Windows to Mac question

Software
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Hello everyone, I just ordered my first CNC (Shapeoko 5.1). I had a question that I didn’t see asked on the forums yet, I have a desktop running windows 11 that I plan to do the majority of my CNC creation on. I was looking at getting the MacBook Air M4 during the Black Friday sales to interface with the Shapeoko. I already have network accessible storage that I manage which would allow me to transfer the files between the Windows 11 desktop and Mac. I will be using Carbide Create and Motion as the CAD/CAM software.

My question is will the files I create on my windows 11 PC work the same, without modification, when opened on my Mac and subsequently sent to the Shapeoko?

Thank you for any assistance.

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Yes — so long as any text is set in font(s) available to both computers.

Alternately, make a copy and convert to Curves:

https://carbide3d.com/blog/merging-script-fonts-in-carbide-create/

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Thank you Will for the quick response!

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I’m not sure which USB cable comes with the S5 but if it’s a regular USB you’ll need a USB-C to USB dongle.The MacBook Air only has Thunderbolt / USB-C ports.

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I do my designing on my Mac. I just got my 5.1 a few weeks ago. I got a touchscreen on an arm, so it’s easier to access. I bought a Windows computer NUC. I’m not a Windows person, but this seemed like a good combination. I also got a keyboard that has a touchpad mouse built into it. The keyboard is great because you can put the keyboard right in front of you so you can see clearly when you’re setting things up and you can move the spindle to the right location with the keys on the keyboard. I access all my files that are on the Mac and I have never had a problem yet. I also have NAS. But I do access the.Mac directly. I have a folder on the desktop on the CNC - NUC computer, which is a shortcut to my Mac. It makes it really easy to grab the files.

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Mark that sounds like a good way to do it. I’m a first time Mac user so I feel your pain when working with Windows :rofl:

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@WillAdams do you know what the CNC to Laptop cable is for the 5.1? My Mac has 2 USB-C ports.

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I currently run CC on Linux (under Wine, emulating Windows CC version) and routinely pass files back and forth between this and a Mac (CC and CM). The only “trouble” I have ran into has to do with fonts…just make sure each OS has both fonts loaded or you can convert your text to curves once you are happy with your design. This has bitten me a couple of times…I’m a slow learner! LOL

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Its always the fonts, this has been an issue forever I would have thought they (OS developers) would settle on a standard much like the use of a standard USB port which has been decided (USB- C)

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let me know if you would like and I will get you all of the exact part links on Amazon and take some pictures

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Can you tell me what USB port type is on the Shapeoko 5.1? I need one end to be USB-C for the Mac.

USB Type A, B or C?
If its an “A” is it a Micro, Mini or standard?

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I’m pretty sure we’re still bundling a USB-A–B cable (w/ ferrite beads when we can source them), usually it’s:

Tripp Lite USB 2.0 Hi-Speed A/B Cable with Ferrite Chokes (M/M) 6-ft. (U023-006), Black

https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Hi-Speed-Ferrite-U023-003/dp/B003MQ29B2?th=1

It’s the USB-B connector at the machine end, so you’ll need to replace the USB-A end w/ USB-C.

I have:

Digirig Coiled Shielded USB-A to USB-C Cable with Ferrites

in my Amazon cart for a future purchase:

https://www.amazon.com/Digirig-Coiled-Shielded-USB-C-Ferrites/dp/B0D4SKQVKB

which, if it looked to be longer, I’d probably have bought to try out.

As it is, I’ve just been using an Insignia USB-A–C adapter which has been working well — the genuine Apple adapter has been noted as working for folks on support.

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Thanks for the links Will.

I’m not sure why no one makes USB-C to B cables with the ferrite chokes. I think I’m going to try this cable from amazon.

Amazon.com: FXAVA USB B to USB C Printer Cable - 6.6ft Nylon Braided USB C to USB B, MIDI Cable Compatible with MacBook Pro, HP, Epson, Canon, Brother, Yamaha Piano Keyboard, DAC, DJ Controller : Electronics

The description indicates that it is built with triple EMI suppression. If I have too I will purchase some ferrite chokes and attach them at each end of the cable.

Amazon.com: Pack of 10 Snap on Ferrite Core Bead Choke Ring Cord RFI EMI Noise Suppressor Filter for USB/Audio/Video Cable Power Cord Black (7mm) : Industrial & Scientific

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I purchased this to use when I take my MacBook Air out to the shop.

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That would also work. Thanks for the link.

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If it means anything, I think I bought that exact same USBC to USB-B cable for my macbook to Shapeoko and it’s not given me any issues, I only wish I had another foot or two.

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