I have a milling machine that has a Fanuc OMA control system installed. This machine was manufactured in 1988. The mechanical workings of the machine are good. I have ran into an issue with the main Fanuc board such that I cannot transfer data into the machine from the PC. I have investigated this issue in another thread and it has been determined that I need to replace the Fanuc board. These boards go for ~$750.00 on ebay for the same board that is approx 20-25 years old.

I am considering retrofitting the machine with LinuxCNC and using the PicoSystems Universal PWM Servo Controller and there AC servo drives. I also plan on removing the rotary phase converter that I have for the machine in favor of VFDs for the spindle motor and the coolant pump motor. I think I can do this retrofit for around ~$1200.00.

My question is what are the advantages and disadvantages of the retrofit vs buying the used replacement Fanuc board.