Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Pulse Rate/Processor Speed

At 07:30 PM 9/18/02 -0700, you wrote:

>
>Anyone using an older computer to drive their CNC? I am a newbie and

really don't have a feel for how much an older pc could affect the maximum
pulse rate and other performance issues of a stepper system.

Yo, I ran with an 8088 and 512K for years, til dedicated keyboard gave up.
Max pulse rate was about 5000/sec. I run on mostly 486 these days with
pulse rates of 45-50,000/sec; can find them next to dumpsters OTW every
spring when the college closes.

>and have been surprised to see minimum requirements over 400 Mhz. What

operating system would allow me to get the most bang for my buck--dos or
Linux (I'm sure its not Windows)?

Well, Linux/EMC is still very rant-worthy: incredibly bloated, still buggy,
long steep learning curve. Others will say what they will, but the best
bang/buck ratio IMHO is Indexer-LPT from Ability Systems Corp. It's simple,
powerful, easy to use. ASC is now offering a G-code interpreter which seems
to be up to their usual standards, or a good alternative choice for running
I-LPT would be our own Axis Wizard.

Regards, Hoyt McKagen


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