Re: USB and ncPOD system

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, R Rogers <rogersmach@...> wrote:

>
> Selling machines, there is a learning curve with new users and the
>software. Mach3 has an easy to learn and use interface, huge priority
>and consideration in regards to support. With almost zero problems in
>normal usage. When I mention to a customer the machine will run on
>EMC, they ask "does that run on Windows?" And when I inform that it
>does not, they go right back to Mach3. Folks in general want no part
>of Linux or learn a new OS in general as well as tackle new to them
>CNC.

In the context of a CNC appliance, Linux/EMC can be stripped down to
the bare essentials and made to fit into a small processor/form
factor. The use of Linux and EMC in this context becomes of a
transparent embedded nature. ie your users don't need to know it is
there just like they most likely odn't realize a Tivo TV box runs
Linux, so does Linksys wireless hubs and thousands of other appliances
where embedded Linux runs the show in the background. Even some cars
manufacturers are considering using embedded Linux in the car's main
digital brain.

That doesn't prevent one from writing a plugin for MS-Windows based
software like Mach to talk to the CNC applicance that runs embedded Linux.

And if your users are allergic to the word Linux, erase it from all
your marketing material and they will never know it is part of the system.

When considering Linux as part of any CNC system, one needs to realize
the main difference between MS-Windows and Linux is that Linux comes
in different sizes and shapes. From the most elaborate super-computing
server down to the tiniest OS that fits on a 1.4MB floppy disk and
runs on a microcontroller costing less than $20. In this last case, it
is called embedded Linux and they popup in all kinds of appliances at
a ever increasing rate. Just try to keep up with the news on
http://www.linuxdevices.com/ to get an idea.

Patrick Robin
ARCNC100
http://atelierrobin.net