Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Computers in the Shop

In a message dated 6/27/2004 4:19:44 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
too_many_tools@... writes:

I am putting together a CNC outfit for my shop.

I have a variety of computers available to me (laptops,
horizontal/vertical desktops, rack mounts) to choose from for the
controller. Same goes for the furniture that the computer will be in
or on.

I would like to hear from others as to what your computer
configuration is and how well it works for you.

Some of the issues that I am looking at...

How important is it to have the computer ruggedized for the less than
favorable conditions that a shop environment presents?

What type of rack, desk, table, etc. do you use to hold your
equipment?

How portable? Built into a stationary rack/desk or should it be
portable to move around to different machines?

Do you use it standing or sitting?

How big a display? Monochrome or color? CRT or LCD?

What type of keyboard? Mouse or trackball?

Thanks in advance,

TMT

As the little description below indicates, I do servicing, upgrading etc.
for the woodworking industry. As you can guess, this is an extremely
unfriendly environment for computers. However, even the OEM suppliers that build CNC
machines for this industry often use just plain off the shelf PC machines.
Others use proprietary controls that are "ruggedized". If you do use a
regular PC I would suggest some type of enclosure for it just to protect it from
any liquids, other foreign material that might get to it. Even the
industrial/ruggedized units do this.

However, I do have a number of customers that are using the standard PC
units with absolutely no protection and they have been working in very dusty
environments for years. That is some indication of how rugged the off the shelf
units are.

Now, if you are using a GUI such as Windows I would recommend a color
monitor, even if you are using DOS that is still a good idea, they are not very
expensive anymore unless you go for the Flat Panel units. I use just standard
15" CRT monitors in the controls I design and install. Also, I use regular PC
units but they are inside an enclosure.

Regarding whether you are standing or sitting, that is strictly your choice.
Most OEM units are designed for use while standing as most of the machine
operators will be standing.

Again, the choice of keyboard is up to you. The industrial controls usually
have a membrane keyboard but these have problems of their own. Since you
can purchase regular keyboards for a standard PC for as little as $3.95 USD
that is what I recommend. You can purchase quite a few years worth of those for
what an industrial/ruggedized unit would cost. Again, many of the OEM
companies use the standard keyboards, as do I.

The choice of a mouse or trackball is again, up to you. I happen to no like
trackballs but that is just my preference. Both work on the same principles
so choose which you like best. The one advantage to a trackball is that it
doesn't move around so less space is required for use.

I hope this is of some help to you.

Randy Abernathy
4626 Old Stilesboro Road NW
Acworth, GA 30101-4066
Phone / Fax: 770-974-5295
Cell: 678-772-4113
E-mail: Cnc002@...

I furnish technical support, repair, and other related services for your
industrial woodworking machinery. My background as Senior Service Engineer for
the SCMI Group for nearly fifteen years with factory training, combines with
my extensive background in electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, electrical and
CNC machinery to offer you needed support for your machinery.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]