Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Setup for lathe

atex57 wrote:

>I recently picked up a Hardinge CHNC and am looking for a controller
>program for it. Requirements are: keyboard to operate, threading,
>builtin PLC or interface for PLC for tool turret. If it would run
>under Linux I would be happy, DOS would be next, followed by Windows
>with XP the last resort. I have been using a Wells-Index CNC with EMC
>and like the fact I can use the keyboard for all the usual operations,
>makes it a lot faster for opening files and editing. I have a spare
>700Mhz Athlon avaiable but could buy faster if necissary. Thanks. Ed.
>
>

Well - emc fits all of you requirements except for threading. That is
being worked on, so you may not have to wait too long for it (but
holding your breath while waiting could be problematic ;) ).

A 700 MHz Athlon should be plenty for emc, I'm using a 500MHz Celeron,
and it's capable of running at around 25k pulses/second with the
software step generator. If you use a hardware step generator or other
servo interface, it's even better.

There is a built-in PLC in emc2 - ClassicLadder has been implemented as
a realtime component. (actually, you can have the GUI running, and see
the PLC processes on screen while it's operating)

Download emc2 from sourceforge (you'll have to use CVS, there isn't a
release yet), and have a look at the mazak_demo config. That's likely
to be way more complex than anything you'll need.

- Steve