[chbot] What board and OS to use.

[Andrew Errington]

Just a couple of observations.

LibreCAD is a dead duck. All the cool kids use FreeCAD. I don't actually
like it though, and I use QCAD for 2D stuff, and OpenSCAD for 3D stuff.
OpenSCAD is great for modelling complete assemblies then projecting
outlines onto a plane to make 2D DXF files for use elsewhere. I've also had
success with Python programmatically constructing DXF files from parametric
inputs.

For G-code sending and local CAM take a look at bCNC. It's lightweight, and
runs easily on a Pi.

In terms of hardware, the Pi 400 (the one with integrated keyboard) is a
very capable machine. The keyboard houses a large heatsink, so fans are not
required. Just hook up a mouse and monitor.

You'll probably want a file server, which could also be a Pi. In fact, it's
Pis all the way down.

Andrew

On Tue, 28 Dec 2021, 16:39 Marshland Engineering, <marshland at marshland.co.nz>
wrote:

> I'm getting more into CNC stuff and need to have a PC at each machine to
> download the G-Code files. Its nice to be able to view the files and maybe
> do
> some editing at the machine so I need a PC type machine.
>
> I use 4 main programs Turbocad, Sheetcam, Candle and my own propitiatory
> stuff
> written in Delphi.
>
> In the workshop, fan less is a real boon as there is cutting fluids, dust
> etc
> which buildup over time. Small laptops are not ideal but its what I'm using
> now.
>
> Now I have a few PIs around the place doing some jobs which work well. SQL
> server, Backup drive and TV control.
>
> Anyway I thought to change all my CNC pcs for PIs. Sheetcam has a Linux
> option, as well as candle and I can use Lazarus to run my software and
> swap to
> LibreCAD.
>
> All looks good so far. I got a new pi with 8GB, installed the raspberry pi
> 64bit os, booted from a 480GB SSD and I am super impressed with the system.
> The SSD make a huge difference. My thinking was to load all the goodies on
> and
> then copy the SD cards for each machine.
>
> Now the problems start.
>
> Sheecam is only for a specific Linux version and Candle for a 32bit os
> only at
> this point so neither work.  (Silly me I thought all Linux software could
> run
> run on any board.)
>
> So I start again. I'm looking for a fan less board that can run an upgraded
> Linux OS or Win7 that can run 2 screens and if it has a serial port even
> better. Has to run OpenGL2 or above.
>
> Part of the email is just writing it all down to clear my head.
>
> Any suggestions ?
>
> Thanks Wallace.
>
>
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