LinuxCNC with Mesa 7i65 and 6i24 FPGA

andypugh wrote:

benmoto wrote: I realized the 6i24 wouldn't work because it's not made for 24v I/O inputs (from what I could tell)

The headers on the 6i24 are for logic-level inputs. You would use daughter cards to choose the required voltage and current levels to be driven, and in which direction. For example the 7i37TA

I may need more I/O - not exactly sure. Can you daisy chain 7i84's together?

Don't forget that there is some IO on the 7i77, so together with the 7i84 you have a fair bit of IO already.
The 6i25 has a second header that can be connected to another DB25 card. As has been mentioned, one possible DB25 card is the 7i84 which can connect 8 more smart-serial cards.

Minor correction, the last mesa board should be 7i74 for 8 more smart-serial cards.
Sorry for the intrusion.

Thanks to everyone for the help.

Based on your replies I'm confident my setup will work, if I do need more logic for my retrofit I'm confident I can just add the 7i74.

I'm building this controller replacement for my father, this is going to be his retirement hobby. I have a background in software engineering so I look forward to delving into the software side of things.

I recorded my setup of the PC / case and internal wiring / adapters to fit the existing/legacy connections (VGA/DB15 and IDC50).
There are some clever bits to make the interface between CNC and control pc clean and plug+play.

I filmed the setup, and I'm currently filming the software installation / mesa card setup - I'll post a link to Youtube when I'm done.

Thank you all, I'm sure I'll be back with more questions. In the future hopefully I'll be able to write up what I've done for those starting from zero like I was.