Originally Posted by
PCW_MESA
If you are considering LinuxCNC (and its a great solution with true closed loop back to the controller),
its important to know that Interface hardware for LinuxCNC is different from Mach or other common CNC interface
hardware because the I/O hardware must work in real time.
This means for example that buffered, non-real time hardware like Galil cannot be used with LinuxCNC.
There are at least 3 companies that make hardware specifically for LinuxCNC:
General Mechatronics
Mesa
Pico Systems
If you decide to use LinuxCNC I would definitely look into interface hardware from the listed companies
A common option we (Mesa) sell for analog servo retrofits is the 7I77/5I25 card set.
This card set has 6 encoder inputs all with index capability, 6 analog +-10V outputs
16 12/24V outputs and 32 12/24V inputs. In addition it has a high speed serial expansion port
if more I/O is required