Re: CNC Newbie

If it is an "antique" Acorn, it's native operating system may be CPM-
86 and if it ran MS-DOS, you may find that it is proprietary (not IBM-
PC compatable). Depends on its vintage. "Newer" ones from the late
80's and beyond may be IBM compatable. I had the "pleasure" of
getting a friend's up and running in France once on CPM-86 and you
don't want to go there.

There were/are many sizes of data cassettes. You might try 4mm (DAT)
or 8mm (video camera) sizes. Both are still readily available.
Probably the smallest capacity is what you are looking for. DAT
tapes are also called DDS and are a common computer size for data
backup.

At some point, it may pay to consider replacing the controller with
something like MACH2. It'll be a major project, but at the end
you'll end up with something more useful than what you started out
with.

Jeff

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Sharp" <bobsharp@n...>
wrote:

> Hi
>
> Thanks for the reply.
>
> I meant the actual size of cassette,
> not the capacity.
> Normal audio cassettes are too big and the
> micro cassettes I have are also too big.
>
> I was told that Denford no longer give
> support for the machine.
>
> You're probably right about the Acorn (8088 ?)
> processors.
> Wonder if it would operate through a DOS program ?
>
>
> cheers
>
> Bob
>
>
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Terry Owens" <terry@o...>
> wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > First question is probably no as I think the machine has a Acorn
> computer.
> > Second question, it doesn't matter but short tapes ( 10 mins )

are

> easier to
> > find your programs on.
> > Third, ring Denfords they are still in business as part of 600
> Lathes try
> > directory enquires giving the address details on the machines

plate.

> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Terry
> >