Mach 3 computer network

[TOTALLYRC]

I am looking to put all of my machines in the workshop on a dedicated hardwired network, without internet access.
I am using motion control cards on both of them, so I would assume that there will be no trouble with step interuptions.

I would also like to add a wireless access point so I can send files from my devolpment computer to the machine control computers.

Has anybody done this? Any insights?

Mike

[ger21]

I used to have a home network setup back in the old dial up days, that I used as a renderfarm for 3D rendering across multiple processors. I didn't have wireless back then, but it's pretty simple. Just plug them into a hub, and setup IP addresses.

Does your development PC have internet access?

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by ger21 I used to have a home network setup back in the old dial up days, that I used as a renderfarm for 3D rendering across multiple processors. I didn't have wireless back then, but it's pretty simple. Just plug them into a hub, and setup IP addresses. Does your development PC have internet access?

My development computer/laptop has internet access, and I keep the antivirus/firewall up to date.

I may have phrased my question poorly. What I am asking is does anyone see a problem with doing this type of network between the machine control computers. I could even turn the wireless access point on remotely only when sending data to the machine network to keep it extra secure.

While I have run the mill with the laptop and had the antivirus running, I don't want to have to put A/V software on both machine computers, unless I have too.

What most of this boils down to is I don't want to have to use a floppy disc, or usb stick to transfer files to each machine. I have a hard disk that can be directly atached to the network that would act as a file server so all of my programs will be in one place. This will allow for revision control, easy access to all of my drawings, file,software patches etc, etc.

Mike

[PoppaBear10]

Mike,

No it is not a problem really, I did it in my little home/shop as well. Set up your Wireless or Wired like you doing on a "Static" IP to your Router (wired or Wireless I use a link System. The Cool thing about the little routers is you can put your Laptop with internet access as the only computer that can link to the internet, and, you have other controls there as well.

At any rate, on the shop computers, (everything on the same network name), from those I added a "Net Work" Drive (that was the Base Comp). I exposed from the Base comp a "G Code" Network Shared file. I then put a short cut on the shopcomputers that was that networked file. So on my R&D computer I do my Cad/Cam and then drop the G code into the shared file. Then on the shop computers, I just open the gcode file and get/load the program. If you want to get fancy you can have a Gcode file named for each machine to share. I.e. MyMill Gcode, MyLatheGcode.......etc. or make them subfolders of the main G-Code file, and have the individual shop machines have shortcuts to the folders that apply to them, what ever.

scott

[ger21]

Not exactly sure if I followed Scott's explanation, but I'd share the g-code folder on the Control PC, and send the files there from the Design PC. You don't want to run files that are on another PC. Since routers have a built in Firewall, I wouldn't really worry about it at all. Just disable anything that auto updates, and don't use the internet or email. You should be fine.

[TOTALLYRC]

Hi Scott and Gerry,
Thanks for the advice, I will update how it works out. I should be able to get most of it done this weekend.

Mike

[TOTALLYRC]

Having reread both of your posts, can I just hook into my existing network, deny internet acces to the machine computers, and maybe use static ip addresses for further safety?

I am planning on moving the files to the network harddrive from the laptop. I would then go to a machine computer and copy the file over to its hadddrive. I don't trust running a file from a remote location either as all it would take is a hiccup or two and the job is ruined.

I could also set up a file server computer, but I already spend enough per month on electricity!!!

I looked thru my pile-o-stuff and can't find a switch or wireless router, so I need to decide which way to go before I go out and buy parts.

Mike

[Fatboy]

My set-up:
Wireless USB adapter on main control computer in shop.
Cat-5 crossover cable to second shop computer with static IP address.
(No need for routers in the shop.)

Set computers as network drives so that they appear on all three computers. (Share only the folders that you need and no others, password protect them).
Remember that you can have multiple network cards in each computer and assign each an IP address.
However, a crossover cable will only work for a network between TWO computers.

So I transfer files from my desk in the house over wifi to the shop and then move them to the other computer as needed via cat-5.
My desk is wireless to a dsl router as is the main shop computer.
You will need to leave at least the main control system running in the shop for this to work. That's been my only drawback since I shut down everything in the shop at night.

[wwendorf]

I have this same setup as well. My shop is in my garage which is detached from my house. The only problem I have sometimes is since the signal is low in the shop (router is in basement office in house) I have to go and reset the network connection. Over all tho, it works great.

Beats using a data stick.

Wade

[TOTALLYRC]

I am a little side tracked by yard work today but I will try to get to it soon. I have een installing emc on a computer while I am runing the log splitter. As a matter of fact, I am using it to do this post.
I will let ou guys know how I make out.


Mike

[Fatboy]

Originally Posted by TOTALLYRC I am a little side tracked by yard work today but I will try to get to it soon. I have een installing emc on a computer while I am runing the log splitter. As a matter of fact, I am using it to do this post. I will let ou guys know how I make out. Mike

???
I've never tried to use a log splitter to post a message on a forum.

All in jest!

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by Fatboy ??? I've never tried to use a log splitter to post a message on a forum. All in jest!

It is a little tricky, but I was able to get it done.