Biesse Rover B 7.40FT

Hey LinuxCNC fam,
I have a Biesse Rover B 7.40FT where the computer (specifically the HDD) just bit the dust. If I can't get the configuration back, I'll need to sort something out. I've been reading some posts on people who have gotten LinuxCNC working on their Biesse machines, and I'm just wondering what I'm in for if I decide to go that route.
The machine is from 2004, so it's decently old, but aside from the PC, still works well.
Any thoughts, tips, or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

I did a conversion of a much older machine (1993) with analog servo amplifiers and I/O modules with 5V TTL interface into the control.

It seems your machine uses some kind of serial field bus to connect I/Os - those you would probably have to replace. The really interesting question is how the controller is talking to the servos. AFAICT there are no servo amplifiers visible in your photos.

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated!

Where you recommend I begin my research into this? I have all the manuals and schematics for the machine.

Most important question is:
What is the command interface of the motor drives? (ie analog, step/dir etc.)
If unsure post a picture of the drive type plate and/or the relevant pages from the schematics.

vruxik wrote:

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated!

Where you recommend I begin my research into this? I have all the manuals and schematics for the machine.
If you have schematics and all manuals it should be straightforward to find manufacturer of servos motors/amps and interface. 

I have started a older machine the rover 15 it was pretty straight forward to get most bits working.
these will almost defiantly be analogue signal Yaskawa drives. I think yours might be Metrolink though with makes it bit of a pain. add a picture from the front of the cab where the vfd and drives are