Thinking about a software upgrade

[tas99]

I've been controling my ShopBot on a dedicated PC (only runs the device and not connected to the net) running XP, v3.5.10 of the control software and v140 of the Control Box firmware. Right now everything is working just fine.

I was wondering if there are any advantages in upgrading to the latest control software as well as Windows 7. I'm a believer in "if it's not broke don't fix it" but I also like to have the newest if it has advantages.

Can anyone shed some light on any advantages or disadvantages to either or both upgrades.

Regards,

Tom

[gene]

Stay with your believes . I too do not fix things that are not broken. If you upgrade what will it do better? Faster? i let others be the tester of new versions, then if there is no bugs or problems then i think about the upgrade then. my shopbot does just fine as is. i dont need to be the fastest ,i go for quality not quanity. just mo 2 cents

[myxpykalix]

You are miroring exactly the versions i have on a dedicated laptop and i have no problems at all. Unless someone comes out and says "this will make your bot run twice as fast, twice as efficient, ans sprout wings to boot" i'd leave it alone.

Now the true experts like Gary or Brady could tell you the differences in versions more then us mere mortals and maybe give you a good reason to upgrade and in that case to my response i would say....."Nevermind:rolleyes:"

[khaos]

I concur leave it alone. I would add that you MUST backup your cut & config files for the eventuality that the computer will die. By backup I do mean on another device like a thumbdrive or two. Setting up the machine AGAIN is a hassle that can be avoided.

Yours in sawdust,

[adrianm]

Have you read the release notes? - http://shopbottools.com/mSupport/SBCSupdatenotes.htm

Lots of big changes from 3.5 to 3.6 but only you can tell if any of them is worth it for you. Personally I couldn't live without the previewer when writing files from scratch.

As for the Windows upgrade I definitely wouldn't bother with that. There's nothing in Windows 7 that is of use to dedicated CNC controller IMHO.