[SPEEDRE]

I like someone, who has run Mach 3 for a long time, to answer this for me, " Will, and or, does, being connected to the internet, by cable provider, Comcast, modem, affect the function and performance of Mach 3 when running a machine". Do I really need, to have a separate computer, to operate a gantry router/3d printer? Or can I just use the one I'm on right now? Thank you for all considerations.

[ger21]

My machine control PC is connected to the internet through my router, so no, it should have no effect. However, if you have any antivirus software running, it may have an effect.
It's impossible for anyone to say for sure if your current PC will work. You my need to uninstall certain software and/or make changes in the bios or windows configuration.

[br1]

I can't prove it but because I have a dedicated machines, but I would think having windows xp and recieving a windows update over the internet could be an issue, thats a good question as I have wondered this myself. Could there possibly be resource issues? Say your doing a 4 hour program and about 3 hours into it you get an update. This is why I have dedicated machines with no updates. I know how it is when you get some updates and your machine just hangs until you let it update.

[ger21]

I have automatic updates turned off on all my PC's.
If you're going to be running a machine with Mach3, you want anything automatic turned off.

[aarggh]

As I only do small volume work on my machines I don't even network them, and it's a very basic cut down version of XP, with no other apps installed, or even any Adobe products at all! Especially that damn flash!

I use a USB key (auto A/V scanned on my design machine) to transfer jobs to the dedicated machine.

cheers, Ian

[SPEEDRE]

Not exactly defining. I do have another pc I can use so I guess I'll use it. It would be very similar to aarggh's machine, just xp, mach3 and stuff for 3d printing, slicr or kissler and maybe, Vectric pro 4.6, Auto cad 2000 ,and solid works 2007, no internet, upgrades or security software. Does that sound about right?

[aarggh]

Not exactly defining. I do have another pc I can use so I guess I'll use it. It would be very similar to aarggh's machine, just xp, mach3 and stuff for 3d printing, slicr or kissler and maybe, Vectric pro 4.6, Auto cad 2000 ,and solid works 2007, no internet, upgrades or security software. Does that sound about right?

To my mind yes. I work in IT so I have an inherent distrust in the long term reliability of real-time systems when networked in home environments. But, that's just me!

cheers, Ian

[ger21]

Since all PC's are slightly different, it's impossible to give a definitive answer on whether or not it will run Mach3. The only way to get a definitive answer is to try it. And, in some cases, you may need to modify the configuration to get it to work correctly.

I use a PIII to run Mach3, It's on my home network, and has AutoCAD and V Carve Pro installed on it. No firewall or antivirus, and automatic updates are turned off. I've never opened a web browser on it. It's only networked to transfer files.

[slowtwitch]

I have been running my Mikini mill and Emco lathe using Mach3, windows 7 with the Ethernet smoothstepper for about a year now. I have never had any issues with the Mach3 , Win7 and Smoothstepper combo. I built both computers myself. The specs are as follows...

Foconn mother board... Foxconn H61S LGA 1155 Intel H61 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard - Newegg.com
Intel Celeron G530 Sandy Bridge Cpu... Intel Celeron G530 Sandy Bridge 2.4GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics BX80623G530 - Newegg.com
2 gig of ddr3 ram
64 gig SSD drive

Both computers have a second nic card installed and are always connected to my network and the internet (for updates). They also have Microsoft security essentials for virus protection.

Here's a video of it in action (the mill). The mill has been completely redone...new spindle motor, new stepper motors and digital drives, PMDX126 breakout board, Hitachi WJ200 VFD.



Here are the parts that were made in the video....

Attachment 209446

[Mike 1948]

I have my XP machine networked wirelessly to the internet and have had no issues. When I bought my CNC the builder was adamant about not hooking up to internet, but I did anyway. I also have Solidworks, Aspire, Corel and a bunch of other programs installed on it with no problems. I do have Windows auto-update turned off. When Mach is running that is all I run.

Mike