Re: getting started

> I want to start out with just plotting stuff until I get the hang of
> the software involved, the design and machine programming aspects of
> it, generating and interpreting G-code, etc. I can worry about
> hogging out chips later, much later!
>
> Software-wise I'll be working 100% on linux.
>

I was going to suggest you pay a visit to www.linuxcnc.org and either
download the controller software (EMC) or just request it on CD for a
small charge.

I use EMC, but it was a little touchy to start out. It sounds like
you already have a LOT of variables in your hardware, so I would look
at DESKNC, an inexpensive DOS program that can be downloaded.

Wire your motor drivers, construct a power supply, and hook-up your
motors. Connect the whole thing to the parallel port of your
computer. DESKNC needs a little information from you before it works,
but it is not as hard to figure out as EMC. Configure the software,
and see if you get some motion.

Tweek, play, experiment. Come back here often for advice on next-
steps.

I was intentionally vague, but this should get you started.

-DASH