Dual control setup - comms between 2 systems- 7i94 bin file?

HI
Linuxcnc doesn’t support more than one toolpath, for example a lathe with two independent turrets. Typically, this is referred to as a dual path system. 

As seen on other posts on the topic on this forum, it is recommended to use two separate LinuxCNC systems, which is OK Now, I would like to link the two systems and im not sure what would be the best to do this.On the PC side, im planning to set up a local network so that the slave system can load a program written on the master system, so file sharing etc. there should be a lot of info on this on the web… On the linuxcnc side, im running a 7i94 +7i77 on each PC.Typically, I would like to have a link between the two linuxcnc systems so that the one system (master) can interface with some of the HAL data on the other (slave) system.It would be ideal if the master system can read/write hal pins (float and bit). It does not have to be realtime though, but I need it reliableI don’t know what is possible, but I was thinking a serial link from one 7i94 to the other would be the best solution.Is it worth checking out the Mesa Modbus method? Does this seem like a good idea or are there some better options? Your ideas would be much appreciated ThanksHenk

Tomorrow I would like to get the 2 7i94ts to connect using a mesa uart connection. Not sure which firmware to flash. Had a look through the available ones but there isn't an obvious choice. 

PCW, is there one available, if so which one?

Thanks
Henk

I can make a configuration with UARTs but there is no direct hal support
for communication between two systems.

What other I/O do you need on the 7I94Ts?

How much data needs to be exchanged?

github.com/LinuxCNC/linuxcnc/pull/2722

Seems like a better solution if possible.

Hi. Thank you for the support. 

I need to commect some io boards so i need at least 2 smart serial channels.

of the 8 available ports on the 7i94, can you provide uarts on 4 of them please?

Much apreceated
Henk 

Definitely a better solution but I doubt time will alow for it now. 

I do think it is worth doing though, so I think i will set up a pc and ask a friend who is better skilled than me in terms of programming to have a look

Thanks Andy
Henk

I'll try to make a bitfile  tomorrow
What do you want on the parallel expansion port?
 
(Just  checked the first post so 7I77 on parallel port)
 

Yes. 7i77 please