22 Dec
2009
22 Dec
'09
2:28 p.m.
On 22 Dec 2009 at 10:36, Ray Arachelian wrote:
So, what is this thing you're trying to build?
You've got my
curiosity up. :-)
There's a ton of old CNC equipment out there--not just machine tools,
but other things such as embroidery machines. All are your basic
gray iron casting with a computer attached. Many have been adapted
to make use of floppy disks instead of punched paper tape. One
aspect is that there is a plethora of differing formats out there,
not to mention filesystems.
The problem is that floppies are getting harder to deal with. I was
surprised to find that the local computer reuse/recycler will no
longer accept diskettes--not even if they are new and in unopened
original packaging. Seems that they've gone from obsolescent to
obsolete.
So other people who own the very expensive pieces of equipment are
wondering what's next after floppies.
I'm trying to come up with a convincing solution. The technical
solution is fairly straightforward, thanks to modern microcontroller
technology, but there are practical decisions to be made.
--Chuck