Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Black boxes

Hi Ballendo

I took a look at this thing a couple of years ago - Over £4000 for the
software plus another £1500-2000 for the hardware. Although the encoder-servo
loop is closed by the software, interface cards are still required to connect
to the outside world.
And Open it ain't - Try asking some detailed questions about the inner
workings or express an interest in the source code. The API might be readily
available, but this hardly qualifies it as "open" IMO.

Whilst EMC may only have drivers for one interface card at present, several
users are using alternatives, and I know of at least two projects to increase
the range of supported cards. Having free access to the source code is a
great help when it comes to writing new drivers.

Regards, Paul.

On Friday 25 January 2002 9:37 am, ballendo wrote:

> Proprietary, at least in my dictionary, means "exclusively
> owned /private", or "befitting an owner"...

> On another point you raise, No, we have not reached the end of the
> line "hitching our star" to desktop pc's. The OpenCNC control is
> entirely software based, runs in windows: http://www.mdsi2.com It is
> a very advanced control; only its price prevents more widespread use.