Re: How do I know if I want Linux

Hi Joseph,

EMC running on a PC is the equivalent of the computer already on your CNC
lathe.
EMC reads G-Code input and then controls the motors accordingly.
This is the exact same function of the controller already on your system.
EMC is designed for those with manual systems (or retrofits) needing to
implement the
same function which you already have - the difference being that your system
is fed the
code from a serial port or keypad and EMC gets its input from a file on a
disk.
There is PC communications software out there that can spoon feed files to
your controller from a PC and
even CAD-CAM design software with serial output. If you need links to any
of these let me know.

Mo

> Does anyone know if Linux/EMC can be used to run an Emco Maier Compact 5

CNC

> Lathe.
> It has one RS232 (serial) port on it.
> >From what I understand this port can be used to load code from a computer
> and also save to a computer.
> The machine has a computer built into it. Entries are input via a numeric
> keypad.