Nick - we are actively developing applications for the Sonys for our manufacturing, and have overcome several of the issues. Mostly hardware-related interface problems with the controller. Give us a call on Monday and our production engineer can try to help a bit. They are good machines, its too bad that Sony has abandoned the market.
Not sure about the E-Tips rules on emails, so here is a minimal means of contact. If not visible, get a hold of us via the webmaster...
Doug Johnson
Cambria Corporation
Seattle, Wash