Researcher (Customer) asked a question.
Has anybody used a Microsoft Surface computer to work with a BRX development tools and PLC's? I need a new portable computer to use with my development tools and I was considering the Surface computer.
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Microsoft Surface would be good. You would just need a dock to hook up any Ethernet or USB connections to devices.
Your question implies you are already used to using BRX development tools (primary tool is Do-more Designer).
Is this true?
Yes
No ports and the floppy design don't lend itself to being very production floor friendly, but it'll run the software.
I haven't, because I had my Surface(tm) in a padded sleeve, in a padded pocket in my backpack, rode my bike to work and screen had a crack in it!. Actually only the touch screen, the LCD worked fine, and I prefer a mouse so I didn't care too much about the touch screen, problem is it will rarely boot any more, and takes a loooong time if it does (but usually doesn't), my guess it is it trying to initialize the touch screen and is failing. To even get a quote on a screen replacement one had to go through hoops I could never figure out (broken web site or something, I don't remember).
Long story short, I haven't run the BRX software or, really any software on a Surface(tm) and will never buy another Surface(tm)
This was years ago so your mileage may vary, but Fool me once....
Thank you for the responses!
If your Surface does NOT have a keyboard - your muscle memory will get in the way. Try using Designer on a Desktop/laptop with ONLY using the mouse.
The Ladder Toolbox drag-n-drop is useful. Definitely enable the element picker to be ON ALWAYS so that you can "browse" using the usage grid to pick your block elements. Heap items you will need to browse in the tree control. You will still need to bring up the virtual keyboard for some things.
But a lot of these keyboardless issues are just normal issues for most desktop applications - not Designer specific. Get fluent in using your PC with your mouse only (or mostly mouse) - you will eventually "unlearn" all that muscle memory.
I'm using a Surface Pro 6 On my BRX at home ( Machine Shop Automation ).. I'm using a Dell Lattude 7420 at work for the Stuf there.. Wastewater Plant
No real issues.. I'm using a Wireless Hub for my Stuff in the Home Shop ( C-More EA9, and BRX Plc ) .. The Keyboards are Funky on the Surface Pro, but when I get in a Bind, I have a Blue Tooth Mouse and Keyboard that I whip out..
The Lattiude has the same Problem of No/Minimal Ports.. But I either Connect wireless Or with a Dock to the Corporate Network.. Or when I'm right at the BRX/Cmore Location, I'll use a USB/E-Net Dongle..
My Home and Work PLC/Screen are the Same .. BRX/Cmore, but they are doing very different jobs..
Running W10 on both machines.
Cap