Peter Boyer wrote:
> Hi there everyone,
>
> I thought it would be useful to compile a list of computers that work well
> with a HobbyCNC Pro Kit and EMC2.  I have had a lot of trouble with this but
> I know some people out there have done it.  I have gone through. 4 computers
> in 3 weeks, each with lost steps but in quite different ways.  Clearly, this
> is a result of the computer hardware.  Can you provide specs such as:
>
> Computer manufacturer & model (if applicable)
> Processor speed & type
> Memory
> Version of Ubuntu
> Video Card
> Motherboard (If possible)
>   
I can't respond to the HobbyCNC part, and don't use the software 
generated step mode much, either.
But, as far as EMC2/Ubuntu being able to load onto, and run properly 
with the real-time system, I have found a couple systems that look good.

I have 4 systems here running various versions of EMC2.  3 are Dell 
Optiplex systems, the other is a Gateway Profile 3.
The Optiplex is Dell's commercial-grade desktop system.  They generally 
have Pentium CPUs.  I have used 600 MHz CPUs with servo interface 
boards, you need more speed for the software step generation.  You need 
256 MB of main memory.  Some of these Optiplex systems have a video 
memory card on the MB separate from the system memory, and work fine.  
Some others do not have that feature, and you may need a plug-in video 
board with at least 4 MB of memory for Ubuntu to properly configure and 
install without playing games.  The on motherboard video chips that 
share system memory can affect real time performance.

The Gateway Profile 3 is a closed system, basically the same works as a 
laptop in a pedestal housing, with separate keyboard.  These are great 
for fitting inside big pendants.  It does have parallel and serial 
ports, USB, cardbus (PC Card) and Ethernet.  It seems to work quite well 
with EMC2.

The version of Ubuntu shouldn't make that much difference, unless you 
are using some cutting-edge hardware.  In any case, the version 8.04 
would be the best choice, as it is newer.

Jon

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