[David Bord]

One thing to consider is that if you connect your controller to your network(if connected to the internet) you will need to be concerned about viruses etc making there way to the controller. You probably shouldnt run virus scan software as it is fairly processor intensive and may interupt the machining process. You would need to experiment I guess.

The risk may be lower if you do not use any internet or email apps on the controller.

Re the units you linked... Depending on where your controller is located in relation to your wireless router etc, you may have more of a challenge with getting a good signal with the little tiny one. The unit with the antenna (given it works fairly well) may be better, but its hard to say.

Remarkable they can make a wireless unit that freaking tiny... Im in the industry and Im still amazed.

David

[anglin]

Thanks for the input.

I don't plan on accessing the internet with it or running any sort of email application. No reason to risk the controller. I'm just looking for a handy way to move files. I'll probably add a shared folder to my main PC and access the documents that way so there's no write access to the machine controller from the outside.

My biggest worry is the installation of the network device on the machine controller. I'm comfortable with Windows software, but didn't know how Windows CE would react to my attempts.

Remarkable they can make a wireless unit that freaking tiny... Im in the industry and Im still amazed.

Indeed. I'm impressed by this as well.

I'm definitely leaning toward the unit with the antenna because I suspect the range would be better than with the tiny one. I've got to get the signal through two walls and about 40 feet across a three bay garage to the machine controller. I've got a wireless signal strength measuring app on my phone, so I'll adjust antennas as necessary with that.

I appreciate the data point, Mark. I'm much more confident in making this move now. Thanks again!

[gsnorcal]

Any thoughts on USB interrupts versus ethernet? I read somewhere that ethernet, with a configured, set speed might be more stable from the controller/interrupt standpoint.

So, to get wireless, maybe use some router/range extender like the Apple AirPort Express? It itself is wireless, but the connection to the controller is plain old wired ethernet. I have a few of these in my house to extend the range of my wifi and to also attach wire-only devices to my network.

Thoughts? I plan on trying this soon.

BTW, a simple firewall is also a good idea.

Dave

[anglin]

BTW, a simple firewall is also a good idea.

Indeed. I'm relying on my router to perform that function, though. I don't do anything that invites bad stuff in, so I should be in good shape.

[bevinp]

I've got a wireless signal strength measuring app on my phone, so I'll adjust antennas as necessary with that.

What is the app and what model is your phone?
Thanks,
Bevin