New computer

[abentley]

Any recommendations on where to buy a computer to run the shopbot.it just needs to run the machine nothing else. Thanks

[jerry_stanek]

I buy mine from Microcenter I have one like this one it is the Third one that I bought sold 2 with other shopbots and have my shopbot running on the third one.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/445829/Elite_8000_Windows_7_Professional_Desktop_Computer _Refurbished

[scottp55]

We bought virtually the same model refurbished from WallyMart in January, but Jerry's is $79.95 cheaper.
Going well with the second Desktop.
Running Win7 on both control computers as they never see the internet.
scott

[Designer]

I need a computer dedicated to my CNC instead of my lap top. Do you run Aspire or VCarve pro on it? I often make final adjustments in Aspire at the CNC.

[scottp55]

Phil,
I have a very similar (i5) I bought for the first Desktop with Win7.... almost ever day use it as a design computer in VCP8.5 on proto's and now on 3D calculations, as it's faster without all the garbage on it than this brand new Win 10 laptop with all the garbage.
scott

[jerry_stanek]

I have Aspire on my cnc control computer to do just that. I also have it hooked up to my NAS. I do my design work in my house and save to the NAS then pull the cut files from there.

[knight_toolworks]

when I update my drawing computer I use the old one to run the bot.

[Greybarn]

I bought a Win7 HP desktop from Newegg, stripped it down per Black Viper and have been very happy with it.

[jerry_stanek]

My only other suggestion is stay away from Dell computers. I tried 4 different Dells and non of them were stable kept losing com errors

[nat_wheatley]

My only other suggestion is stay away from Dell computers. I tried 4 different Dells and non of them were stable kept losing com errors

I'll echo this.

[James M]

What is a "Black Viper" strip down? I'm intrigued!

[tri4sale]

My only other suggestion is stay away from Dell computers. I tried 4 different Dells and non of them were stable kept losing com errors

I've been running a Dell since I got my bot over a year ago, once I installed a grounding line on my dust collector, I've had no com errors.

[jerry_stanek]

I have never had any com errors with any other computers but the Dells. My dust collector is grounded and it happened to2 different Shopbots one without a dust collector. Tried 4 different Dell models and they all gave me problems. Brady explained it i one of his posts

[cowboy1296]

now you tell me about Dell although i have not had that many issues and do some long 3-d cuts.

Now i use to think that i knew a lot about computers but really i dont. So this is my interpretation of why you should use black vipers bare bones suggestions. Any service running in the back ground of your computer such as windows update pop ups or anti virus etc will interfere with the communication between your control computer and control box. So he tells you which services need to be turned off and which to be left on. You have no idea what is running in the back ground.

[scottp55]

For Win7 control computers "Black Viper"
http://www.blackviper.com/service-configurations/black-vipers-windows-7-service-configurations/

[jerry_stanek]

It has something to do with how Dells handle the USB

[kurt_rose]

I have used a Dell for 5 years. Same computer running XP. No problems at all. I do have it hooked up to a USB expansion card though. Might be the reason.

[bleeth]

This conversation regarding Dell or not to Dell has been going on for years. Some users have had issues and others haven't. I'm one of those that have used a Dell ever since my first old recycled Gateway bit the dust. I also have had no comm issues with them over the years. I have always had them hooked up to the shop network via hardwire. Never used wireless anything on the operating computer. Also stripped down all the way per Black Viper.com. I've run different ones over the years and also different windows. For quite some time now I do use a powered hub in between controller and computer. I think the latest one is from Radio Shack but not sure now.

[Nate Sirek]

Can black vipers tweaks be used in 10? Also, what's the benefit of using a powered hub between the PC and the bot?

[bleeth]

Yes-They have windows 10 configurations. go to the front page and look down:
www.blackviper.com

All I know is it works! When it was first figured out that it improved comm times I tried it and it worked.
Have seen no reason not to. First one was a Belkin. When my old computer died the next one was Win7 and the old hub was only good through xp.
Picked up the next one at Radio Shack.