Compressor and computer for CMC

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ChrisG
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Compressor and computer for CMC

Post by ChrisG »

Would the small Bambi (9 litre reservoir, 50 litre/min) be sufficient as a dedicated compressor for a CMC in particular the Gunnar F1?

Would a 'standard' spec laptop be man enough (say 4GB RAM, 2.1GHz Intel Pentium)?
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Re: Compressor and computer for CMC

Post by David »

I run my Gunnar on a small bambi with no problem, they don't use much air. For the computer the critical thing is a dedicated graphics card, at least 1GB, 4GB of RAM is fine.
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Re: Compressor and computer for CMC

Post by IFGL »

Dosn't the gunnar require a serial port?
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Re: Compressor and computer for CMC

Post by IFGL »

Here you are Chris the software brochure download, you do need a serial port but the rest of the system requirements are quite low, I think if you cheat and use a USB to serial converter, it would work but you would probably have to reset the computer from time to time because the virtual port number will change, I am not 100% certain on that, maybe someone who is can advise.
http://www.gunnar-int.com/cmc/uploads/m ... v2_web.pdf
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Re: Compressor and computer for CMC

Post by Whitewater Gallery »

I have a F1 Hybrid delivered last November which runs from a USB port, I guess older machines may be different. Re the computer I would have one that reboots quickly. I don't know if it is just me being an inexperienced user but if I have to hit the stop button on the F1 the software locks on the computer so I have to reboot. Having spent a fortune on the F1 a new Dell all in one @ £600 seemed cheap! With hindsight I am pleased that I went with this as it reboots like lightening.
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Re: Compressor and computer for CMC

Post by GeoSpectrum »

Don't try using a USB-sere ail converter. The data rate is too slow, which causes all sort of problems. I tried it. Go for a PC with serial port.
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Re: Compressor and computer for CMC

Post by Merlin »

Go for a desktop type PC rather than a Laptop.

The power supply is more stable and you will not get system freezes.

Also if you can, Do not put the compressor and the computer on the same electrical spur.
The sudden surge of power when the compressor activates can cause PC lock up
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Re: Compressor and computer for CMC

Post by JohnMcafee »

If you are not seeing these on your own set-up, add a ferrite choke at each end of any cable running between computer and CMC. It will cure (or greatly reduce) any computer 'freeze' problems. While you are at it, adding them to the mains cords will probably do no harm.
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Re: Compressor and computer for CMC

Post by mho »

I run the CMC and computer off a UPS nice clean electric, you can even carry on the cut even if the power goes out on those rare occasions, saves the job and more importantly the CMC and computer. For me the price of a good UPS out weights the price of new computer or CMC electronics, by a long shot.
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Re: Compressor and computer for CMC

Post by Whitewater Gallery »

mho, what make and model of UPS do you use?
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Re: Compressor and computer for CMC

Post by grahamdown »

Hi,

Just had to replace my studio PC and just used a USB to serial cable (from Maplin) with my F1 hybrid - works fine, no problems at all unlike trying to find a PC with a serial port or retro fitting a serial card.
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Re: Compressor and computer for CMC

Post by mho »

Whitewater Gallery wrote:mho, what make and model of UPS do you use?
I have one of these on the CMC and computer
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/sweex-pp230-i ... 00va-n91nf
Make sure it will take the max current your computer and CMC require, I have a small desktop computer and 22" monitor along with the CMC on mine, we use APC UPS on the main computers and the HP Z3200 44" printer.
Im more than happy with the one from maplin, its been in about 18 months now.
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