Just wanted to put a plug in for a different microPC I’m using in replacement for the system provided by Langmuir Systems for the XR. Unfortunately I only got about a 1.5 years out of that little box before it just went dead. I also am not a high volume, always on type of operation and definitely a hobbiest. During the use though I found it always a bit frustrating that if I ran into issues with my model that I couldn’t edit really b/c the system just was not powerful enough to do any CAD/360 changes.
I tried through service support and we couldn’t revive it with changing out the power supply or any other reset method. I thought it was weird that a solid little box would die but everything else is fine that was connected and is powered through a surge protector.
All that said I went just a few weeks ago and bought the following: Amazon.com: GMKtec Mini PC Windows 11 Pro Intel Core i7-11390H (Turbo 5.0 GHz) 1TB SSD 16GB DDR4, Desktop Mini Computers WiFi 6, USB3.2, BT 5.2, DP, HDMI, RJ45 2.5G : Electronics
It is little (thicker than the original box by langmuir), has a little hardware bracket to attach and is actually pretty fast. I’ve done start to finish basic designs in 360 and no problems. It runs fast, fan kicks on occasionally and I’ve watch the performance actually peak close to 5Ghz. The use and operation for even basic things like browsing the internet is improved. I would currently recommend but limited to my time used for longevity. I also liked it wasn’t crammed with bloatware. I had just received a lenovo laptop as well and the windows bootup/install took so much longer on the lenovo b/c of all the other stuff they put on the laptop. This was start to finish like a clean windows install with no issues.
I hope this helps anyone looking for an alternative. The fire software loaded fine and immediately connected as well so doesn’t seem like any issues that I’ve noted and made a few cuts already without problem.
The I7 chip’s H or U designation means it is a power-saver design. Those chips don’t play nice with Langmuir’s control strategy, and there is a good chance the child process fault will make its presence known. The video chip will also play havoc with fusion. These are great for the machines themselves.
GMKtec M2 mini computer is equipped with 11th generation Intel Core i7-11390H processor, main frequency up to 5.0 GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12MB cache, running much faster than i7-10810U, i5-12450H and i5-8259U, Windows PC series The power is only 35W, supporting your daily work with less power consumption, without delaying daily tasks
Bigdaddy would know more than me for sure about this topic. I’ll keep an eye out though for any issues and report but so far so good and made a nice sign for a project at work
This thread appears to be the closest one I could find on selecting a computer to run a Pro. I’m putting together the infrastructure for my first plasma table. It appears the pro doesn’t come with a computer. I have an older hp laptop I could use, but I’m concerned about ruggedness on the shop flor and I’m thinking I’d like a touch screen and a little more cpu. My question is
What do you folks think about a i7 in the industrial form factor plus a touch screen?
Something like: msecore Industrial PC, Fanless Mini Computer with Core i7-5500U 16G RAM 512G SSD, 1HDMI 1VGA, Dual Display, 6*COM RS232, Dual LAN, WiFi/4G, WOL, Windows 10 Pro/Linux/Ubuntu
Or
Msecore Industrial PC, Fanless Mini Computer with Core i7-8550U, 32G RAM 1T SSD, Dual 2.5G LAN, 6COM RS232, Support 4G Module/SIM, Wi-Fi 6, 1HDMI 1*VGA, Windows 11 Pro
Obviously the 8550 machine is more capable, but for one that is primarily running the fire control Sw, would the 5500 be sufficient and spend the extra $200 on a better monitor?
Of course I could also put the old laptop in a NEMA box for protection.
Buy the one in the picture. The (U) at the end of the processor means it is a power-saving chip design.
The one I will link is a perfect computer for the table.Amazon.com
The N series chip are a perfect match without the power saver features. Those chips will try to control the USB port 5-volt power to the Langmuir controller box. As for the screen any, one will do. If you want a touchscreen, makes Asus makes a good one.Amazon.com
Yep. What @Bigdaddy2166 said. The one I am linking is just an example of what can be used as I’ve been using that for 3 years. His is a better deal and better spec’s.
But… what concerns me is your statement “it appears the pro doesn’t come with a computer”.
It absolutely doesn’t come with a computer, so just to help you plan, how much research have you into what the table will and won’t do and what the workflow is?
I would also skip buying a new computer if you already have an old laptop you can try things out with first. Run it off the laptop before you by anything else. Touchscreens are preference, but I run mine with a wireless keyboard and have the PC plugged into an old tv.
@brownfox So the Mini PC Stick can just plug into the crossfire control box. Sweet.
I’m thinking about mounting the sensitive electronics in a NEMA box because I’ve lost a few open electric motors to mud wasps. How tight are the fire control cases and any idea how large the openings are on these Mimi pc’s.
Also if I do that do you think I’ll need to provide a cooling path like a conductive strip to the NEMA enclosure? I’m thinking my choice is either mount right to the case or use Al to make conductive brackets. I have a few larger NEMA cases laying around that I can repurpose for this. I suppose I could also include a fab/filter combo for additional cooling it the electrionics get toasty.
@brownfox no swamp… Nothing like that, it’s hot and dry around here. Northern part of the California Central Valley, west of Redding. 116 in the summer and no rain to speak of from May to October. I call them mud-wasps. I’m sure they have a more correct biological name. But they lay their eggs in little mud balls they build in any small crevices. We also have paper wasps that build lovely nests hanging from eaves and other dry places. I suppose these could be the same critters just laying their eggs in a ball of dirt they drag in. They are hard on equipment and a bit messy.
I have a Beelink and a CF Pro. We also have mud and paper wasps here in Indiana. I don’t see any issue with them getting in the Beelink PC, but the air vents on the LS Pro control unit are about 1/8". I’ve seen mud wasps get in openings around that size.
I was going to mount my controller standing on it’s side on a shelf (vs leg of table), so I placed those air slots face down on the shelf and cut new air vents that are more narrow and greater in number on the top side as mounted.
Do you want a mini computer?
Limited-time deal: Beelink Mini PC,12th Gen Intel Alder Lake-N100 up to 3.4 GHz, 16GB DDR4 RAM 500GB M.2 SSD Desktop PC, S12 Pro Mini Computers, 4K@60Hz Dual HDMI, USB3.2, WiFi 6 BT5.2, RJ45 LAN, Family-NAS/HTPC Amazon.com
No Rysen processors or Intel processors with a U or H after the model. IE: i7 9500U or H.
The N100 chip is perfect for a mill or plasma table
Any questions, just PM me.
