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Mini tablet PC (Win 8.1) to use as dedicated controller
Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 3:38 am
by Caesar S
I found this mini 8" tablet PC with Windows 8.1 installed. Originally I was thinking of adding an LCD display with an SD slot (ala RepRap 3D printer controller) to allow offline CNC (some on the forum are exploring Raspberry Pi).
I ordered 2, 1 for each ShapeOko 2 CNCs. $190.-
http://www.directron.com/ntl31aa008.html
Full fledged tablet PC, I'm planning on connecting keyboard & mouse via Bluetooh. It also has WiFi, USB, and MicroSD card slot.
The Easel web app can run offline once started.
I think I'm all set !
Re: Mini tablet PC (Win 8.1) to use as dedicated controller
Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 4:02 am
by halfnormal
HP Adds $99 Windows Tablet
http://www.dailytech.com/HP+Adds+99+Win ... e36630.htm
....The Stream 7 and Stream 8 [obviously] feature 7” and 8” screens respectively, and will be priced at $99 and $149 respectively.
Re: Mini tablet PC (Win 8.1) to use as dedicated controller
Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2014 4:05 am
by Caesar S
Rats! Already ordered mine
Re: Mini tablet PC (Win 8.1) to use as dedicated controller
Posted: Wed May 13, 2015 10:07 pm
by halfnormal
Well sometimes you just luck out. I was on Amazon and found a refurbished 8" Windows 8 tablet for $35.00. This is running full Windows 8 on a quad core Atom processor not RT on an ARM processor.
Just to see if it could be done, I installed the Arduino software, downloaded GRBL, downloaded 9G to a spare Arduino UNO, downloaded Universal gcode sender, installed the latest Java and crossed my fingers. It worked! I was able to talk to the Arduino with GRBL software.
A few caveats about this set up. Although usable, the screen is small. The tablet does have a HDMI out so that is not a real problem. The real problem is that the USB port is also the charging port. I am going to try and make a cable that will work with the USB port and the charger.
So if anyone wants to use a Windows 8 tablet to control their setup, it will work.
Re: Mini tablet PC (Win 8.1) to use as dedicated controller
Posted: Wed May 13, 2015 10:14 pm
by Dave
halfnormal wrote:Well sometimes you just luck out. I was on Amazon and found a refurbished 8" Windows 8 tablet for $35.00. This is running full Windows 8 on a quad core Atom processor not RT on an ARM processor.
$35!
What model was it? Happen to have a link?
Re: Mini tablet PC (Win 8.1) to use as dedicated controller
Posted: Wed May 13, 2015 10:15 pm
by WillAdams
Yeah, that single port is a pain. There’s a hub on Ali Express for $17.50 which supports a number of tablets, and at least one manufacturer, Toshiba, makes a charging hub specifically to address this failing.
Re: Mini tablet PC (Win 8.1) to use as dedicated controller
Posted: Wed May 13, 2015 10:51 pm
by halfnormal
Dave wrote:$35!
What model was it? Happen to have a link?
The brand is Hipstreet model W8 Pro. Sorry they sold out quick! I was just lucky when I came across it.
Re: Mini tablet PC (Win 8.1) to use as dedicated controller
Posted: Thu May 14, 2015 2:17 am
by clockit
as an AT&T wireless customer, when I upgraded my phone they gave me an android LG GPad 7 for 99 cents that I'm hoping that I convert to a dedicated controller tablet.
Re: Mini tablet PC (Win 8.1) to use as dedicated controller
Posted: Thu May 14, 2015 8:49 am
by cvoinescu
That's 99 cents plus part of whatever they wring out of you every month for the two years of your contract, right?
Re: Mini tablet PC (Win 8.1) to use as dedicated controller
Posted: Thu May 14, 2015 5:52 pm
by clockit
cvoinescu wrote:That's 99 cents plus part of whatever they wring out of you every month for the two years of your contract, right?
Nope, own my phone outright, no 2 yr contract... the promotion was "buy a phone get a tablet for 99 cents", didn't have to re-up the 2 yr contract with the plan I'm on...