584,817 active members*
4,754 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    91

    Laptop just for CAM/ Stepper driver

    I currently using an Intel based I7 win 7 64 bit desktop I built for a cad/ design pc, I'm using FlashCuts 501 signal generator via usb. I've been getting a lot of "can't connect to signal generator" errors while running g code so I was thinking about using an old Dell laptop just to run the g code, It's a core 2 duo 8 gig ram 120 ssd and I could install a fresh copy of xp or 7. And I could just network the files over to it.

    Any thoughts or suggestions?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    5728

    Re: Laptop just for CAM/ Stepper driver

    Just make sure you've killed all the power-management stuff that wants to stop your machine from working just when you need it to. Set everything to "never" shut off. And zotz Windows Automatic Update - that can be a killer. Basically, you want to strip it of anything that's going to take focus away from running your machine.
    Andrew Werby
    Website

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    91

    Re: Laptop just for CAM/ Stepper driver

    I was thinking just the OS & CAM software, no internet, updates or anti virus. And set to always on with no screen saver.

    Any thoughts on what version of XP? I have XP & XP with service pack 3.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    413

    Re: Laptop just for CAM/ Stepper driver

    My idea it that this should not be happening ! You can do some troubleshooting yourself by installing Flashcut on any other windows XP, 7 or 8 PC, copying your setup file (xxx.stp) to the new pc and see if the same troubles exist. There is nothing invasive about Flashcut, does not need anything "tuned" specifically for a different PC, and its easy to uninstall.

    If your troubles no longer exist, then it is something funky with that initial computer. Flashcut versions 2, 3, 4 will for sure run on windows XP or Windows 7 (I assume you do not have version 5) without the problems you are having.

    If communication problems exist, I'd call them for some quick guidance. I'm sure that they will immediately be able to tell you what to check regards USB communication problems. Heck, its their mainstay and it works excellent.

    All the problems you are having though DO give you an excuse to get another laptop though..... You can run XP or Windows 7... I've never seen it matter.
    Chris L

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    5516

    Re: Laptop just for CAM/ Stepper driver

    Try running it in 32 bit.

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 0
    Last Post: 02-26-2013, 08:37 AM
  2. Power Supply for 4 Stepper Driver 32-65VDC and 4 Stepper Motor 65V 2.3A
    By guy2b1 in forum DIY CNC Router Table Machines
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 03-08-2011, 12:50 PM
  3. 6 leads stepper motor connect to TB6560AHQ stepper driver board
    By wf1318 in forum Stepper Motors / Drives
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 07-25-2010, 08:19 AM
  4. Wanted DIY stepper driver circuit for 6 wire stepper motors
    By Colin300 in forum Australia, New Zealand Club House
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 09-21-2007, 03:20 AM
  5. STEPPER DRIVER FAQ {Stepper/driver amp per phase match.
    By huios in forum Stepper Motors / Drives
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 08-27-2006, 02:43 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •