Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: jimpinder on June 25, 2007, 09:03:33 AM

Title: Computer OS to run Mach 3
Post by: jimpinder on June 25, 2007, 09:03:33 AM
Will Mach3 run on  Windows 2000. I ask this because I can buy several laptops cheaply on e_Bay, but the cheaper ones run Windows 2000. I only need this to actually run the lathe, my development work will be done on my other desktop computer, and the programs transfered by Lan.

Jim.
Title: Re: Computer OS to run Mach 3
Post by: Graham Waterworth on June 25, 2007, 09:06:13 AM
2000 is fine, it could be the laptops that cause you problems.

Graham.
Title: Re: Computer OS to run Mach 3
Post by: jimpinder on June 25, 2007, 09:08:34 AM
Yhanks for the swift reply - in what way could they be a problem - processor speed or memory - or what???

Jim
Title: Re: Computer OS to run Mach 3
Post by: Graham Waterworth on June 25, 2007, 11:12:06 AM
Laptops can do funny things with the processor speed to save battery life, also they tend to run the parralel port at 3.3 volt against 5 volt on desktops.

The graphics cards are poor too, causing very slow and unpredictable results.

Graham.
Title: Re: Computer OS to run Mach 3
Post by: jimpinder on June 28, 2007, 03:02:09 AM
Thanks Graham -

I'll watch for that. I hooked up the laptop top to my wireless lan last night, and downloaded Mach3 onto it. I downloaded a couple of turning files I had on the main computer, and ran them on the laptop with the stepper motors attached and they seemed to run alright. I should be ready to attached the motors to the lathe today - and we will see how we go on.  If I have to buy a second hand desktop then so be it.
Thanks again for the input.

Jim