Initial set up question for software and computers

[easyar15dotcom]

Hey guys, BRAND NEW user here - In fact, I haven't even received my M3 yet so I'm trying to set up my work space prior to delivery.

My question is (ill try to get the lingo correct): Do I need to set up Universal G Code Sender (ugsplatform) on the computer at the machine? I will be designing inside my residence using Fusion 360 and also converting to CAM through Fusion.  I have seen a few posts about transferring on a USB stick, but I'm not sure if there is an input on the M3 directly, or if the USB stick inserts into a computer at the work space?  If the answer to the question is the later, then will the work space computer need to have ugsplatform loaded on it in order to read the G Code and communicate with the M3?

Thanks for the help guys, I'm sure I will be requesting A LOT more guidance from the community as I get going!

Shane

[aforww]

Oct 12, 2017 17:50:35 GMT easyar15dotcom said:

Hey guys, BRAND NEW user here - In fact, I haven't even received my M3 yet so I'm trying to set up my work space prior to delivery.

My question is (ill try to get the lingo correct): Do I need to set up Universal G Code Sender (ugsplatform) on the computer at the machine? I will be designing inside my residence using Fusion 360 and also converting to CAM through Fusion.  I have seen a few posts about transferring on a USB stick, but I'm not sure if there is an input on the M3 directly, or if the USB stick inserts into a computer at the work space?  If the answer to the question is the later, then will the work space computer need to have ugsplatform loaded on it in order to read the G Code and communicate with the M3?

Thanks for the help guys, I'm sure I will be requesting A LOT more guidance from the community as I get going!

Shane

You got it. Gotta have a computer with UGS at the machine.

[easyar15dotcom]

Understood. Can I transfer from a USB stick from the design computer to the work space computer?...thank you for the quick reply.

[Derek the Admin]

Yes. You'll generate g code from your CAD/CAM software (such as Autodesk Fusion 360). You can save that g code to a USB stick, and open it with your computer that has UGS at the machine.

[jreimers]

Wireless network in the house and a dropbox account. That's the way to go. No trying to find a thumb drive. Just connect both computers to the dropbox and call it done.

[aforww]

I second that. I've been streaming my Gcode from Dropbox from day one. Just make sure you have a solid Network lol

[Bruce]

You could also setup a share drive between Windows PCs, or use a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device. I setup a Raspberry Pi as a NAS with a couple USB hard drives attached on my network.

[easyar15dotcom]

Thanks guys, unfortunately it looks like I'm stuck with thumb drives as my work space is in a detached outbuilding without internet/network availability.

Starting my build today - wish me luck!

[Derek the Admin]

Good luck to ya!