Ok so I am old and old fashioned. I know next to nothing about wifi. Why should I use it with my Masso G3 touch. I never had it or used it with my previous machines. Is there a list of the benefits of having Wi-Fi somewhere that I can read about it? Thanks in advance. I seem to be getting dragged into the 21st century kicking and screaming.
Robert,
The main benefit to me is to transfer your cut files without having to go out to the shop and get the USB stick and load it at your computer. You can send the file via WiFi and leave the USB in the Masso. Other than that, I see little use.
I personally don’t connect via WiFi.
I don’t want Skynet having access to my machine and making stuff then selling it on Etsy…
The only real benefit is that since Masso has such a janky usb port, it’s not uncommon for it to disconnect, or have trouble connecting after the abuse of constantly plugging and un-plugging a stick. Which is why I use a usb extension cord that stays plugged in and saves the Masso port from wear & tear.
So if you don’t mind having to carry a really heavy usb stick ALL the way out to your machine (which you have to go to anyway), and have to actually lift it up and plug it in with your BARE hands like some kind of SAVAGE…
ew.
I used it for a few days then couldn’t be bothered with it.
Since you can’t organize the files into folders, it’s not right for me.
It sometimes doesn’t connect, which is also a deterrent.
You can specify folders to upload into from the desktop app. You just have to remember the folder names when uploading as the desktop app does not give the option to select a folder.
Only a single folder deep though. I like to sort my files by client / part number / revision / then the cnc file.
Otherwise chaos takes over.
I don’t have a computer in my shop. I work in the house and xfer to the machine. It’s a pain, BUT it’s way more comfortable in the house and most of time is spend working on the files. I also had a lot of problems with the USB port. At this point the drive is inside the controller, so I never touch it.
Using Wi-Fi eliminates having to carry USB sticks back and forth. It also gives you the option to install updates directly to your system without first downloading them to your computer. I don’t have the Masso, but with my buildbotics, when I have a long file running that I am very confident will run without issues I can go back upstairs to my computer and work on other jobs while being able to monitor the progress of my machine from my upstairs computer.
I have my computer is a different room, on a different floor…. wifi allows me to transfer GCode files to my Masso, without the need to physically moving a USB drive. Additionally, wifi allows you to upgrade the firmware easily from the Masso My Workshop utility….
…“eliminates having to carry USB stick back and forth.” Oh the DRUDGERY!
LOL I am so far not convinced I need it.
If you decide to continue using a USB then I highly recommend getting a short USB jumper cable that stays plugged in. That way when you wear out the connection after thousands of uses you can simply replace the cable instead of buying a new controller.
The USB connection on the Masso is already a short jumper cable that is screwed into the case.