Is a Laptop a Near Guarantee Against Comm Errors?

[gerryv]

Our desktop PC appears to have died and while we have been comm error free I'm wondering if it might be wise to replace it with a laptop that's properly stripped down of the usual problem causes/settings?

I ask this because I've seen a number of instances on the forum where folks using a laptop and a desktop only have problems with the desktop PC.

Is there anyone out there that has run into comm error problems when using a laptop and, if yes, was it only because of a blatantly bad grounding setup or defective cable/wiring?

Spending an extra couple of hundred bucks on a laptop seems like a small price to pay to increase the chances of running problem free.

[garyc]

Gerry...
Short answer is no. Due to built in isolation they may be better in some cases, but only in those cases. Laptops by design have built in features to prolong battery life which in many cases make them worse as a control computer. Even more so for "branded" versions. Unlike a PC, a laptop is not made to turn on and never turn off.

I personally would not use them (laptops) unless I was an occasional user and had no other choice. That said, most of the machines here at SB use them. I brought in my own PC.

[bruce_taylor]

I had comm issues years ago when I started switching to a laptop didn't help alot at the time. When I added a dedicated computer with lots of ram and networked the design computer to it, I have been virtually free of that issue ever since. My system is a standalone not hooked up to the internet of anything else with everything else turned off totally dedicated to running the bot. Works flawlessly.I haven't hooked up a laptop since and don't intend to. I hope this helps.

[khaos]

BLUF: No lappies aren't immune from Comm(ie):eek: errors.

I have only used a laptop. I have had the comm error a few times. I rewired all the steppers on my PRS96 (http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507&highlight=crispy)with shielded wire primarily to stop intermittent false proximity switch triggers. I also added a quality UPS between the wall and the controller and the laptop. This was primarily to condition the power and mellow out any surges. I never use the lappy unplugged. Like Gary said unplugged they follow their own crazy ways.

That worked great until I updated everything to version .38. Now I have the proxies disabled. :mad::mad::mad:

HTH.

[gerryv]

Thanks much guys. If it turns out the old PC is fried and a new one introduces any comm errors I'll at least know not to blame the Shopbot as its been running clean with the old one :-)

[CNYDWW]

Honestly, i'd like to see the complete specs right down to part numbers for all components in the computers of those that never see comm errors even with a network enabled.

[adrianm]

I can honestly say that I've never had a comm issue that wasn't caused by something that I know was 100% my fault such as unplugging a USB drive. I cut 18mm MDF pretty much every day for hours at a time as well.

Up until very recently my PC was standard XP with wireless networking etc with just the the screensaver and automatic updates disabled. It's also a Dell which I know a lot of people have trouble with but it's totally reliable for me.

The only grounding I have is a copper cable from one of the legs to a copper rod in the ground. Which is also where the workshop power supply is earthed.

The thing which strikes me is that I'm in the UK and I'm wondering if it's our wiring / plugs / something else that makes the difference?

[bcondon]

My setup is a alpha 86x48 with a Dell laptop.

I have a design laptop and a Machine Control laptop, both being exactly the same model machine. My design machine connects to the net and has virus control, my control machine is completely standalone, no virus protection running.

The ONLY time I get Data Comm issues is when I put in a finger stick to transfer toolpath files. ai never bring tool files in unless the Shopbot is idle so I can not lose control.

Many times putting in the finger stick, then removing it using the "remove removable device" icon, and physically removing the stick, I will get a data comm errre.

I shut down the Shopbot app on the computer, restart and off we go again.

FYI: This is not every time I load files... maybe 1 out of 10.

My shop and house ig grounded to death as I have 1 main panel and three sub panels for the house, garage and shop. The electrical inspector asked if he could hire me because I knew the code better than most his new employees!

There was a question about size of conductor for grounding. GFor my dust collection, I used bare #16 on pipe and machine and never had any static issues. I run a wore around the outside of the pipe and a bare wire inside the pipe with the smallest hole tht will allow the wire to pass through the outer wall and never had a problem.

Thanks
Bob Condon

[shoeshine]

I hate to say it, but it seems situational.

I do everything wrong.

PRS BT48 standard.

compaq presario CQ5500F off the shelf at fry's (sempron 140, 2gb ram, connected to my wireless network for internet, win 7 home, w/ virus protection), not on a dedicated circuit (though the bot and DC have one) DC just grounded through the plug. Using Rockler flex tube w/ embedded wire.

Only comm error I've ever had was when the usb cable was loose, speed test @ 78%. Going on 2 years now.