Originally Posted by
bleeth
Just saw your "laundry list" of things below that you have done and that it includes grounding. I have a couple new suggestions now (After you do what Nate wrote).
1. If the operating computer is networked and/or hooked up to the internet, take it off both. Then apply all "black viper" bare bones service modifications. If you have to have network, then carefully survey the steps so you don't disable this ability, but if hooked up to internet, don't ever go anywhere you are not completely sure of, and don't use it for e-mail. Run the network through a router and make sure your router has a proper firewall. Disable all automatic upgrades, screensavers, timed power control, and software update checks. I firmly believe that any computer that is running a Shopbot should be dedicated to that task and not used for other general needs. Any program running in the background can cause issues. Some of the worst are antivirus and update checkers. If your computer is dedicated than you don't need anti-virus, security shields, or updates.
2. If after doing this you are still having issues, try going back to the 3.6xx SB operating software (available from the SB website). Apparently, there were quite a few bugs with all previous 3.8xx and personally, in your position, I wouldn't use anything but a tried and true version and the newest 3.8 hasn't been field tested enough for my liking. I've been doing fine with 3.6 and also have a single head Alpha with spindle. One of the nice things about 3.6 is the easy ability to do a speed check on your comm speed. Make sure you get the right firmware in if you do change your Op software.