Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: 00247 on October 08, 2013, 01:31:41 PM

Title: Computer OS opinions please
Post by: 00247 on October 08, 2013, 01:31:41 PM
HI! I am a new member starting out on his CNC journey. I have a Shopmaster Bridgemill that was operational on Mach3. It was last ran on Windows 2000. It also has servo motors. I need to replace the computer so here is where I need to pick your brain. Should I buy a refurbished computer running XP which should integrate into the system without to much trouble, or should I go whole hog and buy a new one with windows 7-64 and get smothstepper? Remember this system has servo motors. I would prefer to go with XP and get it up and running at the lowest cost. But if I will need to upgrade in the future I may as well do it now. Opinions please. Be gentle, remember you were new at this at one time too.  ;)
Title: Re: Computer OS opinions please
Post by: Fastest1 on October 08, 2013, 02:30:47 PM
As much as I enjoy my PP controllers they are a dying lot. Xp is great but getting old. SS is a great product once configured (dont take any shortcuts in set up) just get the ESS version not the USB.
Title: Re: Computer OS opinions please
Post by: Fastest1 on October 08, 2013, 02:31:36 PM
BTW my USB version works well just the ESS is more resistant to problems in my understanding.
Title: Re: Computer OS opinions please
Post by: Picengraver on October 08, 2013, 02:43:40 PM
Regardless of which computer you decide upon, get the SmoothStepper now.  It runs much, much better than a PP.
John Champlain
Title: Re: Computer OS opinions please
Post by: Hood on October 09, 2013, 03:35:23 AM
My preference is XP but I build a new system and install XP on it rather than buying an old computer.
Hood
Title: Re: Computer OS opinions please
Post by: 00247 on October 11, 2013, 01:33:05 PM
Thanks for the replies. I found a nice used computer that has windows 7 but will probably load xp on it. I think I am better off staying with a similar set up that was used before to get the machine up and running. More opinions and advice is welcome.