Doubts around LinuxCNC

Hello, this is my first post here and also i never dealt with a linux system in my life. I am here because of a search for an alternative CNC controller software and while on my travels through the web i found LinuxCNC, so i have a few doubts that i may be posting in the wrong section of the forum or not. So let's go, they're simple:

1) I wish to implement on my CNC a USB communication interface, so there are any boards that communicate using the universal bus protocol and work with the software?

2) On the software, is there a way to program a custom routine? I would need for my custom ATC unit.

3) If the answer to the previous questions is yes, then, how it's done?

4) It's really open source, right ?

5) Anyone used MasterCAM to generate the g-code? Which post-processor i should use? Generic?

That's it for now, thanks in advance!

imitheo wrote:

1) I wish to implement on my CNC a USB communication interface, so there are any boards that communicate using the universal bus protocol and work with the software?

No, Linuxcnc does not work with USB for real time tasks such as controlling an axis, but it can be used for userspace tasks.

imitheo wrote:

2) On the software, is there a way to program a custom routine? I would need for my custom ATC unit.

Yes

imitheo wrote:

3) If the answer to the previous questions is yes, then, how it's done?

Depending on exactly what you need, you may not need to actually do this. My understanding is the default routines work pretty well as is for most standard ATC arrangements (even random tool changers).
wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?ToolChange
But if you need to, with remapping you can do just about anything.
linuxcnc.org/docs/html/remap/remap.html

imitheo wrote:

4) It's really open source, right ?

Yes, Seems too good to be true doesn't it. But it is for real and works good, if you take the time to learn how to use it. (I am using it on 5 machines in a factory setting.)

imitheo wrote:

5) Anyone used MasterCAM to generate the g-code? Which post-processor i should use? Generic?

I don't use Mastercam. If they have one for EMC, EMC2 or Linuxcnc those would probably be preferred. If not, a generic Fanuc type or Mach3 will often work without much tweaking.