[SOLVED] Can I connect a USB Laser engraver to the internet via a USB/RJ45 adapter?

[Pader]

I have a dedicated computer running Win7 which is only used for operating my CNC machine (Mach3); my 3d printer and my laser cutter/engraver.

The CNC uses a UC100 parallel to USB adapter and, of course, the 3D printer can be used with an SD card but only if I slice the print specifically for SD card use.

However, they are not a problem to use only from the dedicated machine as once I have started them running, they will work unattended.

The laser cutter, however, needs to be overseen due to the requirement to monitor the sequence of various cutting and engraving layers for certain jobs and it is much easier if I can use my 26" monitor on my main computer instead of the 15" monitor on the dedicated computer.

The biggest problem is that the software for the laser will only work if it sees a USB connection to a computer (RDWorks 6.0.24 - the latest version that will work with my laser m/b).

I have a couple of RJ45/USB adaptors (I don't know their designation) and, I am assuming that the computer will see the laser machine as a printer. Will it be possible to have the USB/Internet connection 'see' the laser machine?

 

[kanewolf]

It will depend on the software. Maybe, maybe not. BUT there are USB extenders that work with ethernet cable. The difference is it is a point-to-point wiring rather than a regular ethernet connection. If what you have is the USB extender devices, it probably would work. USB to ethernet would depend on the software.

 

[Pader]

It will depend on the software. Maybe, maybe not. BUT there are USB extenders that work with ethernet cable. The difference is it is a point-to-point wiring rather than a regular ethernet connection. If what you have is the USB extender devices, it probably would work. USB to ethernet would depend on the software.

 

[Pader]

Hello, thank you for your quick response.

The adaptors that I have are similar to ebay item 233017487102. Do you have any idea whether these particular adaptors would work?

 

[kanewolf]

Hello, thank you for your quick response.

The adaptors that I have are similar to ebay item 233017487102. Do you have any idea whether these particular adaptors would work?

Those are standard ethernet adapters. I don't believer they will work. What I was talking about is these -- https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Extender-CAT5E-Connection-150ft/dp/B003L14ZTC These will be a point-to-point extension of a usb port.

 

[Alabalcho]

Why not just remotely connect to your work/cutter PC from your other PC? Plenty of ways to do it.
- if your work/cutter PC has any Windows Pro version, you can use Microsoft' Remote Desktop;
- Teamviewer is another popular choice, although "it's free for personal use only".