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Gerrit:Can't go too far wrong at those prices. I thought it was unobtainable or several hundred dollars. So you're suggesting "PCNC 1100 PathPilot Upgrade Kit - Software & Manual PN: 38706" rather than "PathPilot Software Bootable USB Drive - Recovery Media PN: 38249"? If I can get one I'll start bothering you about which Mesa cards and pin out. But for now which to order. Thanks.The only downside for Tormach I can see is they'll get more support questions. That could be a problem on their end. Otherwise, win/win.I confess, I just Google for LinuxCNC questions and end up in the forum more times than not. But it's solid code and free. :-) On my last install I somehow ended up with an old unsupported Ubuntu version which I thought was LinuxCNC's most current release. Works fine until you want to install, say, an editor and all the Repositories are gone. When I get a chance I think I'll upgrade to Mint. Last time around I moved from the parallel port to a Mesa 5I25 card directly connected to my older than old PMDX breakout board.I tend to be cautious with large scary cnc machines. I use MDI commands and if complex at all CAMBAM. I very seldom hand code G-code, but knowing a little helps at the machine with MDIs. Also handy when modifying post processors. For the mill CAMBAM is, I believe, a good 2 1/2+ CAM package. (I'd like a true 3D package but haven't found one yet.) The CAM packages are pretty good for milling but for lathe work it's a little different. I think there are some good commercial packages for lathe but I can't afford them (and won't use Windows). So, for the lathe I end up doing more hand coding, very carefully. It's a lot easier than a real programming language. A G-code simulator helps with debugging also.Thanks for the help.
That's marvellous Jason.Andy