[Embedlets-dev] CNC machine controller -> JSIMM, TStik, Muvium (go with current event model...)

[Ted K. <tk...@ya...>]

James wrote:

> What we really need for the embedlets is a great example to drive out
> the issues. I know that Ted Kosan has begun to work on the 3-Axis Plasma
> Cutter.

And I am ready go now!


Here is the CNC Plasma Cutting machine that I have coming:

http://etwb.javadevices.org/misc/plasma1.jpg


Here are the servo drivers I am using:

http://www.geckodrive.com/item.htbml?order_id=0&item_id=G320


And here is one of the servos:

http://etwb.javadevices.org/misc/cmc-servo2.jpg


I have been keeping this project kind of quiet until I had most of the pieces
in place but I guess it is time to bring it out in the open.  During the past
month or so I have helped form a group of about 25 CAD/CAM/CNC people in order
to start designing a network-centric CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing)
framework which leverages Embedlets.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/newcim/

The above mentioned CNC plasma cutter is going to be an Embedlets based, 100%
pure Java test-bed machine for this effort and this is what hardware the
controller is going to consist of:

1) A JSimm backplane:  http://jsimm.com

2) A TStik as the host for the Embedlet container: http://tstik.com

3) A muvium on a JSIMM card plugged into the backplane in order to
inexpensively handle the application's realtime needs:  http://muvium.com.


My current thinking on the Embedlets event issue is that we really should give
the container, as currently designed, a rigerous industrial-quality test like
this to see how well it performs. 

Beyond this, the new SLEE container appears to use almost the same model as we
currently have for Embedlets:

http://java.sun.com/products/jain/article_slee_principles.html

I think that this fact validates the approach that Andrzej pushed for and I do
not see a reason to prematurely gut the current event model before it has been
tested.


James, after thinking about the Embedlets/muvium issue for a while now, it is
my opinion that muvium's most likely initial role is to provide inexpensive
realtime capabilities to an Embedlet container as described above.  In order to
fulfill this role it does not need to host an Embedlet container, all it needs
to do is to be able to implement a JAPL interface using mostly the software
foundation you have already created.

Is there any chance I can talk you into setting aside trying to implement an
Embedlets container on muvium for right now and help me to develop a
JAPL/muvium based realtime servo motor controller that can plug into a JSIMM
backplane and talk to a TStik?

I now have almost all the parts I need to put this thing together and I also
have almost all of the next two months available to devote to this project.

I would really like to see how good of a muvium based 3+ axis servo controller
we can come up with in 2 months!


Ted

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