Replacing Anilam Controller with EMC?

I have a Bridgeport with an Anilam Crusader II controller and am
interested in replacing it with a PC based control.

It has servos with tachometer feedback and drives so that a +/- 10V
signal controls the velocity and direction of the servo motor. For
position feedback, it uses linear encoders mounted directly to the
axis.

What I think I need is a PC, a STG2 card, and connectors to interface
the existing drives & encoders to the STG board. The main thing I
need is enough confidence that I'll be able to get EMC configured and
running to spend ~$1000+ for this upgrade.

Has anyone here set up a similar system? How difficult will it be to
get the software configured properly? (I have done small programs in
many different computer languages and have the electrical
capabilities necessary, I'm just not very experienced with Linux.)

Thanks!