motion control board (breakout board ) which one to buy??

Hi,
I’m been working on converting my PM-25MV to CNC, getting close of getting done! , I’m looking to buy a motion control board (breakout board), is motion control board (breakout board) the same?
there are lot of motion control board (breakout board) and not sure what to buy. I see they come with 3 different ports parallel port, USB, Ethernet, and as far as I read I think Ethernet is the way to go, I need something reliable and works well without breaking the bank, anyone here have any recommendations?
If it helps I was thinking of running MACH 3 or UNIX CNC & I'm getting closed loop steppers
Thanks
Rick

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rmachinist

Hi,
I’m been working on converting my PM-25MV to CNC, getting close of getting done! , I’m looking to buy a motion control board (breakout board), is motion control board (breakout board) the same?
there are lot of motion control board (breakout board) and not sure what to buy. I see they come with 3 different ports parallel port, USB, Ethernet, and as far as I read I think Ethernet is the way to go, I need something reliable and works well without breaking the bank, anyone here have any recommendations?
If it helps I was thinking of running MACH 3 or UNIX CNC & I'm getting closed loop steppers
Thanks
Rick

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Rick
I would recommend :
Mach4
Warp9-ESS motion control
C62 BOB from CNC4PC.com

Chuck

Ethernet is typically the better choice - it can handle anything you can throw at it. Also, a major benefit of an Ethernet connection is that you can control it from anywhere on your local network, which I personally use quite a lot.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chuck767

Rick
I would recommend :
Mach4
Warp9-ESS motion control
C62 BOB from CNC4PC.com

Chuck

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X2

UC400ETH or UC300ETH-5LPT or AXBB-E.

is there anything that's pretty good for $100 or less?

are these any good ? https://www.ebay.com/itm/6Axis-CNC-2...gAAOSwOstc3lch

No. You will get what you pay for. :)

- - - Updated - - -

Those are the worst. Just search this forum for them and you'll see.

I have had no problems with my UC300ETH....currently setting up the AXBB-E for another project, so far no problems either :)
No experience with the one you linked to though

check out the hicon integra

Well, i spoke too soon. The axbb-e is not working exactly as their specs say :(

Take al look at RosettaCNC.com

is there any down side using a PARALLEL PORT or USB

Better than uccnc now ther is nothing in they range of price , only if u want to use grbl , with is more cheaper .
Mach 3 ,4 is outdated , and it may work ok , don't have all specks of uccnc , and use eth , is more reliable than usb , wich can cause pack lose .
Don't even try to invest in nvsum or othec chinese controllers , u will be very dissapointed .

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is motion control board (breakout board) the same?

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No, they are not the same.

The motion controller communicates with the control software, and generates the step and direction signals.
A breakout board provides terminals to connect your electronics to either a parallel port, or a motion controller. Some motion controllers have terminals and can be connected directly to your devices. Others require one or more breakout boards.

In most cases, motion controllers are designed to work with specific control software.

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is there any down side using a PARALLEL PORT or USB

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The only control software that can use the parallel port is Mach3 or LinuxCNC.

There are a few downsides to the parallel port.

- You typically need to use older computers.
- With Mach3, you need to use an older 32 bit OS, Windows 7 or older.
- Limited I/O
- Limited pulse rates

The main issue with USB is noise interference, but it depends on which board and software you are using. Some work much better than others.

Ethernet is what most of the better controls use, as it's immune to noise, and much faster than USB.



You need to decide on which control software you intend to use, then choose a compatible controller.

Linuxcnc still supports the printer port.. And runs it very well (stable)

https://youtu.be/OMreIgsMnW8

You can also get something like a mesa ethernet 7i92 that emulates 2 printer port (or you can expand it) for $89

Here is me using it as a printer port.. (though it has high speed step gen and such)

https://youtu.be/vzDGVmo3BO4

Definitely do what Sam said above if you're already Linux savvy or have the time & smarts to learn it. If you want to spend a bit more money (and less frustration than using Mach3-4) for a reliable hardware AND software solution, look at: https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid...ontroller.html

Sorry i really don't understand I'm newbie my first cnc build (motion control board, breakout board) do i need 2 boards, explain in layman terms what i need to get so i can get the motors turning
Thanks
Rick

I would at this point go for the UC300ETH and add my choice of bob/s.

First thing you need to do is decide which software you want to use.