I am a total CNC neophyte. I'm even very new to machining and know almost nothing about electronics. I'm not going to let that stop me from the fun challenge of converting my recently acquired G0704 to CNC. :drowning: I've tried to do as much learning as possible though the 'zone' (took two full months to read both of Hoss's epic G0704 threads) and purchased Hoss's excellent conversion download. But, I still have some questions and would appreciate any good advice on selecting 'updated electronics' for my pending build because boards, motors, etc. are always evolving. Here goes...
1. I started out thinking I would purchase the 'Hoss Heavy Duty Digital' setup, but am now considering possibly going with a closed-loop hybrid stepper setup. I realize that these aren't true closed-loop systems, but I assume they do provide at least a warning and prevent further part damage if a stepper motor misses a step. I really like that (in theory), but if I select the proper motors/drivers and don't push it too hard, how often will I actually miss steps and unknowingly ruin a part or end up with a part out of tolerance? Any suggestions for 'best value' hybrid-steppers and drivers (Leadshine, eBay Leadshine knock-off, Clearpath, others...?) for the G0704?
2. I have an irrational aversion to attaching my CNC electronics to my computer using an archaic DB25 cable. I am almost dead-set on using an Ethernet smooth-stepper (ESS). I also need to pick a CNC machine controller software and am leaning toward Mach4 since it is 'newer' than Mach 3 and I don't know squat about the Linux OS to even try LinuxCNC. It seems that the Warp9 and PMDX boards don't support backlash compensation plug-ins (which I would like, and arguably may need for the Phase 1 part of the conversion), thus leaving the expensive but very nice Hicon Integra-Hobby board. Are there any other ESS boards that I have missed that may work?
Thanks in advance and my apologies to those who find these kind of simple questions annoying.
JJ