I think you answered your own question about what would keep you from using an
rx/tx RF module...

Andrew Hooper wrote:
Q: whats stopping us from using a small rx/tx RF module
A: Its an EDM machine, and the RF in the room is WAY to high

However, I would suggest you use *shielded* cat5 cable (most cat5 sold is
unshielded) and that you go with 10baseT (100baseT may be more susceptable to
the noise in the room)

Most of the home phoneline and wireless networks were made for the relatively
low electrical noise of the (average ;-) home, and will likely have bad results
in your intended environment.

Also, you can use CAN for computer networking, which is intended for high noise
environments, and is very robust with hardware error correcting etc.  It can go
much faster than your typical RF solution.

I hope this helps!

-Adam

Andrew Hooper wrote:

> whats stopping us from using a small rx/tx RF module

> Its an EDM machine, and the RF in the room is WAY to high