Holy Grail of CNC Connectivity - ETHERNET!

Machines (Elite Series) Controller (MASSO) Discussion
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Since setting up my machine I’ve been looking for a way to streamline sending files to the controller. I’ve used other industrial machines that read files from a network location, and just assumed all machines work like that. I am very impressed with almost all aspects of the Masso controller, but the USB stick seems to be a big shortcoming. I’ve used the Masso Link wireless connection, which is okay, but it too has some shortcomings.

I have been iterating different solutions, each time getting closer and closer to what seems like a high level solution. The current iteration has Masso reading files from a network location. Fusion will post directly to a network location wirelessly, and Masso reads the files from there. No USB stick, no messing around with Masso link. Masso Link seems to only be able to post a file one-folder-deep, whereas I can organize my CNC files into as many subfolders as I want.

How does it work?
I have a raspberry pi in the Masso controller with a micro SD card in it. The Pi is connected via a short data-only USB cable. The Pi emulates a USB stick, and Masso just thinks it’s reading from USB. There is a network folder where I post files.

Behind the scenes the pi actually has two folders on it. One is where I post files, and the other is where Masso reads from. There is an icon on the desktop of my laptop that runs a short script that copies the contents of one folder onto the other. When I post a file, I will “refresh” the folder, and Masso now reads the updated folder.

Ultimately an ethernet cable is a preferred solution, and I’m expecting to get there soon. In my view ethernet is just a more robust and reliable connection.

I’ve also added an external button on the Masso controller that runs the “refresh” routine, but it’s still in the works. The button’s LED will light up whenever a change has been made on the network location reminding me a refresh is required.

If I refresh the files while the machine is running a program, Masso “acts” like the USB was unplugged mid-program.

Has anyone else tried running their machines via ethernet? If so, how did you do it?

I’ve considered selling the complete system - as I think it’s miles ahead of the USB / Masso Link workflow. Is there an appetite out there for such a thing?

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I think cost might be an issue adding a Pi just to do this?

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NOTE: I do not have Masso, just an original 1F, that’s hooked up to my Unifi garage switch, etc… but, working in network environment almost daily, made me think…
It may be worth trying just a simple USB-Ethernet adapter:

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hooking it up straight to NAS with a dedicated CNC folder? just a thought for those of you that have such a network built at home/garage/workshop…

Again, I did not nor I have a way to test it, but who knows… :slight_smile:

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I dont think there is a chance of this working with Masso. The controller needs a driver to be able to interface with the dongle.

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I have a few spare Pi’s laying around doing nothing. I plan on trying this on the weekend.

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I’m doing this project with my cousin, who’s a professional programmer.
The problem with an adapter is that the Masso will only accept a storage location that identifies as a USB. The Pi “tricks” the Masso controller to think it’s a USB device.

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What model Pi did you use? A Zero W?

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My hope hope was a solution that sold for less than $200 CAD. Currently I have the the system working wirelessly with a $15 or $25 board or something. The next iteration uses an board with an ethernet port, which is more expensive, but still seems like a viable option.

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I’ve already got it working. Masso is reading from the Pi with no USB stick involved. That was the tough part.

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Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W is what’s working now. No ethernet jack on it, so the next version is going to be a little different.

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The problem with using a Rasperry Pi that has a ethernet port is that the only version that supports connecting as a USB gadget is the 4B and possibly 5. The 4B must be connected through the USB-C port which means it has to be powered from the GPIO header or using Power Over Ethernet.

https://forums.raspberrypi.com/viewtopic.php?t=334138

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I have really good WiFi in the shop. Ethernet could be added easily. Make either one work as a kit and I would buy one. The USB and Masso link are frustratingly unreliable.

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I have the original BB controller with its legendary WIFI range!!!
I have a wifi extender disc in the workshop as the actual router is in the house, also have extenders upstairs and near patio and they make a real difference.
I have run an Ethernet cable from the controller up to the Wifi extender and have no connection issues at all very quick very reliable.

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This is another good reason to wire a 120V outlet on your support table. Then you can plug your Wi-Fi extender in at the table and only need a very short Ethernet cable to get to the controller.

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I finished building the USB mass storage gadget on the Pi 4B. Works well except for an error windows throws every time a copy is done to the SMB share. Clicking continue still copies the files though. I would rather have used a Pi Zero instead of a 4B but i dont have any zero 2W only the first gen which is incredibly slow.

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Pi’s are cheap. The one in the Buildbotics controller retails for $35 USD.

IMO the poor connectivity on the Masso is ridiculous, and is one reason why I passed on it. Transferring files between computers on physical storage devices reminds me of what we used to do in the 1980’s.

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Spent much of Saturday working on this and was able to get an ethernet connection working! :grinning:

We now have a system that can allow posting from Fusion (or your CAM software of choice) to a folder on my network. When a file is posted or changed, a yellow blinking LED button starts flashing on my Masso button console. When I press the button, there is about a 3 second delay, then the new files are ready to run on the machine. The F6 screen where you browse files returns back to the root folder which confirms new files have been added. It’s very quick and efficient!

The days of running back and forth from my laptop to the machine with a USB stick are over! No more messing around with Masso Link either. I can even post files to the folder while the machine is running, which is a huge improvement to workflow, as I often program parts while the machine is cutting.

This latest version uses a model 4 Pi.
Our next iteration will be to get it working with the smaller Pi Zero 2 W, and start taking steps to make this a complete kit.

It can read files from the network location using either wifi, or a direct ethernet connection to the router.
At this time, in order to use the wifi, the Pi needs to be connected to a laptop to configure the wifi network name and password, which is not really a very user-friendly experience. We’ll be working on streamlining this process so getting wifi working is nice and easy.

Unfortunately, using this system does have some minor drawbacks…
Masso can only read from the network location. In order to save a screenshot, or save your machine settings (when updating Masso, for example) you must use a USB stick like everybody else. Masso cannot delete files on the network drive. You cannot edit lines of Gcode directly in Masso.

As a failsafe, if there are any issues with the system, it can always be unplugged and a USB stick can be inserted to run programs.

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This has been driving me bonkers as well - would love to have something like this / have been looking for a usb NAS device type of thing which I could plug into the MASSO - the pi makes lots of sense - I know I have a couple laying around - will have to see if I have the right one.

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Mike, does this support replacing a folder’s contents? Meaning, I often rework a job, resulting in a different number of files as I change ordering and/or bits and operations. This is a nightmare because I have to either walk out to the shop, delete files, walk back into the house, send files, one at a time, walk back out. Or, send files and go to the shop and try to figure out which ones to delete/keep. I use WiFi and a three folder system to keep it simple, while still supporting juggling projects. I’m very much interested in a better solution than MASSO Link. I need to study this thread to catch up.

I don’t have a PC in the shop. 99% of the time I prefer to be in my house and send the results. It can be a pain, but that’s my model.

Also, I assume that the MASSO can only have one USB attached, so for the write use-cases, One would need to be able to swap them out. Not a big deal for me, if the one-drive limit it fact.

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My recommendation that works great with my BB controller. I placed a wifi booster pod close to my CNC. The controller easily syncs with my wifi. Then I have my wifi enabled laptop sitting next to CNC. I then connect my laptop browser to the controller address xxx.xxx.xx.xx. I generate my gcode files on another computer in my home and save all jobs on my desktop Google Drive. Then when I am sitting at my CNC laptop I can easily access and transfer thru the laptop to the controller all required gcode files. No need for any thumb drives.

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