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
