in the Red Hat manual that a 3
button mouse is preferable for X-Windows.
Should I specify this from the start?

The cost of the system is about $800.
Quite a bit more than a used P-100 but I
think worth it if it eases linux, rtlinux
and EMC install. It has no LAN, modem or
good method of backup. I wanted to keep it
as simple as possible, I can add hardware
once I have it running.

I would appreciate any comments regarding
this system for linux/EMC. Have I missed
anything? Is my reasoning solid?

Thank you.

Hugh Currin
Klamath Falls, OR

Discussion Thread

currinh@O... 2000-08-20 22:10:27 UTC linux/EMC Computer Config ?