???I'm planning a new build and have a couple questions regarding my shopping list if anyone cares to interject.
I'm a 3 license holder Mach3 advocate. I built a router, plasma (candcnc) and converted a mill.
My build is a 2 axis CNC Hotwire which neither has to go fast or be remarkably smooth. It's been awhile since my last build and things Ave changed from a stand alone controller box inclusive of a row of gekko drives and a big boat anchor transformer.
The now available components are so diverse and plentiful that it's dizzying.
Can I run a 64 bit Win7 or dust off that old Dell I knew would come in handy someday?
Who's controller is best or do I just go into a breakout?
Gekko still the choice for drives if I'm microstepping stepper motors?
Easier and straight forward is better, but now retired.....I have less time now if that makes sense....

Hi,
that is the fundemental question, go with an external motion controller or stick with a parallel port?.
Having experienced both I would go for an external controller...

Craig

Geckos are still popular, and recently lowered their prices to be more competitive.
Leadshine drives are also quite popular, and some say that the top models are better than Geckos.

My build is a 2 axis CNC Hotwire which neither has to go fast or be remarkably smooth.

Easier and straight forward is better, but now retired.....I have less time now if that makes sense....

Mach3 is likely more than adequate with just a dusty ol' PP.
Unless you don't have the port, why would you want to complicate matters by plopping a controller in the mix ?
There are issues with all of em' .... just an unnecessary liability, IMO.
KISS (nothing personal  )

Hi,

why would you want to complicate matters by plopping a controller in the mix ?

Mach's Parallel Port and Driver IS a controller, its just that it uses the PC's CPU rather than some external
FPGA or DSP chip.

There are issues with all of em

Yes thats correct and there are problems with Machs Parallel Port as well.

Craig

ooops, should've said EXTERNAL controller as that is what I assumed the op was referring to, sorry.

The totally unnecessary additional expenditure alone would rule it out for me considering the description of the op's requirements.

But hey, some just have to have the latest and greatest, weather they actually need it or not.
I've no problem with that.
I had 800 HP in a 67 Chevy II once.
It pulled the hills nicely.



 

If all you want is a rough as guts cheap thing to do the occasional job, then PP it is for sure (as long as you can find an old PC).
If you want reliable operation on a regular basis for some serious time into the future: go external engine. Me, I favour the ESS.

Cheers
Roger