Quote Originally Posted by stevenblake View Post
As for the Raspberry Pi, that was just me ranting. I'm not expecting that to be an option but I've built some 3D printers that run off an Arduino just fine so I know it's possible to control a 3 axis gantry with fairly low powered hardware. But I digress... =)
I get that...BUT, those little 8-bit printers need a fraction of the communication pulse stream required to run one of these tools & max out way low @ 10kHz max. It's an apples to oranges thing. The fact that they are both 3-axis machines is about all the similarity there is.

Quote Originally Posted by stevenblake View Post
Used two different Surface Pro 4s and a desktop PC.
No circus pros...no tablets...no phones...no Parallels on IOS...no Virtual Machines. A GOOD PC is what is required to run these tools. It is an extension of the CNC controller that processes on the PC and in the control box - it is NOT just a front end, like a 3DP LCD. A good quality computer is absolutely essential to a reliable, smooth running machine.

Once you have a good computer that meets specs, you will need a USB self-powered hub to plug into the computer. If the computer's USB hardware is not up to snuff, you may need a USB PCI expansion card. USB hubs were shipped with new tools from ShopBot for the express reason of using it in between the CPU and control box. Of course all the other things mentioned such as power settings also have to be done.

I don't say any of this to break stones...I'd like to see you up and running - but some things are absolutely essential. Neckbeard optional

-B