Re: Imbedded computers

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Tyson S."
<timbercutter@y...>
wrote:

>
> Do a search for VIA EPIA they are MINI ITX form factor 17cm x 17cm
> Pentium boards. They can run Windows XP and have all the usual ports
> that anyone might need. They are tiny and very cool. And not to
> mention, very cheap, the OS usually costs more than the computer,

very

> good alternative to a laptop. Just keep a full size monitor and
> keyboard in the house, and a set in the shop, do your CAD CAM in the
> house by the TV and donuts, then carry the "tower" out to the plasma
> table to run the code and burn the piece. Only in this case, the
> "tower" can fit in your wifes purse!
>

I had initially Planned to build a control pendant with a 15" LCD and
an ITX based board to control a mill I am trying to retrofit. While
this is still an option I am now leaning towards using a standard ATX
based board and putting it in the control cabnet to keep the length
of the parallel cable shorter. Also the control cabnet has lots of
filtered air & fans. - I'm not sure I want to vent my pendant because
its location is in a prime spray zone for coolant & chips.

BTW - the Original spec for ITX was to use low powered CPU's which
were soldiered to the board ( refer to VIA Eden CPU ). Some of these
boards will run from a 40w powersupply and don't require any fans.