Looking for a recommendation for a trouble free Windows based laptop for downloading DXF and other files, to use with Firecontrol. Just built a new XR, am building a two tank drain and refill water system, and am ready to start looking at computers. It will be regulated strictly to this purpose. I’ve been using nothing bur Mac products for 28 years so I am way out of touch on what to look for and what is available. Will be staying with my MacBook Pro for everything else. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks. Terry
You might get more response now on this post at the time the XR topic wasn’t being pushed to latest topics for people to see new topics.
try this search
2 Likes
If you’re planning on use Fusion or other CAD/CAM applications get something with a decent Graphics card. It improves usability considerably. Some thing like Nvida 4060 , or newer will make the difference over integrated graphics (intel Arc for example). Almost any baseline “Gaming” laptop will have this.
2 Likes
I’ve never been a gamer, but will look these up. Thanks.
Thank you.
1 Like
The gaming computers listed in that newegg link are completely unknown to me, as are graphics cards like the Nvidia 4060. My only computer background is research on the internet, email, etc., and I’m used to the flawless technology that mac products have always delivered for my minimum requirements. Hoping to get some guidance on a quality brand name with the necessary features to interact flawlessly with the XR computer and be dependable for years to come, download DXF files, and so on.
1 Like
Any mid-range laptop will work with Fusion. If you plan on 3D motion modeling in Fusion, a high-dollar video card like a 4060 and large RAM capacity would be required. Flat plasma drawing is pretty simple stuff for Fusion.
If your XR already has a mini-computer, your choice will be irrelevant.
If you plan on using the laptop to run the table, a different approach is needed. Modern laptops use power-saving chips that play havoc with FireControl. Any chip with an H or U after the chip number could be an issue.
If thats the case and your dead set on a laptop. Any model with a N150 intel chip will eliminate the power saver issues with the USB output.
The whole MAC thing to me is just a additional headache with Langmuir control strategy.
Sorry I’m a Mac and I phone hater. But, thats just the old curmudgeon in me.
2 Likes
My current personal laptop is 2024 Asus Tuff laptop with 16 Gb ram, AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 w/ Radeon 890M , 1Tb SSd and a nvidia 4070 chipset. I play games as well as draw in fusion for personal things. It works well for that. I found it on sale at a regional computer shop for $1200 us. It’s been working great for the last several months since purchase. I have no affiliation with ASUS so I have nothing to gain with this link.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/19E8C2FD-2009-43D6-B0F2-81CF6A79E2BF?ingress=2&lp_context_asin=B0CRLDDCFV&visitId=6d9d1674-3c41-45dd-9c7b-56284b4798bf&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto&ref_=ast_bln
I vote for the mini-computer:
I know you keep mentioning that you want a “laptop for FireControl.” But as BigDaddy points out, FireControl does not take much of a computer to process the gcode to control the table.
Thus: A really inexpensive way is to rig up a mini-computer (as BigDaddy mentions). I recently did this very thing and you would be amazed at how cheap it is. I spent less than $400 (already had a monitor and keyboard).
2 Likes
Hey Jim, I’ve mentioned buying a windows based laptop only because I’m so used to my MacBooks. I’ve never owned a 'mini", and am definitely interested. Have no idea how it hooks into my wireless internet system. Is there a direct connection for the mini to the computer on the XR? To begin my journey with this machine, I’d like to be able to import files like DXF and so on. Eventually I’d like to learn Fusion 360 and create my own 2D files. Right now, I am strictly “parroting” what I’ve read about and seen in my own machine shop. Used to have guys working for me in another lifetime that did all that. Right now I am trying to turn back the hands of time. I want to thank you all for being patient with me.
Why don’t you want to use the computer that already comes with the XR?
2 Likes
The mini-computer I got has wifi and bluetooth connectivity. You could connect easily with your current wifi. You can access the internet, use Window apps, and even do some simple designs in Fusion 360. As for loading files from your other computers there are multiple ways to share files:
- Cloud based storage (requires you to log onto the cloud based server to access/upload files)
- USB drive (requires you to carry your USB drive from computer to computer)
- Send email with the attached file. This is my method. I have an email that I only use for my 3D printer and the plasma table. The computer attached to the plasma table and the computer attached to my 3D printer both have Thunderbird (free email client/app) that only look at that email address.
As for connection to the table:
1 Like
Please if you go in this direction. No Ryzen chips or some of the high end versions. The basic intel N150 chip versions. The Beelink Mini S12 packs the latest 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD for fast and smooth performance. You don’t want to miss it! Amazon.com
Or this version with 16 RAM and 512 ssd hard drive
The Beelink Mini S13 packs a punch with its 13th Gen Intel processor, 16GB RAM, and 500GB SSD. Perfect for home entertainment, office work, and more. Check it out on Amazon - you won’t regret it! Amazon.com
2 Likes
I’m sorry i misunderstood what you were looking for. I was under the impression you were wanting to design on it as well. If it’s just to run the table… The rest of the guys are right Grab a Beelink or similar mini computer. More than enough power to run the table. much more cost effective.
I also assumed the same thing.
You both weren’t wrong, I do want to get into designing. I am so far behind in my computer design education that I want to start with downloading files just to get something going on my machine. I want to run the DXF files while studying the 360 and phase some simple design work into what I am doing.
1 Like
You can’t “run DXF files”. You still need to insert them into a sketch in F360 and generate a tool path/G code.
If you truly just want to try to “get something going on my machine”, download files with “.nc” or “.TAP” extensions. Those are ready to run in Firecontrol.
and that Beelink is currently on-sale for $139. Man, heck of a deal!
1 Like
Get the Beelink with the N150 chip. It is much faster than the N95. I have to tell you guys, I love these things. I have three or four of them that have run without a hitch.
The marina runs 25 security cameras and a license plate reader on one.
3 Likes
I did get the N150. After clicking on the link you posted, I ordered one yesterday (my second) to set up a station for guitar playing. At that sale price it was about what I paid back in 2023 for my 1st Beelink.
Sansui 24" monitor basically same price as when I setup my Beelink for CFPro in 2023 at $80.
3 Likes