I could not see anywhere else to ask this. My needs are simple. I need a linux computer that can receive files by WiFi (say FTP). The files are text (Gcode). Then I need the ability to VNC into that computer and run a python 3.4 script to send the Gcode via serial over USB to an Arduino driving a CNC mill. I currently have an old Mac doing this, but the BeagleBone Black preinstalled with Debian sounds like it would be ideal.
I can't seem to figure out exactly which items to purchase to accomplish this. The BeagleBone Black w/Debian sounds like a good start, but I can't tell if the starter kit is the same BeagleBone Black w/Debian or a different version. I would like the starter kit in case I want to play with it. Then it needs the USB WiFi adaptor. But it would seem I would need the cape that acts as a USB hub since a keyboard and mouse would also be necessary and a compact flash "disk" would be nice. That would be four devices and on top of that, the Arduino needs to obtain it's power and comm from that same USB. I don't see one available here, and where I did find one, it only supported 4 USB devices? The monitors appear to be straightforward, but does that require the HDMI convertor cable?
One final question I had was if I needed something to ensure that the USB port would have sufficient power for running the Arduino.
BeagleBone purchase?
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- adafruit_support_rick
- Posts: 35092
- Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2011 11:42 am
Re: BeagleBone purchase?
I would go with the Raspberry Pi and a WiFi dongle.
https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=usb%20wifi
If you can, use a powered hub for the WiFi dongle and the USB-Serial cable.
https://www.adafruit.com/products/961
Could you just use an Arduino directly, and skip the Linux? We have WiFi modules for Arduino.
https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=cc3000
https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=usb%20wifi
If you can, use a powered hub for the WiFi dongle and the USB-Serial cable.
https://www.adafruit.com/products/961
Could you just use an Arduino directly, and skip the Linux? We have WiFi modules for Arduino.
https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=cc3000
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- Posts: 18
- Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 5:03 am
Re: BeagleBone purchase?
Thank you on the response. I guess so if there is no compelling reason to go BBB. It appeared that the Raspberry Pi was not dedicated to Linux, and I'm rather a Unix only person. But, saw where you could run Linux on the Raspberry Pi so I guess I should take advantage of the larger community.
One question on the Arduino idea. That would actually be perfect. Except I'm not sure if the Arduino supplied with GRBL from Inventables/Shapeoko could use the WiFi link. Is it dependent on what the Arduino is running for an OS/Monitor program? I'm showing my noobishness here, but I was under the impression that what I have is task-centric code burned into the Arduino. There is also the issue that I will be supporting the tinyg from the same unit sitting in the shop, seems that would rule out going direct to Arduino?
One question on the Arduino idea. That would actually be perfect. Except I'm not sure if the Arduino supplied with GRBL from Inventables/Shapeoko could use the WiFi link. Is it dependent on what the Arduino is running for an OS/Monitor program? I'm showing my noobishness here, but I was under the impression that what I have is task-centric code burned into the Arduino. There is also the issue that I will be supporting the tinyg from the same unit sitting in the shop, seems that would rule out going direct to Arduino?
- adafruit_support_rick
- Posts: 35092
- Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2011 11:42 am
Re: BeagleBone purchase?
The R Pi is entirely a LInux micro.
Arduinos don't run an OS. If yours is already dedicated to an application, then you don't want to mess with it.
Arduinos don't run an OS. If yours is already dedicated to an application, then you don't want to mess with it.
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- Posts: 18
- Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2014 5:03 am
Re: BeagleBone purchase?
I see that now, and Debian to boot.
I will go with the new Raspberry Pi (B+) which has sufficient ports it appears. I'll use the TP port to go to an external access point since I have to have a separate antenna to make the distance from my shop to the house. That should work with that and with 4 USBs, that covers the rest.
Thanks so much for the support.
I will go with the new Raspberry Pi (B+) which has sufficient ports it appears. I'll use the TP port to go to an external access point since I have to have a separate antenna to make the distance from my shop to the house. That should work with that and with 4 USBs, that covers the rest.
Thanks so much for the support.
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.