2012/11/5 andy pugh <bodge...@gmail.com>: > On 5 November 2012 19:10, Sven Wesley <svenne.d...@gmail.com> wrote: > >> @Andy, why is it difficult and why is it the wrong problem? I clearly >> measure a performance boost running the controller PC headless. >> Would it be easier and cheaper to order a Mesa board? No. > > It won't be cheaper _and_ easier, but it could well be easier and more > expensive.
Are You serious?!? How is a setup of 2 PCs - one for LinuxCNC with software step generation and other of graphical frontend - more easy than simply adding an FPGA card either to LPT port or in PCI slot? And how is it easier to configure such a double-PC system than take a sample config in LinuxCNC and adjust some lines to fit particular machine? And where do You get whole PC (MB + RAM + HDD + PSU) for less than 100 EUR (based on 5i25 price, provided by Andy)? IMHO any attempts to combine 2 PCs, when adding an FPGA card is not even considered, certainly is way more difficult way to solve wrong problem. It not only adds a whole layer of complexity to overall system, it also does not introduce any additional functionality. Using FPGA card adds new features (way more I/O bits, pwmgens, stepgens and encoder modules can handle much higher pulse frequencies etc.) and IMHO does not make the system significantly more complex. Generally using FPGA card certainly is easier _and_ cheaper. Try it for Yourself :) -- Viesturs If you can't fix it, you don't own it. http://www.ifixit.com/Manifesto ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ LogMeIn Central: Instant, anywhere, Remote PC access and management. Stay in control, update software, and manage PCs from one command center Diagnose problems and improve visibility into emerging IT issues Automate, monitor and manage. Do more in less time with Central http://p.sf.net/sfu/logmein12331_d2d _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list Emc-users@lists.sourceforge.net https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users