Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: CNC Control software recommendations

Alex

> Ok, I understand but how available are these tools on the internet for a
> free download?
>
> I agree but due to access speed and other factors I would prefer to have
> the system on the hard drive. Is it possible to use a parallel port type
> key with Linux?
>

you might look into one of the solid state flash drives ("disk-on-chip")
for embeded system use
(upgrade the same way as flashing a motherboard BIOS chip)
the operating system disk could be read only and just big enough for
the OS ,a snapshot of the original disk image can be compaired to the
customers disk to prove tampering
the user settings and programs could be stored on a 2nd writable disk or
flash chip partition
these are at least as fast as a normal hard drive ,more rugged and are
available as "off the shelf" items

> Fanuc parameter setting aren't readily available on the internet for
> download like Linux and its tools. Fanuc charges big money for their
> parameters so they can fall back on - No proof of payment for parameters,
> no liability.
>

yep Fanuc normaly loads the full version then selects the options with
parameter settings ($$$)
for a modular system like EMC you just wouldnt load the optional modules
so there is nothing there to enable thru the parameter list

> That's allot to have to prove he/she did. Might be easier for the hacker to
> prove that my system was bad?
>

Linux offers alot of flexability and security from tampering and can be
set up to be just as fool proof as any propriatary system
also I think most people who pay for a CNC control are not likely to
want to screw it up by fiddling with things
nor would most shop owners want to compile the upgrades from source
code ( there are exceptions of course :-)

and the EMC licence allows (encourages) use of the code in propriatary systems
so binary-only flash upgrades would be no problem


Brian