Chris, I'll see if I can't answer some of your questions for you..
Originally Posted by in2steam 
#1 Is the controler capable of running in a network, thats to say can it be on a router, while doing live moves via MDI. Also is there or is there not USB support, either from Mach or the GREX
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Yes I run mine on a network which has two pc's as well as other equipment [wireless router, a pc connected via wireless, DSL router I'm adding a wireless bridge and a switch as well as a new PC just for games] on it and it doesn't seem to bother it [so far]. The USB part of the Grex seem's to be there mainly for use by independant programers and people who want to use it as a PLC [my understanding]
Originally Posted by in2steam #2 can the controller run indenpendant of the host computer once a program is loaded, this is a assuming I have the proper inputs to rewind and start the cycle. So I can say shut down the computer, or unplug it from the network, or shutdown the Mach controller. |
Yes, Mariss designed it so that it could be used as a PLC of sorts to control systems which are self contained and repetative. This may require understanding the internal's of a Grex. This is in its documentation, however 99.9999% of it is over my head.
Originally Posted by in2steam #3 If the above is true can Mach pickup midstream what the GREX is doing and interupt the cycle for say tool wear comp/offsets. Lets say the machine is running along and I re int Mach can it talk to the GREX and figure out what its doing on what program? |
Not sure, but at a guess I'd say no, either Mach is in control of the Grex, or its not, one or the other..
Originally Posted by in2steam
#4 Similiar to the aobve will the E-stop feature work from the host computer should the #2 happen then #3.
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The E-stop could be hard wired to the G100 which would give that ability to control it, it could be programed to stop on its own if certain perameter's weren't met, this ties w/ the answers to Q2 &3 as well.
Originally Posted by in2steam #5 Can the Mach support more then one GREX on a network. Say a lathe at one IP then a mill at anohter IP. |
Yes and no, yes it could control several G100's w/ different address's and w/ differnt machine setup's but not at the same time, you'd need 1 pc for each g100 if they are run all at the same time, or 1 pc and only 1 Grex is run at a time. I think they could all be on the same network but..
Originally Posted by in2steam #6 I assume that this is available for the GREX but does it need mach running to use an MPG for offline movement, so the GREX has total control, without mach running, a JOG mode so to speak. |
No the MPG would interface through Mach 3, which would tell the G100 to move the motors. Not to say that it couldn't be made to operate the G100 directly, but you'd have to program it to do that. [again see the documentation]
I'm sure others will jump in as well but for now, I hope that helps you understand some of its abilities. The G100 documentation is a free download from geckodrives website.. take a boo and see if its something you can work with.
Best
Jerry