Schlumpf12
Germany
Asked
— Edited
Hello,
as far as I see, the last information given in the forum concerning the use of the ARC Software with an IMac is 6 years old. Therefore I would like to know, if meanwhile exists the possibility to use the ARC Software directly with an IMac or if this option is planned for the near future?
Kind regards, Alexander
ARC is Windows only, (with simplified iOS and Android mobile apps, but you need Windows to build your apps). It runs fine in Virtual Box or VMWare on a mac, but you need a Windows license (after the free trial period expires) to run Windows in the virtual machine.
Alan
Ah, thanks Alan. So also my next Question, if ARC might be available for the RasPi is alreday answered - it's not. But could be WINE or eg. WINE based CrossOver a possibility? Is there any information, if ARC runs fine on an IMac (or RasPi) with CrossOver?
Alex
I don't believe anyone has had good luck running under WINE or CrossOver. ARC uses the Dotnet framework and relies on too many Windows libraries.
If you are a developer, you can use either the UniversalBot or Mono SDK (see the top bar on this page https://synthiam.com/Products/ARC/ ) and write your own application to control the EZ-B on virtually any platform. The communication protocol is also open and published so you can write your own software without any pre-built SDK as well, but you will miss out on all of the pre-built controls and plugins.
Really the best option is to run Windows in a VM or just buy an inexpensive Windows machine for running ARC. I run it in this sub $100 mini PC and it works fine. https://www.gearbest.com/tv-box-mini-pc/pp_562950.html?wid=21 Cheaper than a Windows license on its own. (note: use Paypal or a tokenized credit card service like Chase Pay to pay at Gearbest. Their security protocols suck and I would not trust them to keep your credit card safe).
Alan
Thanks Alan,
I checked these mini PCs and I think you are lucky that everyting went allright. These chinese PCs have very negative reviews from disappointed users. E.g a lot of overheat-problems are reported or the Win10 Licence isn´t valid.
Regards, Alex
Yeah, I had a different one that had an integral battery that I thought would be good for a robot, but it did overheat (although the license was valid).
The Z83 I linked to above has worked with no trouble, and does have a valid license. You can also get them from Amazon (at least in the US), although for 50% higher price, but more likely to get satisfaction if you need a warranty claim.
Alan