Laptop use

[therechris]

I know this is basic stuff, but how do I connect the shopbot to a laptop instead of a desktop? my laptop doesn't have the type of connector input as a desktop does. Is there a cable that I can get that I'm not finding? Currently using older IBM Aptiva and want to be able to use my Toshiba Satellite laptop.

[jerry_stanek]

What version of the shopbot software are you running? If it is the older dos then you will have to find a serial card to plug into your laptop.

Something like this may work If you laptop has a PCMCIA slot http://www.usconverters.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69&products _id=201&gclid=CMrVz7eAmZYCFQKaFQodMHiR6g

If it is a newer Toshiba it may have the PC express card slot. Check the specs in your owner manual

[myxpykalix]

not knowing what model you have or version software you use, but isn't it a simple usb port plugin you need? What type of cable comes out of the bot to be plugged into the computer? Maybe you can post a picture of the plug if you are unsure what it is.

[gary_n]

Radio Shack has a USB to serial cable that I used for a long time on my laptop. It connects from the USB port directly into the serial port of the control box. My system is, however, the older PRT model.

[therechris]

Yes, sorry for not mentioning, mine is an older PRT that has the serial port. I will look at Radio Shack. This forum is so great for a newbie, has saved me from a lot of pulling my hair out.