Re: Legacy computer in embedded industial systems (Re: Oh Gods ...)

On 23/08/2026 14:20, Lars Poulsen wrote:
> On 2026-08-23 04:32, Carlos E.R. wrote:
>> On 2026-08-23 08:57, c186282 wrote:
>>> On 8/22/26 18:35, Lawrence D’Oliveiro wrote:
>>>> On Sat, 22 Aug 2026 08:36:42 -0400, TJ wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> It goes against the grain, for me at least, to send perfectly good
>>>>> running hardware off to the recycler, just because it is
>>>>> "experienced."
>>>>
>>>> CPU generations (and entire architectures) get dropped from the Linux
>>>> kernel because they can’t find anybody to step forward and maintain
>>>> the support for them.
>>>>
>>>> That is how they tell that there are so few instances of those
>>>> particular kinds of hardware around, that essentially nobody cares
>>>> about them any more.
>>>
>>>    Sad, but quite correct.
>>>
>>>    Really not much call to run Linux-ish stuff
>>>    on a 386/486 these days. How many people
>>>    still USE those old boards for ANYTHING ?
>>>
>>>    MAYBE a few "industrial" monitor/control
>>>    systems ... but REALLY they oughtta upgrade.
>>  > >    However SOME won't because it might cost a
>>>    few dollars. They'll run the old hardware
>>>    until it literally bursts into flames - and
>>>    then be SCREWED for days/weeks/months. But,
>>>    the bean-counters will TELL them they're
>>>    saving SO much money, now .......
>>
>> Industrial computers may have boards, like data acquisition boards, to 
>> interface with motors and sensors (or cameras). If you upgrade the 
>> computer, it comes with a new operating system, so their expensive 
>> software does not run on it. The cards probably can not be plugged in, 
>> so they also need replacing; the new boards will probably not be 
>> compatible with the expensive software. So finally they need to 
>> recreate the software (hopefully the company that created it still 
>> exists and has the source files). And maybe there are a bunch of 
>> computers to replace.
>>
>> The price is no longer minor.
> 
> What you have to do is make sure you have one or two backup hardware 
> packages, because when the computer breaks, you won't be able to buy one 
> that works. (Just try to find a motherboard with ISA slots today!)

https://www.directindustry.com/industrial-manufacturer/isa-motherboard-255106.html

> And with custom plugin boards, it is kinda too late to have them fabbed 
> when the system is already down. And fire it up once a year to make sure 
> it still runs.
> 
> That may not guarantee that you can recover, but it vastly increases 
> your chances.
> 
> And when you put the reserve system into service, it is time to expedite 
> developing a replacement!
> 
> For PC systems, the big hurdle is that old 16-bit systems allowed
> programs to do I/O to ISA bus peripherals without kernel programming, 
> device drivers and OS hooks. When you "modernize" that ability is lost, 
> and you have to rebuild with much more complicated programming.
> 
That is a function of the operating system, not the chipset
-- 
"When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, 
that the dunces are all in confederacy against him."

Jonathan Swift.