Odd non-CNC setup

Ok, so I need to control a non-CNC machine for test purposes. I will have at least 5 axes. Possibly more depending on how the first 4 work out.
2 axes will be 2 phase steppers with mechanical actuator combined with linear potentiometers for 'absolute' position control. 2 axes will use Animatics 'SmartMotors' with linear potentiometers for 'absolute' position control. 1 axis will use a 2 phase stepper with mechanical actuator and an incremental linear encoder for position control.
I am used to Mesanet hardware and really like it.
Problem is (are) the linear pots. How do I read them? suggestions for an A/D converter?
Also, the steppers.... what drive? The actual drive will be an MForce MicroDrive.

PCW can you layout a Mesanet configuration for EMC2 Linuxcnc control?

The final system will be controlled with EPICS Check it out.

if you mean rotary shaft quadtature encoders then you'll be fine .. but linear pots ( I presume LVDT) then you'd probably handle them as a resolver which again is an add on card for mesa io
can you link to the specific pots you are wishing to use , would be a good idea .

a 5I25, 7I85S plus a 7I87 might do as well

Thanks for the help.
So, the linear pot are Novotechnik, T series. Pretty high quality.
The linear incremental encoder is a Renishaw TONIC with an RELM tape, sub-micron. Yes, it's a real requirement.
The actuators are Harmonic Drive LA-32-30 with Oriental Motor steppers. The HD has an 80:1 gear with a .5mm lead.
The other motors are Animatics SmartMotor SM23205D's.
I can use most any stepper drive as long it micro steps really small, like >20micro/step.
The final stepper drives will be Schneider MForce MicroDrives, microstepping.
2 actuators are coordinated motion, X & Y. The others are independent.
It does not have to run totally real time.

I would really like to stay completely MesaNet. Can this be done????

The thing is to put into a beam line at SLAC, run by EPICS, but I need to exercise it during test.
It's not a hobby deal, so cost is adequately covered.

I'm all ears, and need help.

Sorry, Guess I wasn't very clear. My LinuxCNC setup will just be a simple test system to exercise the motion components. The final complete assembly will be installed at SLAC and controlled via EPICS.

on the side, check out EPICS and RTEMS !!!!

www.aps.anl.gov/epics/index.php
www.rtems.org/