Remote viewing of shopbot screen?

[myxpykalix]

When I am running a long 3d file I usually turn the camera on and watch the machine from in the house but i can't see the screen or the progress %on the screen and wondered if anyone knew of a way to wirelessly connect to the laptop screen running the bot to be able to view it either inside on the computer or tv?

I don't know if i would want remote control of the machine but i would like to be able to see the desktop because many times i am running a long 3d finishing toolpath late at nite and would rather not have to run out to the shop in my pajammas:D

I have seen some gear from NetGear that allows you to stream internet content to your television but it is all controlled from the laptop. Seems to me that you could set it up to stream when you leave the file running but i would be concerned about running anything in the background while you are running the shopbot pgm.

[richards]

Windows XP has Remote Desktop, which let's you see/control one computer from another. Here is a website that explains how to use it:

www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/remoteintro.mspx (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/remoteintro.mspx)

[jerry_stanek]

I don't think you would want to run remote pc as your control pc may stutter and the shopbot could lose steps.

[myxpykalix]

I don't know what difference there would be but it seems to me that it would be better to be able to just monitor the screen rather then have some type of remote access or control. I could definitely see problems arising from that.

[jerry_stanek]

How far is your Shopbot away from your house. Do you use a desk top or laptop to run your Shopbot.

[srwtlc]

Jack,

I've used RealVNC Free on a Win XP to XP setup and it worked pretty good, but I'd do some testing first with your system and make sure that it doesn't interrupt the USB data flow. I had it happen a couple of times and the machine just stalled and stayed that way until I came to the rescue.

http://www.realvnc.com/products/free/4.1/download.html

Windows Remote Desktop could be an option, but the log-on process may cause a problem even if you set it up without a user/password.

Might be better to have another wired or wireless camera setup (multi-surveillance cameras) that could watch the laptop instead of taking the chance with interrupting the machine.

[mmason]

Logmein.com it is free and I use it from any computer to the shopbot computer. Have never had shopbot lockup or interrupted.

[jerry_stanek]

Anytime that your computer is on the internet you run the risk of having an update pop up or something trying to ping your IP address. That could cause the Shopbot software to have a hick up and stop.

[chiloquinruss]

How about just running a second camera. In the house you can run software that lets you switch cameras for better views much like they do for security systems. They now make remote video equipment that has their own IP address that makes such things possible. I have used these guys before and they are very easy to work with. http://www.supercircuits.com/ I have used their systems for some of the model railroads I build for folks. Russ

[Mayo]

Can you just hook up a second monitor and have it connected in your house?

[steve_g]

I just loaded and tried logmein.com. It was easy to install and straight forward to use. So far ... the results are very good. I like to design in the house while the Bot is running in the shop, this will add a layer of comfort that all is well ... or that something needs attention!

Steve

[bryson]

Jack, You might want to check this out. http://www.crossloop.com
Bryson

[myxpykalix]

michael,
It looks as if Logmein.com requires an internet connection for both computers and what i was trying to figure out was if there was maybe some type of desktop monitoring program that i could use and then possibly use a wifi connection to broadcast it directly to me in the house as opposed to going thru the net because i have no phone lines out in the shop.
Others suggestions of a second camera sound less intrusive to the workflow of the computer being a seperate wireless stream not connected to the computer at all.
I am running a laptop on the shopbot that has never been setup or connected to the net. It came right out of the box and into the shop. I usually take the laptop in with me when it isn't in use.

[jerry_stanek]

You say you have a laptop there should be a VGA out that you could plug a long monitor cable in and set the laptop to duel display.

[steve_g]

Are we talking 100' or 1000' ?

[changrudy]

I'm planning my new shop and I'm in the same boat as you. I'm trying to figure a way to view the shop and the screen to monitor the process from upstairs. I'm definately going the camera route, but with an IP camera that sends the signal via ethernet cable. I'm also trying to figure out a way to control the shopbot computer (and view it) from a laptop from upstairs as well and it seems like logmein.com is the way to go. If I find anther way without connecting to the internet, I'll let you know.

Rudy

[myxpykalix]

My shop is 20-30 ft away, too far for a wired connection.

[jerry_stanek]

We use 50 and 100 foot vga cables on some of our trade show booths. Also we use vga to composite adapters for some.

[changrudy]

20-30' is actually a pretty short run for ethernet CAT5 or even a RG6 (coaxial) if you want to use a regular tv. Even USB can be run that long.

Check monoprice for your cable needs.

Rudy

[adrianm]

There are plenty of HDMI wireless transmitters/receivers. If you had an HDMI capable video card then you could set Windows to duplicate the display to the HDMI output and transmit it to a TV in the house.

[chiloquinruss]

The video gear I referenced comes with 100 foot cables for each camera and I've had the occassion to run an additional 50 foot. Russ

[bcondon]

Hmmm.. I have been looking at gear from www.Sebectec.com which is essentially a webcam to your viewing system. The Shopbot
would not have any software.

http://www.sebeclake.net/


Mike has webcams all over the world and yes, your shop could be online
if there is interest.

look at the site where our camp is.. There are three webcams up there
but look at the first page at the bottom to show other cams out there.


This may be a great application and Mike is one f the coolest guys you would ever want to meet!

Bob Condon