Workstation for 5 Pro? specs?

CNC Machines Shapeoko
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Hey Everyone

So I’m getting ready to purchase the 5 Pro 4x2 this coming week. In need to get me a workstation for motion to be on. I have a System I will be using in the house to create all the designs etc.

So could I get some options on what would be best for out in the shop hooked up to the machine?

Thanks again.

Dezi

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Any computer which meets the system requirements from the download page should work.

Nice to have features/options:

  • 64-bit — this future-proofs things and allows one to run the Grbl Updater program
  • a fanless (sealed) tablet is well-suited to the rigors of a shop environment
  • overall ruggedness — some folks have picked up Panasonic Toughbooks and similar rugged laptops
  • inexpensiveness — this is the prime attribute for a computer which isn’t used often, and when it is, is for a program which is not demanding in terms of performance
  • a USB-A port (this will allow using the bundled cable which has ferrite beads — if anyone knows of a USB-B–USB-C cable which has ferrite beads, please post the link) — at a minimum there must be some sort of USB port available when power is connected to the computer
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I picked up a pair of DELL OUTLET INSPIRON 14 - 7420 2-IN-1 LAPTOP’s for my workshop for under $650 a piece with the pens. Surely overkill to operate the SO5, but I wanted to also design on it with Fusion360 etc…

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Very cool. I found some mini pc’s I might try out. I have a workstation in the house am for any of my design work.

Will let you all know how it goes.

BTW…… Just received two big boxes today :face_with_peeking_eye:

1 Like
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Incidentally, to Will’s 2nd point “fanless” - he’s right there. In my case, I just blow some compressed air in there annually (or as needed). Have dust collector in place, so shouldn’t be so bad. For me, I like the idea of flipping it over tablet style for a mount I will fabricate. There were some threads noting some touchscreens not behaving well with jogging (double jog per tap). I’ve not encountered that; either it’s was fixed in software / Windows, or :man_shrugging:

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Not a big fan with touchscreens and CNC machines. Fat fingers can make some big mistakes. I like a keyboard or a MPG.

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