RT Machine Co Anver Laguna
Post a Response Subscribe Guidelines

CNC

You are not logged in. [ Login ] Why log in
(NOTE: Login is not required to post)

Windows vs. no Windows Controller?

9/9/14       
Paul Member

On a NB Machine I see that most have a windows (PC) controller. (I know, "controller isn't the right word. I referring to the part of the machine that the person uses to run the machine) Some just have a Controller (FANUC or whatever). We've had issues in the past with getting old (XP or Win98) PC's when it goes down. Instead of just saying to ourselves "never again" I'm wondering if there's an upside to it that I'm not thinking of. ?? Thoughts please?

9/9/14       #2: Windows vs. no Windows Controller? ...
Leland Thomasset  Member

Website: http://www.cnc-cabinetparts.com

Hi Paul,

Are you asking if there are any options to the interface of windows? We have a fanuc controller the is feed by windows XP and I do think that some day i will need to change the xp interface to windows 7 and I agree that might be a problem so if anyone out ther has done it please chime in.

9/9/14       #3: Windows vs. no Windows Controller? ...
Johann Huck  Member

Website: http://www.themachinewarehouse.com

The biggest problem is that the software installed that talks from the Windows PC to the rest of the machine is designed for the specific hardware installed at the time. 10 years down the road is when the problem happens. The hardware is no longer made, the new software only works with the current hardware the control manufacturer makes. When you have to replace the PC, if it is running a newer operating system. sometimes the driver software, etc. isn't compatible with the interface software. It was designed to be compatible with the software when it was released. In order to upgrade the interface software, then the hardware needs to be also upgraded. When you upgrade the hardware, then the motors and cables need to be upgraded to be compatible with the new hardware.

It can be upgraded, the the biggest problem is the cost involved in upgrading. You can't just upgrade the software due to the fact of it's very close relationship with the hardware and how they interface with each other.

Johann Huck
The Machine Warehouse, LLC.
704-839-6615
johann@themachinewarehouse.com

9/10/14       #4: Windows vs. no Windows Controller? ...
Mike

We have a Fanuc control with a Windows 2000 front end. I have had to replace 2 HDD's over the years. The plus side to that is that these operations are do it yourself and parts can be bought locally. The downside is that the O.S. is way past end of support from Microsoft and compatible hardware/drivers are getting difficult to find. My last clean install was a major pain, but ultimately successful. I have a feeling they are never going to get easier. People can argue about it all day long and it comes down to preference. I do prefer a Windows interface for networking, back up, program capacity, and ease of running the machine through a familiar interface. Just my 2 cents.

9/10/14       #5: Windows vs. no Windows Controller? ...
Brad

If I am not mistaken, controllers without Windows front ends also have inherit hardware and software limits with regards to software updates, electronic replacement parts, etc. Their is also no guarantee that a "Window-less" controller will be able to interface with the drive technology available in 10 years from now.

What is probably important from either side is that the machine manufacturer stands behind the controller "package" and plans to support it for as long as realistically possible. It would be good that in the event that the controller ends up needing to be replaced (for whatever reason) years from now, the the machine manufacturer can provide such a retrofit as an alternative and not just a "buy a new machine" solution.

9/13/14       #7: Windows vs. no Windows Controller? ...
Brian

A Windows front end to a Fanuc controller is more user friendly. XP Pro works quite well. There will be a small application to interface with the Fanuc then maybe Excel and as little else as possible. This is not for the operator use surf the net with or play solitare so internet access is not necessary. There are only two kinds of Hard Drives, those that have failed and those that are going to fail, so do not store programs on this machine but on your server that is backed up every night. Also every 6 months make a1 to 1 image of the drive so when it fails you can plug the backup in and be up and running in 30 minutes or less.


Post a Response
  • Notify me of responses to this thread
  • Subscribe to email updates on this Forum
    • To receive email notification of additions to this forum thread,
    enter your name and email address, and then click the
    "Keep Me Posted" button below.

    Please Note: If you have posted a message or response,
    do not submit this request ... you are already signed up
    to receive notification!
    Your Name:
    E-Mail Address:
    Enter the correct numbers into the field below:
     

    Date of your Birth:



    Return to top of page

    Buy & Sell Exchanges | Forums | Galleries | Site Map

    FORUM GUIDELINES: Please review the guidelines below before posting at WOODWEB's Interactive Message Boards (return to top)

  • WOODWEB is a professional industrial woodworking site. Hobbyist and homeowner woodworking questions are inappropriate.
  • Messages should be kept reasonably short and on topic, relating to the focus of the forum. Responses should relate to the original question.
  • A valid email return address must be included with each message.
  • Advertising is inappropriate. The only exceptions are the Classified Ads Exchange, Machinery Exchange, Lumber Exchange, and Job Opportunities and Services Exchange. When posting listings in these areas, review the posting instructions carefully.
  • Subject lines may be edited for length and clarity.
  • "Cross posting" is not permitted. Choose the best forum for your question, and post your question at one forum only.
  • Messages requesting private responses will be removed - Forums are designed to provide information and assistance for all of our visitors. Private response requests are appropriate at WOODWEB's Exchanges and Job Opportunities and Services.
  • Messages that accuse businesses or individuals of alleged negative actions or behavior are inappropriate since WOODWEB is unable to verify or substantiate the claims.
  • Posts with the intent of soliciting answers to surveys are not appropriate. Contact WOODWEB for more information on initiating a survey.
  • Excessive forum participation by an individual upsets the balance of a healthy forum atmosphere. Individuals who excessively post responses containing marginal content will be considered repeat forum abusers.
  • Responses that initiate or support inappropriate and off-topic discussion of general politics detract from the professional woodworking focus of WOODWEB, and will be removed.
  • Participants are encouraged to use their real name when posting. Intentionally using another persons name is prohibited, and posts of this nature will be removed at WOODWEB's discretion.
  • Comments, questions, or criticisms regarding Forum policies should be directed to WOODWEB's Systems Administrator
    (return to top).

    Carefully review your message before clicking on the "Send Message" button - you will not be able to revise the message once it has been sent.

    You will be notified of responses to the message(s) you posted via email. Be sure to enter your email address correctly.

    WOODWEB's forums are a highly regarded resource for professional woodworkers. Messages and responses that are crafted in a professional and civil manner strengthen this resource. Messages that do not reflect a professional tone reduce the value of our forums.

    Messages are inappropriate when their content: is deemed libelous in nature or is based on rumor, fails to meet basic standards of decorum, contains blatant advertising or inappropriate emphasis on self promotion (return to top).

    Libel:   Posts which defame an individual or organization, or employ a tone which can be viewed as malicious in nature. Words, pictures, or cartoons which expose a person or organization to public hatred, shame, disgrace, or ridicule, or induce an ill opinion of a person or organization, are libelous.

    Improper Decorum:   Posts which are profane, inciting, disrespectful or uncivil in tone, or maliciously worded. This also includes the venting of unsubstantiated opinions. Such messages do little to illuminate a given topic, and often have the opposite effect. Constructive criticism is acceptable (return to top).

    Advertising:   The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not an advertising venue. Companies participating in a Forum discussion should provide specific answers to posted questions. WOODWEB suggests that businesses include an appropriately crafted signature in order to identify their company. A well meaning post that seems to be on-topic but contains a product reference may do your business more harm than good in the Forum environment. Forum users may perceive your references to specific products as unsolicited advertising (spam) and consciously avoid your web site or services. A well-crafted signature is an appropriate way to advertise your services that will not offend potential customers. Signatures should be limited to 4-6 lines, and may contain information that identifies the type of business you're in, your URL and email address (return to top).

    Repeated Forum Abuse: Forum participants who repeatedly fail to follow WOODWEB's Forum Guidelines may encounter difficulty when attempting to post messages.

    There are often situations when the original message asks for opinions: "What is the best widget for my type of shop?". To a certain extent, the person posting the message is responsible for including specific questions within the message. An open ended question (like the one above) invites responses that may read as sales pitches. WOODWEB suggests that companies responding to such a question provide detailed and substantive replies rather than responses that read as a one-sided product promotion. It has been WOODWEB's experience that substantive responses are held in higher regard by our readers (return to top).

    The staff of WOODWEB assume no responsibility for the accuracy, content, or outcome of any posting transmitted at WOODWEB's Message Boards. Participants should undertake the use of machinery, materials and methods discussed at WOODWEB's Message Boards after considerate evaluation, and at their own risk. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages it deems inappropriate. (return to top)



    • Forum Posting Help
    Your Name The name you enter in this field will be the name that appears with your post or response (return to form).
    Your Website Personal or business website links must point to the author's website. Inappropriate links will be removed without notice, and at WOODWEB's sole discretion. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    E-Mail Address Your e-mail address will not be publicly viewable. Forum participants will be able to contact you using a contact link (included with your post) that is substituted for your actual address. You must include a valid email address in this field. (return to form)
    Subject Subject may be edited for length and clarity. Subject lines should provide an indication of the content of your post. (return to form)
    Thread Related Link and Image Guidelines Thread Related Links posted at WOODWEB's Forums and Exchanges should point to locations that provide supporting information for the topic being discussed in the current message thread. The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not to serve as an advertising venue. A Thread Related Link that directs visitors to an area with inappropriate content will be removed. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links or images it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    Thread Related File Uploads Thread Related Files posted at WOODWEB's Forums and Exchanges should provide supporting information for the topic being discussed in the current message thread. Video Files: acceptable video formats are: .MOV .AVI .WMV .MPEG .MPG .MP4 (Image Upload Tips)   If you encounter any difficulty when uploading video files, E-mail WOODWEB for assistance. The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not to serve as an advertising venue. A Thread Related File that contains inappropriate content will be removed, and uploaded files that are not directly related to the message thread will be removed. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links, files, or images it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    Suction Cups, Vacuum Lifters, Vacuum Pumps from Anver Corporation ecabinet systems.com Thermwood Limtech Industries, Inc.
    Related Information:
    Products: Computer Software
    Knowledge Base: Computerization

    Recent Threads at all Forums