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So I had my internet go out on saturday morning, of my long weekend. After a lot of faffin about, my provider decides, that they need to send out a technician to replace my whole system.
All this wonderful chaos, led me to one major problem. No internet. No Easel. So I’m making the upgrade, and moving offline. Moving towards VCarve Pro.
The question is:
What do I use for a G-code sender? I’ve heard of UGS, and picsender. What have you guys found works best? and What don’t you like about the others?
I use GRBLPanel. I like it because it’s open source C#, so I can mod it if I need to (and I have) and it gives basically every feature I could want - jogging, adjustable steps, list of the gcode instructions, and it shows all the available status indicators (safety door, limit switch hit, etc). It’s not flashy, but it does the job.
For a G-code sender I also prefer UGCS Platform. WHY? 1. I can customize the entire interface to my liking. 2. Functions are easy to understand. 3. The visualization screen is a great aid it confirming the code loaded is going to do what you have in mind. No more realizing AFTER the carve starts I loaded the WRONG file! 4. Adding macros make many repeated functions easy. I have one for G28, G30, Probe Z, Raise Z 1 inch, Lower Z 1 inch. Just click a button to send the command.
Downside - Customizing the interface is somewhat confusing. (But once set, everything works very well)
Tried Picsender but found the interface sort of clunky and could never figure if macros were available.
I too live out in the country and have satellite internet which can leave me out of luck in storms.
I was reluctant to shell out the money, but it’s saved a lot of time and frustration.
Hmm. I think i’m going to give UGS, a try first. (It’s free, and you’ve given good reviews), Then i’ll give PicSender, a try.
From comments on forums, and FaceBook, these two appear to be the most reliable, and most user friendly.
UGS is good I think, not without it’s quirks, but once you figure it out it is great.
The macros are awesome for saving common tasks like Z probe, front & center for bit changes etc.
Keyboard control for jogging.
Re-homing machine / work piece etc
We also don’t have cable internet.
T-Mobile has unlimited hotspot data for $25.00 a month on top of your cell plan.
Works great. I love having the internet in my pocket. My wife and I each have data hotspots
for our phones and routinely use 50 gB of data a month. No worries if you have a cell tower in the vicinity.
There are other unlimited data providers as well.
An alternative to purchasing expensive software and the dreaded learning curve.
