EMC and kits

Hi,

It looks like I started something ? - well here is a few
thoughts.

1. Hardware:

I do like the idea of a more or less common and easy to use
system, with all the benefits we have in helping each other push
this forward. The stuff I proposed was a more easy and helpful
kind of hardware kit. We can even join on some specifications, in
line of the Stg card too - when time comes.

2. Software:

To Fred, et al:

I see that you think about RPMS. What so nice about it ? Would
it not be possible to just patch a generic kernel, and
just czvf LinuxRT.tgz /2.0.36-7 ?

Use an install script, and have everything compiled ?

You can also make a mirror CD format on a hardisk, tar it, and
make it available as a download. I have a CD burner, and could
make such available in my area, other could do it in their area,
instead of shipping it across continents.

To Dan Mauch:

I don't see the use to ship a hard disk. You could just as easy
mirror it in compressed form on a CD.

3. More software:

At the moment I work on some CAM programs. I have been in contact
with Fred and Matt, and try to figure out how to do things, - but
it will take time. But there is some other packages right around
the corner, and this will probably be available before we even
get started.

4. EMC and the future:

To Steve Carlisle:

Yes, you learn a lot, - and I see the point. Some of you will
just have some G-codes, and be satisfied with some step motors on
a small hobby machine. But I see a big potential in EMC and other
NIST work. I have even suggested adaptive control systems, robot
languages, different kinematics, etc. This *will* happen ! And
this is what I would like. But it need momentum. One way is to
join in support of it. Another step is to try to make a large
group that runs on more or less the same setup. Then we could
participate and contribute on further development. Fred has a
hard time to please us all, - with total different setups, wishes
and ideas. The better we can help, if even by just suggesting or
come with input that serves a larger and unified group, the easier
it would be. ( IMO )
The easier it would be to get running, the better would the
chances be that this could evolve to something more than just the
way things used to be, or what is common. I like the idea of
doing something better, be able to process 3d surfaces, compared
to just 2D. Do you follow me ?

The more we can focus on the real tasks, - instead of using months
just to install the software, the better. For everyone that would
like to get "dirty" - the code is there, you can enter that
jungle.

5. Any needs we have - what if we also invested a few dollars
into what would be of most interest and help. I wonder if it was
Dan that once said that - we could also pay someone for specific
work.

This is just a few ideas. If there is anyway I can help, - I will
try to. It is not always easy, - I have many fights with my own
ego :) and sometimes I am have these "Arnieitis" attacks :)

A lot of this has been "my world" - and I have struggled all my
life. If the kid next door could get it a bit easier than the way
I have had to go - so what ? I think that would be great.

//ARNE