IOC options

[Heinrich du Toit <heinrichdt@tlabs.ac.za>]

Hi

We have just started investigating using EPICS :)
So far so good.
The one problem we have is that we have tons of existing hardware (lotsa
it is custom made) that I will need to interface. Luckily most if this
hardware works on a fairly simple bus interface (once again custom made)

I was thinking that the following might be options:
1. To have a small linux pc (pc104?) and put in some or other card
(maybe NI) to interface the hardware and run the IOC software on here
Having a strict real-time system isn't really important. 
The problem I have with this setup is that I will probably have to
develop some in-between interface to go between the pc and the hardware.
Or I need to figure out how to get NI cards working under linux.. but
even with that we need in-between devices.

2. The other option I like is the idea of using a ARM processor.
Now If I'm not mistaken I can run EPICS on Linux on ARM - correct?
What do I need on my ARM system for this to work? In terms of flash/ram.
How difficult will the be to get working?
Or maybe somebody has already done something similar? 

I appreciate any help!

-Heinrich du Toit
iThemba LABS

Ps. Is there anybody in South-Africa making use of EPICS?