Hey everyone, I’m excited to finally share details and launch the gControl Panel Computer. We’ve been running several of them in the shop and they’ve been incredibly handy and versatile in running our CNC machines, and I’m sure you’ll find that too.
Here at Sienci Labs, one of our main goals is to make our machines as reliable as possible. This means designing, developing, and testing every aspect of our product. The development of the SuperLongBoard was one of those initiatives to improve the electronics side of our machines.
While on the original roadmap, we had planned to integrate a computer directly onto the SuperLongBoard, which would allow users to run gSender and control their machine in a single board, we found that doing things this way would greatly complicate the process and cause other potential issues, so we decided to split the development into two parts, the board, and the computer.
For those who might not have been following Andy’s production updates, we’d originally envisioned the SLB as being a system of two different parts working together. The first being the board itself, containing all of the core CNC functionality controlling motors and handling g-code, and second being an optional onboard compute module that would act to replace a computer or laptop and instead be integrated. Users could connect a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to control all functions of the machine directly through the SLB. This was very exciting to us given the considerably low price of the compute module over a computer, around $40-80 dollars plus the cost of the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, as well as the extra speed, user experience, and reliability of an onboard system.
In our extended tests with this idea in mind, we weren’t finding the success we’d hoped in creating a seamless user experience with this solution. Despite trying many Linux kernels, drivers, GPU acceleration, and bringing many more efficiencies to gSender, the Broadcom and Rockwell-based processors used on smaller compute modules were not powerful enough to accommodate the visualization of g-code directly onboard. This also meant they didn’t have extra headroom if in the future we wanted to implement other features such as having a camera monitoring system or other sensor inputs. With many months delay trying to chip away at a resolution we decided to split the development of SLB back into its two parts; prioritize improving the baseline machine performance first so CNCers don’t have to wait any longer for the SLB to make better machines, and strip out all the on-board connectors and switch to a higher-power off-board solution that we’ll implement at a later stage. This will mean anyone could still upgrade at a later date. Higher-power Fanless PCs will cost more, from our initial budget of around $80CAD/60USD for the compute module, to somewhere around $100-$200USD depending on the specs and configuration, but would ensure a smooth and seamless experience as well as provide headroom for future applications.
To summarize, we decided to take the concept of the onboard computer and divide and conquer on it at a later date. It would’ve been really cool to have a fully integrated system but it kept pushing our board delivery back further and we felt it would benefit everyone if we just pushed ahead on the other features that will all still bring great benefit to the CNC experience. This means that users will still need to connect their computers to the board to control their machines when the first batch of SLBs release, but should still see drastic improvement.
I’m happy to say that we’ve seen significant improvements to the overall reliability of people’s CNC machines. However, the computer side of things is still an area we need to tackle.
Over the past year, we’ve experimented with different computer hardware options, from mini computers from Amazon, to different compute modules, Raspberry Pi’s. Here are some of the hurdles:
- Some items, like Raspberry Pi were often out of stock and hard to buy in bulk. This created concerns around us being able to get the number we’d want in the long run.
- Lower power hardware, such as x86, ROCKCHIP, and Raspberry Pi did not have the graphics support or processing power to handle the graphics visualization for gSender. While the hardware would be less expensive, we would need to strip out features and spend more in development for compatibility.
- Integrating a computer meant no upgradability in the future. If one of the parts breaks, you’d have to replace the whole board.
Going for an industrial panel computer felt like the no-brainer choice. Some of the pros being:
- They are readily available from a number of manufacturers and can be configured in almost an infinite number of ways.
- Would require no changes to gSender to run.
- Given that they incorporate the screen and touch interface, would cost about the same as buying all the parts separate
- Allow more features such as networking, SSH, and even be used to check your email
At the end of the day, I don’t think there’s a difference in whether the computer is on board the controller or off the board in terms of usability. I call it the “wizard behind the curtain”. If the use of the machine is the same, does it matter?
What is gControl Panel Computer?
gControl is a panel computer that is designed to be used to control your CNC machine. It runs gSender and connects with your LongMill or AltMill to provide an interface to send commands, jog, change settings, and send jobs. While currently, you need to provide your own computer to run your machine, gControl takes that place.
Here are some basic specs.
Screen: 1080P 15.6″ Touch Screen
Processor: Intel N100
Operating system: Windows 11
RAM: 8GB
Memory: 128GB
Connectivity: Ethernet, Wifi, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI
The problem we are trying to solve
Reliability
At this current time, customers are required to provide their own computers to control their CNC machines. Since we don’t have control over the sort of computer, the condition of their device, specifications, and the quality of customer-provided computers, this can be a source of issues. Tackling issues that come from the computer can also be tricky, as we can attribute issues to so many things, such as the machine itself, the electronics, and the connection.
GControl also comes with Windows 11 IOT installed, a special version of Windows designed for applications that require a high degree of reliability. This version of Windows is designed for fixed functions, special-purpose devices, with an expected lifecycle of 10 years or more like medical devices, bank machines, and manufacturing systems. Unlike Windows 11 Home or Pro, Widows 11 IOT comes without bloatware and only performs updates that does not change settings or core functionality and stability of the operating system. We expect that this system will reduce issues that stem from Windows 11 related settings and updates.
By being able to provide a high-quality, tested, and reliable computer, we intend to reduce issues that come from the computer. gControl is essentially an industrial panel computer adapted for use with our machines.
Longevity
Computers used in a workshop setting are exposed to heat, cold, humidity, and most importantly, dust. From feedback from users and the community, dust is one, if not the biggest reason for computers to fail. Dust can fall on sensitive components and cause shorts, or clogged fans to reduce airflow inside the computer, causing them to overheat and eventually die.
gControl is a fanless design, which greatly improves the durability of the computer.
Versatility
There are now a few integrated CNC control solutions in the hobby CNC space. However, one of the main drawbacks is that they are limited to being able to do one job only.
gControl on the other hand is a full-fledged Windows PC, which means that any Windows program you want to run will work natively on the computer. This means you can run CAM programs, and simulation software, check your email, and more, just like you’d be able to with any computer. This also means you can use it for applications outside of CNCing as well.
This means that anytime there is an update to gSender, those updates will apply to the computer as well, rather than having to have it’s own compiling, testing and validation cycle, that comes with embedded systems or custom, locked-down systems.
gControl also has many connection options, including Ethernet and USB, which means that you can connect your SuperLongBoard with either Ethernet or USB, plug in external USB sticks and hard drives, and more. Additionally, you can connect other peripheral devices, such as a mouse and keyboard, webcam, and even an extra monitor, if those extras help with your workflow.
Additionally, gControl comes with standard VESA mounting points, allowing users to also use other mounting options if they so wish.
How I use gControl
I feel that the way I use gControl is probably going to be the same way the majority of users will use gControl.
gControl, first and foremost is dedicated to running the CNC machine which is why all computers come pre-installed with gSender.
gControl is installed directly on the CNC machine. I am able to tilt the screen toward and away from me so that I have close access to it when I need to jog the machine. While the machine is running, I can clearly see the job status and visualization from a distance.
Windows 11 allows the computer to exist on the network, which means that if I have it on the same wifi network as another computer in my home or workshop, I can directly send files to it. I have one computer I use for making gcode, and I can save files directly onto gControl from my workstation.
Some other convenient options in transferring files is to message it to yourself through something like Discord, email it to yourself, or use cloud storage like Google Drive. At our shop, we have an open Discord channel where the engineers can put the file on the channel from their own computer, then download it on the panel computer.
Otherwise, running gSender on the computer is exactly the same as any other computer.
Pricing
Pricing may change at the time of launch, but anticipated pricing for gContol is:
$430USD/$589CAD for the gControl Panel Computer, bracket, and mount for the AltMill or LongMill.
Build quality
gControl is a completely fanless computer which dissipates heat through a heavy metal casing. This means that gControl is impervious to the one thing that kills most computers: dust. From our own testing feedback from users in the industrial sector, we can greatly improve the longevity of a computer used in a workshop setting.
Mounting
Each gControl comes with a mount and bracket to attach to the front left or right of the LongMill or AltMill. The mount can clamp to the edge of a table or be screwed in.
This means you can keep the computer close to the action, making it easier to control and watch the machine.
Each panel computer has standard VESA mounting points, so you can also use an aftermarket mount or make your own if you want to set up your device differently.
Window 11 IOT
Windows 11 IOT is a special version of Windows 11 that has some notable differences between Windows 11 Home or Pro that most users will be familiar with, including:
- Less pre-installed Windows software, which improves performance and stability by reducing the number of background processes.
- Security updates only. Windows 11 IOT does not receive updates with feature or setting changes. This means that Windows stays the same as when it first gets installed. You can still manually install new software and features if you so choose.
- Full reimaging and recovery media options. While Windows 11 Home and Pro have limitations on creating computer snapshots/images for recovery use, Windows 11 IOT allows recovery images to be created freely with all customizations and applications saved. This means that if you ever need to revert back to a certain state, you can save that version and reinstall it without restrictions.
- 10 years of extended support, which means that Windows 11 IOT guarantees support and updates for 10 years. Windows 11 Pro on the other hand receives 2 years.
- No regional limitations. While Windows 11 Home and Pro have regional pricing and limitations on where it can be used, Windows 11 IOT allows for worldwide use. This means that we don’t need to carry different licenses based on the country you are from.
Windows 11 IOT otherwise works the same, and any Windows 11 users will be immediately familiar with the operating system, and you will be able to install any Windows 11 compatible software without restriction.
For more info, please check out this page.
In essence, Windows 11 IOT fits this application since we want to have the most compatible, reliable computer possible for as long as possible.
FAQ
Mostly an anticipated FAQ, since this is just getting off the ground. If you have any questions you can’t find here, please feel free to reach out.
What machines are they compatible with?
gControl, simply put, is just a computer. Any machine that needs to be connected to a computer can be used with gControl. Any LongMill and AltMill with any board and of any generation is compatible with gControl. As a rule of thumb, if it’s compatible with gSender, it’ll work with gControl.
Additionally, other machines like Shapeokos, XCarves, Genmitsus, Sainsmarts, Openbuilds, and others that need a computer connection to operate can use the gControl as well, as long as you download the software for each of their respective companies.
What’s the difference between buying my own laptop or computer?
Both will serve the same purpose. However, the gControl computer comes with all of the hardware to mount it to your machine in a convenient way. Additionally, since it has a touch screen, using a mouse and keyboard is optional. Since our mounting option allows you to put the computer right next to the cutting area of the machine, it also makes it easy to control and operate the machine on the fly for operations like jogging, homing, and probing.
Given that gControl is completely fanless, we also expect it to last much longer in a shop environment than most consumer computer hardware.
What features does it have?
You’ll have access to every feature gSender and Windows computer comes with, including:
- Wireless control with a phone
- Wired and wireless control using a game controller
- Networked file transfer
- Access to thousands of Windows programs* such as Google Drive, Chrome Browser, CNC simulators, CAD and CAM software, and more.
*Not all programs are free. Please check system requirements for each program for compatibility.
Is it fast?
While the Intel N100 chip isn’t considered a high-end powerhouse by any means, it is perfectly suitable for running gSender and many other Windows programs. Check out these benchmarks for more info. In our day-to-day use, we experienced no issues with performance.
gControl also exceeds system requirements for popular software from Vectric, Lightburn, and Carveco.
Can I run design software like CAD or CAM?
Although the main purpose of gControl is as a dedicated control station for your CNC machine, it is possible to run other programs on the computer. We recommend checking system requirements before running your software on the computer.
Can I upgrade my computer?
We don’t recommend opening it up for safety reasons. Users can use removable storage devices like an external hard drive or USB stick to provide more memory.
Why start with 50?
We feel like it’s a small enough number for us to be able make mistakes and iron out issues on an individual basis, but large enough so that we have a large enough audience to try the first batch.
In our second batch, we’re aiming to have around 300-500 units built.
Can I install Linux or another operating system?
Yes, you can install any compatible operating system on your gControl. gControl should work with many distros of Linux and older versions of Windows.
Please note that :
- There may be additional security risks involved with different systems
- You may erase or lose files and other content pre-installed
Do I need the internet to use gControl?
No, the computer can be used standalone without any connection to the internet. However, software that runs on the computer may need the internet to work. gControl allows for internet connection with Wifi or Ethernet.
Future plans
Here are our future plans for this computer:
- Increase order quantities to reduce overall costs. Since we’re only ordering 50 computers, the price per unit is fairly high. Getting our numbers to around 500-1000 units per batch would reduce the prices significantly.
- Explore other uses. This computer is great for running the LongMill and the AltMill. We believe it’d be great to run other CNCs as well.
Thank you John from Forest CNC for letting us test Centroid on your machine.
If you want to share your thoughts on this project, please feel free to answer our survey below.