Jim, sure - and long winded :) Stuart On Sat, Apr 18, 2009 at 3:18 PM, Jim Fleig - CNC Services <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi Stuart, > > After reading that email would you be willing to be a reference for me to > the support persons that may consider working with me that I am very > detailed? :-) > > Jim > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Stuart Stevenson" <[email protected]> > To: "Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC)" <[email protected]> > Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2009 2:44 PM > Subject: Re: [Emc-users] What's coming in manufacturing > > >> Jim, >> WHEW - Well, JIM, I did read to the end :) >> thanks for the explanation >> now we have a better target >> thanks >> Stuart >> >> >> On Sat, Apr 18, 2009 at 1:20 PM, Jim Fleig - CNC Services >> <[email protected]> wrote: >>> Hi Stuart, >>> >>> Here's the short answer: >>> >>> a programmer that can make changes (like a different GUI) for a retrofit, >>> an >>> individual that can either supply a computer or guide the selection and >>> assembly of a computer and techinical support of the software and >>> computer >>> after the retrofit. >>> >>> Here's the long answer: >>> >>> I can do anything (not just bragging, its true - see www.cncservices.ws) >>> with machine tools (rebuild, retrofit, align, calibrate (laser and level >>> for >>> 6 axes of movement linear, pitch, yaw and roll around the X,Y and Z axes, >>> spatial positioning measurement and compensation, 4th and 5th axis >>> measurement and compensation), G code programming, troubleshooting >>> (electrical, electronic, hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, etc.), >>> communication (DNC, wired and wireless), scrapping, etc., etc.) except >>> electronic board repair and software troubleshooting. When >>> troubleshooting >>> a machine if I can prove that the machine is functioning correctly and I >>> can >>> demonstrate that the software is not issuing commands correctly to the >>> machine then the problem is in the software or the hardware that runs the >>> software. With adequate technical support I can address these problems >>> also. Many of these problems I can address myself if a parameter needs >>> to >>> be changed (all of the controls that I have worked on so far are >>> parameter >>> based, Fanuc, Yasnac(Yaskawa), Mitsubishi, Centroid, etc.). On more than >>> one control I have replaced a hard drive, partitioned the hard drive, >>> reloaded software, configured the software for the mill and got the mill >>> up >>> and running again with technical support. In one of these situations I >>> had >>> to get the machine connected to the customers network so that parameters >>> could be downloaded from the control to the customers office computer. >>> With >>> instructions I set up a network connection (I am a computer user, not a >>> computer technician). I am willing to tackle that which I do not know >>> (and >>> do not have the time to learn, I just can't duplicate others knowledge >>> and >>> experience in many areas) if there is adequate technical support to >>> address >>> the problem. I am not comfortable supplying a control system to a >>> customer >>> that does not have adequate technical support because the customer's >>> machine >>> could be down because I am unable to address a certain issue and unable >>> to >>> get the answer for the issue from technical support. My customers trust >>> that whatever I do for them will enable them to make parts and if the >>> making >>> of parts is interrupted that I will be able to get them back up and >>> running >>> promptly. >>> >>> In my ideal world paid technical support would: >>> >>> assist in the retrofit process by >>> >>> - being a programmer that is comfortable with me not becoming a >>> programmer >>> - being a programmer that is comfortable with me being the onsite hands >>> while they are the brain guiding the hands (technical support) >>> - being a Linux enthusiast that will interact with the Windows world (all >>> of >>> my customers front offices are Windows based) without bashing Windows or >>> Bill Gates in front of the customer (the machine control almost always >>> have >>> to be networked with the customers office computers for the transfer of >>> programs) >>> - having the programming ability to create a different GUI for EMC that >>> would be more industry standard (I have designed this GUI, it just needs >>> to >>> be programmed) >>> - having the programming ability and the people skills to talk me or a >>> customer through entering software commands and reporting results so that >>> issue of the moment can be identified and resolved >>> - an alternative to the previous step would be a direct connection via >>> the >>> internet to the machine tool control so that the programmer could >>> remotely >>> evaluate the computer >>> note: I am willing to travel to be onsite whenever onsite activity needs >>> to >>> occur, the programmer would not be required to travel >>> - having the programming ability to make changes as needed so that EMC >>> will >>> function externally in a more industry standard manner (Ray H. generously >>> took time from his very busy schedule to educate me about the momentary >>> contact nature of the inputs to EMC because of the perspective when EMC >>> was >>> first created that there may be more than one control station on a single >>> machine, apparently some of this could be accomplished through the >>> ladder) >>> >>> - advising me which hardware components to purchase (motherboard, memory, >>> hard drive (or hard drive equivalent), power supply, etc.) to put >>> together a >>> computer and provide instruction on how to do so >>> - advising how to load software onto the computer >>> - advising how to configure the software to the machine (I would provide >>> detailed list of machine functions) >>> - writing the ladder logic from my detailed list of machine functions or >>> provide instruction how to write the ladder logic (I have written ladder >>> logic for other systems) >>> OR >>> - providing a computer preloaded with the software and preconfigured per >>> my >>> detailed list of machine functions >>> >>> - providing techinical support as the computer is being attached to the >>> mill >>> (technical support for other systems appreciates my contact and questions >>> because I am very detailed, very focused, I do not call technical support >>> with general questions, I call with a very narrow focus and many details >>> related to the issue) >>> >>> assist after the retrofit is complete by >>> >>> - responding to technical support questions to advise the question has >>> been >>> received (should not be more than 24 hours, ideally would be 2 hours or >>> less) >>> - responding to the technical support question with a solution or an >>> estimate of the time it will take to determine the solution (24 to 48 >>> hours) >>> - advising if it would be helpful to update the software running the >>> machine >>> or remain at the current version level, if the machine computer is >>> connected >>> to the internet then possibly doing a software update remotely >>> - having the programming ability to resolve bugs, add features, etc. as >>> the >>> customer's use of the machine causes some things to be noticed or wanted >>> >>> assist in the overall process by >>> >>> - defining expectations for the delivery of requested tasks, cost for >>> those >>> tasks to be completed and terms for payment >>> >>> Note: If a problem was solved by the collaboration of several >>> individuals >>> from the EMC forum and none of the individuals involved wanted direct >>> payment I would be willing to make a payment to an EMC fund, the Ubuntu >>> fund >>> or wherever the individuals might direct the payment. I am not >>> comfortable >>> receiving contributions (programming, computer build advice, etc.) that >>> enable me to receive compensation from my customers and then keeping all >>> the >>> compensation. That would bug my business conscience. Suppliers that >>> enable >>> me to receive compensation from my customers deserve to receive a portion >>> of >>> the compensation. I would not necessarily care where the compensation >>> payment went (EMC, annual EMC event, Ubuntu, Wikipedia, etc.). I would >>> just >>> want to make the payment. Like Doug, I would want to give back because I >>> had received. >>> >>> These are the major points. If I am forgetting anything, it is minor. >>> >>> My thanks to Ray H., Matt S., Steve S., others who have taken time to >>> explain various things about EMC and Linux and whoever was the individual >>> that was so patient assisting me to get my first computer running with >>> Ubuntu and EMC that discovered the problem preventing the correct >>> execution >>> of commands was my lack of knowledge that Unix based systems are case >>> sensitive. All you programmers enjoy your amusement. :-) Does it make >>> sense now that I need technical support? :-) >>> >>> My thanks to Paul C. who has patiently answered questions that went >>> unanswered on the forum about Linux and EMC in terminology that a >>> non-programmer can understand. >>> >>> I own a knee mill that could be retrofit with EMC. The mill is identical >>> to >>> the mill that Chris H. retrofit. It is a Hurco KM3P. Chris H. can run >>> EMC >>> with the current GUI. If I retrofit my mill for my use I can run with >>> the >>> current GUI. I would like to retrofit this mill and sell it. The >>> current >>> GUI's are not suitable for this. It also could be done with Ajax >>> (Centroid >>> in pieces, http://www.ajaxcnc.com/). The Centroid system is very >>> reliable >>> and technical support is available. For me, this system is the bench >>> mark >>> for comparison with an EMC system. In the same shop where my mill is >>> located the owner's have a knee mill that they have offered me $5000.00 >>> to >>> retrofit. They have been very patiently waiting while I have been trying >>> to >>> find an individual(s) to do the items discussed above so that both of >>> these >>> mills could be retrofit with EMC. >>> >>> Well, Stuart, if you bothered to read all of this I think that you can >>> appreciate as a business owner why I haven't stepped out with EMC. You >>> do >>> not do all the functions of your business. Your business relies on the >>> knowledge, skill and experience of many people. Some of those people are >>> key to the operation of your business. If they did not show for work, >>> your >>> business would limp very badly or not function at all. In order for my >>> efforts with EMC to be successful, I must have an individual involved >>> with >>> my business who will address the software and computer hardware side of >>> the >>> system. >>> >>> Thanks for asking the question. >>> >>> Have a good day, >>> >>> Jim Fleig >>> CNC Services >>> >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "Stuart Stevenson" <[email protected]> >>> To: "Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC)" <[email protected]> >>> Sent: Friday, April 17, 2009 11:02 PM >>> Subject: Re: [Emc-users] What's coming in manufacturing >>> >>> >>>> why could you 'not go commercial'? >>>> >>>> On Fri, Apr 17, 2009 at 7:26 PM, Jim Fleig - CNC Services >>>> <[email protected]> wrote: >>>>> Prior to Doug offering to donate to EMC's development, I have made the >>>>> same >>>>> offer. Kirk correctly comments that this was not received >>>>> enthusiastically. >>>>> Why not? (Gentle "Why not?") Cars are manufactured for commercial sale >>>>> and >>>>> the number of car hobbyists and tinkerers is huge! What is missing in >>>>> my >>>>> perspective? It would seem to me that thankful commercial ventures >>>>> like >>>>> Doug, others and myself making contributions would enable EMC to >>>>> organize >>>>> and fund events, pay for web server time (I have to pay for my website >>>>> to >>>>> be >>>>> on the internet), perhaps forward a percentage of the donations >>>>> received >>>>> by >>>>> EMC to the Linux development, etc. Wouldn't the hobbyist and the >>>>> tinkerer >>>>> benefit from the advancements that may be driven by commercial need and >>>>> commercial contribution to enable the need being met? >>>>> >>>>> Any comments Ray H., Steve S.? >>>>> >>>>> Jim >>>>> >>>>> PS (Comments above are my thoughts. I'm not mad at anybody and I am >>>>> not >>>>> seeking to "stir the pot". Just sharing my 2 cents and am interested >>>>> in >>>>> others perspective on this issue. I actually have turned down retrofit >>>>> work >>>>> due to the lack of ability to go commercial with this software. That >>>>> was >>>>> disappointing.) >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>> From: "Kirk Wallace" <[email protected]> >>>>> To: "Enhanced Machine Controller (EMC)" >>>>> <[email protected]> >>>>> Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 2:11 PM >>>>> Subject: Re: [Emc-users] What's coming in manufacturing >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> On Mon, 2009-04-13 at 13:14 -0400, Doug Pollard wrote: >>>>>>> I am am almost 75 years old and some kind of excited about this new >>>>>>> industrial revolution that is creeping up on us all. >>>>>> ... snip >>>>>>> Wouldn't it be something if free software changed the economy of >>>>>>> the >>>>>>> whole world?? I find this really exciting stuff and it seems it may >>>>>>> go >>>>>>> as far as you can imagine. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Doug >>>>>> >>>>>> I agree that the potential is there, but at this point it is hard to >>>>>> see >>>>>> where this potential will go. >>>>>> >>>>>> The subject of donations to EMC2 has come up before, and it was not >>>>>> received enthusiastically. I think that most of the developers feel >>>>>> that >>>>>> this is a pastime, and bringing money into the mix would diminish the >>>>>> fun. I am very curious about what could be done with EMC2 (and some >>>>>> sort >>>>>> of CAM) if a more commercial approach where pursued. This may be an >>>>>> indication that open source software and free software are are can be >>>>>> very different ideas. >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> Kirk Wallace >>>>>> http://www.wallacecompany.com/machine_shop/ >>>>>> http://www.wallacecompany.com/E45/index.html >>>>>> California, USA >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>>>>> This SF.net email is sponsored by: >>>>>> High Quality Requirements in a Collaborative Environment. >>>>>> Download a free trial of Rational Requirements Composer Now! >>>>>> http://p.sf.net/sfu/www-ibm-com >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Emc-users mailing list >>>>>> [email protected] >>>>>> https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>>>> Stay on top of everything new and different, both inside and >>>>> around Java (TM) technology - register by April 22, and save >>>>> $200 on the JavaOne (SM) conference, June 2-5, 2009, San Francisco. >>>>> 300 plus technical and hands-on sessions. Register today. >>>>> Use priority code J9JMT32. http://p.sf.net/sfu/p >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Emc-users mailing list >>>>> [email protected] >>>>> https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> you can lead a person to knowledge >>>> but you cannot make him think >>>> >>>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>>> Stay on top of everything new and different, both inside and >>>> around Java (TM) technology - register by April 22, and save >>>> $200 on the JavaOne (SM) conference, June 2-5, 2009, San Francisco. >>>> 300 plus technical and hands-on sessions. Register today. >>>> Use priority code J9JMT32. http://p.sf.net/sfu/p >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Emc-users mailing list >>>> [email protected] >>>> https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users >>> >>> >>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>> Stay on top of everything new and different, both inside and >>> around Java (TM) technology - register by April 22, and save >>> $200 on the JavaOne (SM) conference, June 2-5, 2009, San Francisco. >>> 300 plus technical and hands-on sessions. Register today. >>> Use priority code J9JMT32. http://p.sf.net/sfu/p >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Emc-users mailing list >>> [email protected] >>> https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users >>> >>> >> >> >> >> -- >> you can lead a person to knowledge >> but you cannot make him think >> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> Stay on top of everything new and different, both inside and >> around Java (TM) technology - register by April 22, and save >> $200 on the JavaOne (SM) conference, June 2-5, 2009, San Francisco. >> 300 plus technical and hands-on sessions. Register today. >> Use priority code J9JMT32. http://p.sf.net/sfu/p >> _______________________________________________ >> Emc-users mailing list >> [email protected] >> https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Stay on top of everything new and different, both inside and > around Java (TM) technology - register by April 22, and save > $200 on the JavaOne (SM) conference, June 2-5, 2009, San Francisco. > 300 plus technical and hands-on sessions. Register today. > Use priority code J9JMT32. http://p.sf.net/sfu/p > _______________________________________________ > Emc-users mailing list > [email protected] > https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users > >
-- you can lead a person to knowledge but you cannot make him think ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stay on top of everything new and different, both inside and around Java (TM) technology - register by April 22, and save $200 on the JavaOne (SM) conference, June 2-5, 2009, San Francisco. 300 plus technical and hands-on sessions. Register today. Use priority code J9JMT32. http://p.sf.net/sfu/p _______________________________________________ Emc-users mailing list [email protected] https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/emc-users
