Laptop for Acorn?

[MartinC]

Hello all,

I don't have internet connection in my workshop so I'll constantly have to carry the control PC around for windows updates, software installations and such. A mini PC as suggested would be pretty cumbersome for that.

What about using a laptop/notebook computer? They should be plenty powerful. As Microsoft is discontinuing (Windows 10) two of my home PCs, I intend to replace those with a notebook anyway (Lenovo T14 or X13) and would also like to use this in the workshop, connecting to a USB-C dock where all peripherals (screen, keyboard, mouse, network) are wired to.
Would this work? How critical is having the network directly on the notebook (rare on newer models) vs. builtin at USB-C dock?

Martin

[suntravel]

There is no need to update a running CNC PC, besides updating to a newer CNC12 Version. That can be done with a USB Stick.
Perfectly working Network and USB with no sleep function is essential.

Uwe

[ShawnM]

And laptops are not recommended or supported. Load CNC12 on a clean install of Win10 or Win11 PC and there's no need to ever connect to the internet. New installs of CNC12 when they become available can be installed from a thumb drive.

[jhnmdahl]

The $250 Beelink I bought has wifi built in, so there's no toting it around for updates, carrying a USB stick around, etc. to transfer data. It's also mounted to the back of the monitor via the VESA mount, so inconspicuous and out of the way.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DF7F2743

[WesM]

Can you? Yes. Should you? Probably not.

Would this work? How critical is having the network directly on the notebook (rare on newer models) vs. builtin at USB-C dock?

Martin

I cannot recall the specific location, but I think the acorn manual specifically says not to use a usb to ethernet adapter.

I tried setting up a laptop when I first got the acorn. It passed all the setup tests and such, but I found the connection to the acorn to be a bit buggy. Buggy is not something I want on a 2 ton CNC mill.

Once I have my CNC mill up and running, I don't ever plan to update the software unless there is a specific need. On all the CNC machines I have run, software is never updated unless there is a specific problem that requires it. If it as not broken, don't fix it.

[suntravel]

One thing to consider also is that you need the US Keyboard layout, that is seldom the case on laptops in the EU.

Uwe

[CentroidFrog]

I cannot recall the specific location, but I think the acorn manual specifically says not to use a usb to ethernet adapter.

I tried setting up a laptop when I first got the acorn. It passed all the setup tests and such, but I found the connection to the acorn to be a bit buggy. Buggy is not something I want on a 2 ton CNC mill.

Acorn install manual: https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... manual.pdf
This is correct. On page 9 of the Acorn Install manual it describes the importance of using not only a direct ethernet connection but specifically a shielded ethernet cable. While an ethernet to usb adapter may be used to provide internet to the CNCPC, the connection between the CNCPC and the Centroid controller MUST be directly connected with a shielded ethernet cable. Without a direct connection you will get what WesM was experiencing: interference with signal and loss of packets, causing the machine to perform poorly and unpredictably.

I would highly recommend going with a dedicated PC for running the machine, while transferring files and such between your laptop and the CNCPC using a flash drive or other such method. There are many fine options and there are a couple we recommend listed on our website: https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... _gear.html

Also, by having a dedicated PC for the machine you can avoid the hassle of dealing with the antivirus and firewall on the laptop. We offer a free application: Centroid CNC PC Tuner, which I'll link below this, that will configure any fresh PC to be CNC ready.
https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... loads.html

[tblough]

I have not tried this, but for people with severe noise problems where the normal countermeasures are ineffective, you might try a pair of media converters and running fiber between devices.

[MartinC]

Does anyone know if a N100 mini PC (such as a Beelink S12) would be OK?

It easily passes the required 1500 single core benchmark and is near silent, which is important for me in my workshop (dead quiet if compressor is not running, you'd hear an M2 washer falling to the floor).

[suntravel]

You will need fans for the cabinet and most fans in servo drivers or power supplies for Steppers are not really silent...

Uwe