Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Re: Re: Black box

ballendo@... wrote:

>
> Matt,
>
> Thanks for the link. It does look like an interesting avenue.
>
> Ballendo
>
> P.S. Since I've run steppers successfully(for years) with 8254 timing
> using programs from IndexerLPT to AhHa! to CncPRO to EMC(which is
> servicing a GUI) I'm not sure why all this "it CAN'T be done!" It IS
> being done! Daily!
>
> What am I missing, here?

yes, under DOS or RTLinux it's possible to do all sorts of semi
RT stuff.

>
> Is it just that I'm willing to accept the computer spitting the bits
> as a "machine controller"? And not expect CNC to run as a "background
> task" while I check my email?!?


>
> Is it that my steps/sec. needs aren't in the >20k/sec. range?
>
> I really think that people ARE willing to have the box "tied up,at
> least somewhat" while they are machining. They just want to be able
> to use the familiar windows interface. Without a re-boot.

If I was asked how to do this in my work life I'd say "hardware". If they said
they expected to sell a million units, I'd say "optimized hardware". If I had
an engineer working for me who tried to do this in software I'd think less of
that engineer.

Hardware is the right solution for this problem, IMHO.

>
> Now editing/importing the next program while one is cutting is nice,
> and could be called important; but a "sluggish GUI rate" here is not
> likely. Point being, this is a "coasting job" for any modern
> processor anyway.

Noooo.... We're not talking about taking up most of the CPU. We're talking
about entering a critical region and NOT LEAVING.
It's not just the GUI thread that will lock up. You have to give up the interrupt
some time.